As we discussed in our previous blog post, NECSA’s nuclear waste disposal site in Vaalputs, Northern Cape, has been a contentious issue for local communities. Despite NECSA’s efforts to engage with communities through the Public Safety Information Forum, many concerns remain unaddressed. In this blog post, we’ll explore the lack of transparency and exclusionary practices that characterise NECSA’s interactions with communities.
Same Voices, Different Meetings
NECSA’s engagement through the Public Safety Information Forum visits four communities each year, but participation is restricted as only a select few individuals are invited to participate. The invites specifically state that only two to three Community Development Workers (CDWs) per community may attend and with 16 regions within the Kamiesberg Municipality, that severely limits representation. As a result, the broader community remains uninformed about the nuclear waste disposal site and its potential impacts.
Even those who are present at these meetings fail to share the information with the rest of the communities, leaving many in the dark about the risks and consequences of nuclear waste disposal in their backyard.
Technical Language Barriers
The language used in these meetings remains a barrier to meaningful engagement. NECSA’s use of technical language and jargon creates confusion and exclusion for community members who are not familiar with nuclear science or policy terms. Within the four engagements that take place through the Public Safety Information Forum, participants often return to their communities with unanswered questions and lingering uncertainties due to this communication gap. This language barrier worsens the lack of transparency and inclusion, making it even more difficult for communities to engage NECSA’s processes with understanding.
A “Legacy” of Secrecy and Neglect
The Vaalputs nuclear waste disposal site has been in operation since 1986, with waste buried in the local environment. Communities continue to raise valid concerns about the potential risks of leaks, contamination, and the impact this could have on their health and environment. Yet, NECSA’s engagement with communities has done little to address these concerns and provide transparency around their decision-making processes. The historical secrecy surrounding the site contributes to a deep-rooted mistrust.
Decisions Made Elsewhere
It’s concerning that decisions about nuclear waste disposal in the Northern Cape are made without meaningful input from the communities most affected. This lack of local control and decision-making power reinforces a system in which affected communities are systematically excluded from decisions that shape their futures – perpetuating feelings of disempowerment and exclusion.
Building Community Power
So, what can be done to address these concerns and promote greater transparency and inclusion? As Lydia reflects in her piece on building community power in the Kamiesberg, community-led initiatives and collective action are powerful tools for driving change. By organising and advocating for their rights, communities can demand greater transparency and accountability from NECSA.
Conclusion
NECSA’s dealings with communities around the Vaalputs nuclear waste disposal site raises serious concerns about transparency, exclusion, and accountability. If we are to shift the narrative toward justice and empowerment, it is essential that communities are given meaningful platforms to participate in decision-making and that NECSA radically reimagines its engagement strategy – prioritising transparency, inclusivity, and community-led initiatives every step of the way.
by Lydia Petersen and Lisakhanya Mathiso
