Sacked NNR board member fighting for reinstatement
AXED National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) board member Peter Becker has launched an application in the Western Cape High Court in efforts to have Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s decision to dismiss him, reviewed.
Becker, an anti-nuclear activist and Koeberg Alert Alliance (KAA) spokesperson was discharged in February, nine months after he was appointed as a public representative on the board.
His removal comes as maintenance and replacement work is being carried out at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, under authorisations being granted by the regulator. Becker’s appointment came after civil society organisations nominated him to represent communities that may be affected by nuclear activities. The KAA has also previously raised concern about extending the life of the nuclear power station.
Mantashe dismissed Becker saying he was guilty of misconduct and because his “personal interest” conflicted with his duties to the regulator.
“This was because I had, in my personal capacity, expressed critical and challenging views of the use of nuclear energy. The minister erred in concluding I was guilty of misconduct. I have not at any time acted inconsistently with my duties as a director. The minister has fundamentally misunderstood those duties. His criticism of my anti-nuclear views, and the manner in which he approached his decision-making, gives rise to an inference that I was removed from the board with an ulterior motive and in bad faith to remove a critical and challenging voice from the board,” said Becker in his affidavit.
He cited three events in his application where he believes his actions were misunderstood and led to the discharge. This includes being quoted in his capacity in an article before being inducted to the board expressing concern about nuclear energy and the building of more reactors at Koeberg.
Becker argues that the minister’s decision is unlawful and unconstitutional, and wants it reviewed and set aside.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy said on April 14 that Becker’s application was received through the office of the State Attorney.
“The minister is in the process of considering the matters raised.”