KEY POINTS
- Samantha Graham-Maré calls for changing public misconceptions about nuclear energy at a Tshwane seminar.
- Minister Ramokgopa emphasizes evidence-based discussions and transparent energy policies.
- The seminar seeks input from various sectors to inform South Africa’s nuclear energy policy.
“Nuclear energy still carries a stigma. A large portion of this ignorance is caused by the Cold War-era fear of a nuclear war wreaking complete destruction of the globe and a government run by scientists in hazmat suits, both of which are shrouded in secrecy. It is our collective responsibility to alter these beliefs.”
Samantha Graham-Maré, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity, made this statement while speaking at the Nuclear Seminar organized by her department in Tshwane on Thursday, September 12.
A thorough understanding of the current situation and potential future of nuclear energy in South Africa was intended to be facilitated by the seminar, which was held under the theme, Decoding Nuclear: Understanding the Science, the Safety, and the Sustainability of Nuclear Energy.
ESI Africa reported that, through vigorous dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, including government, industry, academia, civil society, and key players, the Department aim to highlight key challenges, facts, and opportunities in nuclear energy and technology.
Minister Ramokgopa calls for evidence-based nuclear policy decisions
Kgosientso Ramokgopa, the Minister of Energy and Electricity, emphasized the significance of comprehending nuclear energy science.
Speaking briefly about the prospects for nuclear technology in the nation, the Minister stated that his Department will base its policy decisions primarily on evidence.
He declared that candid discussions regarding the energy sources supplying the nation are welcome at the Department. “The discussions are transparent and democratic. Since every technology and fuel source is necessary to support us…in the energy sector, we will talk about them all.
In addition, he stated, “but also to make sure we fulfill our goals of energy sovereignty and explore other non-violent purposes besides sustaining the South African economy.”
South Africa’s energy policy: Bridging science and public perception
He urged experts to tell a clear and convincing tale about nuclear energy and to show how it may support the nation’s aspirations for sovereignty.
He urged experts to tell a clear and convincing tale about nuclear energy and to show how it may support the nation’s aspirations for sovereignty. It is our responsibility to make sure that the greatest number of people are aware of the principles behind nuclear energy.
We owe it to science to create an idiot’s handbook on what is nuclear,” the man stated. Ramokgopa discussed the significance of transforming nuclear energy and shifting the public’s perception of it to make it appear more “fashionable, funky, young, and female.”
