EN PASSANT
THE CSIR has released a simulation model that shows South Africa can produce at least 83 percent of its energy requirements from renewable resources at a cost of between 69c and 87c a kWh. Nuclear will cost about 125c a kWh. Why is this being ignored?
Current technological advances in electricity storage technology will allow wind and solar to become the sole generating medium long before the nuclear power stations come online.
The report says: “There is therefore no need – cost, capacity or otherwise – for South Africa to add any new generation to its energy plan that is not based on wind or solar PV.”
To continue with nuclear is madness given the cost and waste disposal problems. Rod Murphy Joburg
WHY DO political parties show such disrespect as to turn funerals into political meetings? The funeral of the late minister Stofile was nothing short of an ANC circus! Where is the respect that should be shown to the departed and to the family of the departed?
I am certain that all families would wish for respect for the departed at the funeral of their loved ones, without the rantings of politicians trying to get their point across. Please politicians, show some respect to the families. Tom Lambe Oakdene, Joburg
AS THE November 8 presidential election in the US draws closer, Americans must prevent a Trump presidency. The world views Trump as a proponent of racism, which is the older brother of misogyny and the cousin of xenophobia and Islamophobia both. Trump’s Democrat opponent, Hillary Clinton, is no saint either, but she’s the better bet. Sandile Ntuli Joburg
THE FACT that the government has cut back on monies to social welfare, the aged and disabled and has not raised a stir in society sickens me to my very core.
The vulnerable and poor will get even less from social welfare when there is no food or second-hand clothing to be given out to keep them decent and warm. How many homes who accommodate the aged and disabled will cut back their meals to perhaps one meal a day?
If you have no idea what it is like to go to school or go to bed on an empty stomach you are lucky. I urge society to care about those who have nothing and now are going to have even less. Cilla Webster Chatsworth, Durban
IF THE Hawks bring criminal charges against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan it will give President Zuma the best excuse to fire him and wash his hands as he has already said that he had no other option and could not interfere.
From then on the country will plunge into a recession, our currency will collapse and our downgrade to junk status will be a surety. We will all stare into the abyss. JM Bouvier Bryanston, Sandton