Mahlobo ‘rush job’ questioned

The Democratic Alliance said yesterday it was taking legal advice on the approval of government’s new Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which envisions nuclear procurement.

DA energy spokesperson, Gavin Davis, said the apparently rushed approval of the policy blueprint with no official Cabinet announcement and without further public participation was suspect.

“This hasty approval of the IRP under the cover of darkness is a full three months before the February 2018 deadline set by former Minister Kubayi, and without the second round of public participation that was promised,” he said.

Davis said it served to cement perceptions that former state security hawk David Mahlobo, pictured, was appointed as energy minister in October to fast track the nuclear deal.

“And rumours that money has already changed hands with Russian bidders will only intensify,” he added.

“We are therefore in the process of consulting our legal team to assess whether the new IRP has been approved lawfully, and what steps can be taken in this regard.”

Mahlobo last week confirmed that the IRP had been approved, and revealed only that it retained a commitment to a mix of coal, renewable and nuclear energy, but at smaller volumes than previously envisaged, due to a drop in demand.

“We will no longer have 9.6 GW of new nuclear, it has come down,” Mahlobo was quoted as saying, adding that the full details of the plan would be available on publication.

Davis said he expected it to be published in the Government Gazette later this week. – ANA