It is a pity that the nuclear energy debate has been shrouded by what appears to be serious ideologues from the two sides; and, unsurprisingly, very rarely have cooler heads been allowed a voice. The litigation and policy ambivalence hasn’t made things easier. As a young person and a nuclear physicist, I’ve watched in despair as our youth are being used in this debate, especially by the well-resourced anti-nuclear lobby which claims, mostly without evidence, that nuclear power will bequeath trillions of rand worth of debt to future generations. The emotion-laden debate has obscured the benefits of what is potentially an exciting phase in the life of our 22-year-old nation. Notwithstanding the fact that we are going through uncertain times now, including prospects of a ratings downgrade within weeks, young people have a lot to celebrate and a lot to live for still. Nuclear technology, which is highly specialised, and the new nuclear build programme will happen in our lifetime. If han...
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