Nuke bosses on drive to inspire teens

Nuclear bosses are on a drive to encourage poor and disadvantaged black youths to study the so-called Steam suite of subjects – science, technology, engineering, accounting and mathematics.

The energy department’s nuclear reactor specialist Zukile Zibi and SA Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) group executive Monde Mondi were in Buffalo City Metro on Wednesday urging youth to join the Steam programme, which is working its way through the province.

On July 28 President Cyril Ramaphosa put a final nail in the nuclear power debate, emphasising that the South African economy could not afford the nuclear build programme in its energy mix right now as the country had other urgent priorities. He was addressing the 10th Brics summit in Johannesburg.

Zibi and Mondi were speaking at the Steam programme career expo held at the Mdantsane Indoor Sports Centre.

Mondi said most pupils from rural and township schools did not have the necessary understanding of the Steam subjects. He said when they got to university level there was a low pass rate. This meant they were not properly prepared at high school.

“As a young economy we have to make sure that these subjects are at the core of our economy and they must be promoted and taught well at school.

“People must study to shape their careers and not just to pass, particularly the black majority,” he said.

Mondi said Necsa, after observing difficulties experienced by young people after finishing high school, had resolved to assist in the development of future scientists and engineers.

“More emphasis is put on schools from previously disadvantaged areas such as townships and rural areas,” he added.

Necsa was offering bursaries and had a school which was training young artisans.

Zibi said innovative countries which made bright new discoveries prioritised science, technology and mathematics.

Innovation was vital for economic growth.

It was important for pupils from townships and rural areas to study the Steam subjects.

“Today is also an opportunity to say you are not alone, there are people who have done this before so you can do it,” Zibi said.

The career expo moves to Komani on Thursday.