MEDIA RELEASE: 16 February 2022
Communities Mobilise for National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) to be Transparent Following illegal Suspension of Civil Society Board Representative Peter Becker
Following the illegal suspension of the civil society representative on the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) Mr. Peter Becker by Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, communities and civil society organisations will take action in the form of a public demonstration at the NNR offices in Table View, Cape Town, Western Cape to present the demands and echo a nationwide call that we need transparency from the National Nuclear Regulator.
This suspension and possible discharge of Becker would mean that for a period of more than a year, communities and their concerns surrounding safety, transparency, and accountability will not be represented; in essence, silencing the voices of those most affected.
“It is unacceptable for the NNR to make decisions while our representative is not present, decisions about Eskom’s application to extend the life of Koeberg nuclear power, and many more. Decisions that will affect our communities in massive ways” – SAFCEI Climate and Energy Justice Coordinator, Khulekani Magwaza
The hard reality is that civil society is only asking for transparency and active participation in the decisions made by the NNR Board – this request can easily be delivered in the form of a representative, and even easier through the continuation of Becker’s participation on the board. The suspension of Becker by the Minister can be viewed as an attack on civil society representation. This is why we cannot allow this to go unnoticed and unacted on.
On Thursday, 17 February 2022 at 10 am – 12 pm, in front of the National Nuclear Regulator Offices (Delphi Arch Building, 12 Raats Dr, Table View, Cape Town, 7441), where we will call for #NNRTransparency and the reinstatement of civil society NNR Board Rep. Peter Becker.
“We need transparency. We need him [Minister Mantashe] to understand that and more importantly ensure that we the people are represented and heard on the board. We are being silenced through Peter’s suspension, do our leaders not want us to work together?” – Mitchells Plain community leader and activist, Lydia Petersen
Youth socio-environmental justice activist Gabriel Klaasen calls for “all members of civil society to mobilise in response to this illegal action by the Minister on civil society. Whether it’s on the ground or on social media using the hashtag #NNRTransparency, we need to unite and demand transparency surrounding our energy future.”
We call for a civil society representative, nominated by organisations to be present in all the NNR Board decision-making meetings. It is unacceptable for decisions to go ahead in the absence of civil society representation. Transparency and accountability are our key demands. Demands that must be met.
Peter Becker’s suspension is illegal. The decision on his fate is delayed, again, to next week, so the NNR should not be making decisions during this time. No More delaying tactics, Minister Mantashe!
//End
Details for the editor:
Date: 17 February 2022
Time: 10am to 12pm (arrival is 9:30am).
Venue: Delphi Arch Building, 12 Raats Dr, Table View, Cape Town, 7441
Media Contacts:
Natasha Adonis:
Email: natasha.adonis.comms@gmail.com
Contact number: +27 79 799 9654
Gabriel Klaasen:
Email: gabriel@90by2030.org.za
Whatsapp: +27 61 274 1719
National Nuclear Regulator
The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is a public entity which is established and governed in terms of Section 3 of the National Nuclear Regulator Act, (Act No 47 of 1999). The fundamental objective of the NNR is to provide for the protection of persons, property and the environment against nuclear damage through the establishment of safety standards and regulatory practices suited for South Africa. To this end, the NNR provides oversight and assurance that activities related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy in South Africa are carried out in a safe and secure manner and in accordance with international principles and best practices
