Activists use Mandela Day 67 minutes for anti-nuclear protest

MORE South Africans need to join the fight to stop the government procuring nuclear energy.

Some activists used their 67 minutes for Mandela Day to protest against South Africa getting nuclear, a few months after winning a court bid to have the procurement stopped.

Armed with placards and banners, they protested on bridges en route to town, calling on the government to pay attention to the needs of all South Africans.

In May, the Western Cape High Court ruled the government’s plan to procure nuclear was invalid and should it continue with the procurement, it would have to open up the process from the beginning.

Minister of Energy Mmamoloko Kubayi’s spokesperson, Nomvula Khalo said she could only confirm that the department would confer with the public.

Ambassador for the SA Faith Communities’ Environment Institute Kumi Naidoo said the nuclear deal was central to the fight to safeguard the country.

Naidoo said it was unnecessary to get nuclear, because South Africa would not be able to afford it and money could be better used.

“The longer we cling on technologies of the past we are delaying ability to get ahead.

“We are wasting money that could be invested for renewable energy and South Africa can develop new things. That is where we should put that money, it is doable.

“There is a lot of space for new technology and we should get on that.”

“People are wising up. What I saw on Tuesday that was so different was the number of people hooting and waving compared with one year ago.

“It’s our ethical and moral responsibility to make sure it is taken on.”

Noma Sithole, from Right2Know, was part of a group that occupied the Bunga Avenue bridge on the N2, close to Langa.

She said the protesters used their 67 minutes to remind the government of the promises made by Madiba before 1994.

“We are sick and tired of government making decisions that do not benefit citizens.

“They do what they want with taxpayers’ money, but this does not include making a better life for all. The nuclear deal must fall.”