An anti-nuclear demonstration held on Bloubergstrand Beach on 16 December highlighted concerns of Capetonians about the implications of Eskom extending Koeberg’s lifespan next year. The nuclear plant reaches the end of its 40-year lifespan in 2024 but Eskom is trying to extend its operating life by another 20 years before any public consultation. The event was organised … [Read more...]
Change needed as climate disasters threaten Africa
With COP26 around the corner, our focus should be on the devastating impact of climate change as we mark International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction today, observed annually to raise awareness about disaster reduction risk. That’s the word from Lesley Ndlovu, CEO African Risk Capacity (ARC) Limited, a specialist insurance company that provides parametric coverage to … [Read more...]
Koeberg plant manager suspension raises safety concerns
Eskom has released a statement confirming the suspension of Koeberg’s General Manager for performance-related issues. This is concerning as it raises several questions from a safety perspective. Eskom’s chief nuclear officer, Riedewaan Bakardien, is now also doing the job of Koeberg plant manager, which means he can’t be giving 100% of his attention to either job. What … [Read more...]
Rushing rollout of untested technology very risky
The South African Government is rolling out 5G across our country without our consent. This technology has never been tested so in effect, you and your loved ones are guinea pigs. Why is this a problem? Because there is more than enough evidence on existing 4G and lower generation technologies to warrant a thorough examination of the potential dangers. The South African … [Read more...]
Fears of another Fukushima linger as tropical storm pummels Texas
In the midst of Tropical Storm Harvey's drenching onslaught, energy watchdogs are sounding the alarm over the continued operation of two nuclear reactors in East Texas that are running at full capacity despite what they claim is the clear potential for a major disaster. Located near Bay City, Texas, the reactors belong to the South Texas Project, a 12,200-acre nuclear power … [Read more...]
Lack of invasive plant management compounds Somerset West fires
“Landowners who have not managed invasive alien plants on their properties must be held accountable for that impact on the fires that have ravaged areas around Somerset West.” That is the view of Dr Guy Preston, Deputy Director-General in the Department of Environmental Affairs, responsible for the Working on Fire and Working for Water programmes. “We know that invasive … [Read more...]
