Navigating Nuclear Realities and Building Community Strength in Kamiesberg
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of working with communities in the Kamiesberg region of the Northern Cape – a remote but deeply rooted landscape where people live close to the land, and even closer to the social and environmental challenges that often go unseen by the rest of the country.
My work has focused on empowerment and capacity building, particularly around the issue of nuclear waste and energy. While the Kamiesberg may seem far removed from South Africa’s major industrial zones, the shadow of the country’s nuclear legacy stretches all the way here – in the form of radioactive waste, long-term health risks, and decisions made without the informed consent of those most affected.
Knowledge as Power: Creating Space for Learning and Action
Through a series of workshops, I have helped create spaces for honest, grounded conversations: exploring what nuclear waste is, how it affects our environment, and how it endangers our future. But the work doesn’t stop at identifying the problems. My focus is also on building capacity so that communities can take informed action.
I have been sharing resources and information on how to engage with public participation processes, demystifying technical language, and reminding people of their right to be heard. Too often, these processes are treated as mere formalities. I am working to change that – by empowering residents to make submissions, attend hearings, and hold decision-makers accountable.
This journey is not just about resisting harmful energy practices. It’s about building a culture of democratic engagement, where rural and marginalised voices are recognised as essential to shaping South Africa’s energy future.
As I continue this work, I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and wisdom in these communities. Kamiesberg is not just a place on the map – it is a living example of what it means to stand up, speak out, and defend our right to a healthy, just future.
Outcomes and Community Response
These engagements have sparked something powerful. Some of the key outcomes and deliverables include increased awareness and confidence to participate in public decision-making. A major challenge is the language barrier, but the setting and facilitation created a comfortable ambience.
For many, this was the first time they had received accessible information about nuclear waste, its long-term dangers, and how decisions about its storage or transport are made. The practical guidance on how public participation processes work, and how to write a basic submission or raise a question at a public hearing really struck a chord, and made for robust, thoughtful conversations.
Several community members shared that they now feel more confident to speak up, ask questions, and challenge decisions that don’t sit right. Furthermore, each workshop provided printed materials in plain language, simplified diagrams, and contact details for relevant authorities. We also supported participants in connecting to broader community networks already advocating for environmental justice.
For many, the workshop space felt like a rare moment to be heard. They spoke about their fears – for their land, their children’s health, and the lack of information. Others felt a renewed sense of purpose. One elder said, “Now we understand. We’re not alone in this.”
Standing Together: Strength in Knowing and Organising
What emerged most strongly was a shared sense of collective clarity and possibility – the knowledge that their voices do matter, and that there is strength in knowing, connecting, and organising.
by Lydia Petersen
