Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning.

On behalf of the Minister of Electricity and Energy: DR KGOSIENTSHO RAMOKGOPA, I would like to extend the gratitude to organisers of the Stand-Up for Nuclear Event.

We join forces with the Stand-Up for Nuclear movement to demonstrate government’s commitment to promote the continued use of nuclear energy in the country’s energy mix. To demonstrate the importance of community engagements about nuclear energy, and government plans in maintaining current infrastructure and on the deployment and development of nuclear energy in South Africa.

Role of nuclear in the energy mix in South Africa:
- Koeberg nuclear power station was commissioned in 1984 and 1985 respectively, since then it has operated safely and producing affordable electricity for 40 years in counting. The plant contributes about 5% of South Africa’s electricity needs in the national grid and it will continue operating for an additional 20 years, with Unit 1 entering long-term operation this past July following regulatory assessment while Unit 2 LTO decision is expected next year in November 2025 where the unit will reach 40 years of operation. The plant life extension of Koeberg is in accordance with government planning and maintaining the nuclear capabilities in the country.
- Koeberg nuclear power station employs many young women and men (youth persons) including Engineers, Scientists, Artisans and Operators. I would like to encourage all young persons in the room/hall to consider taking STEM subjects at school, as a country, here in the Eastern Cape Province we need more young people to be pioneers of the growing energy sector as the province continue to position itself as the Energy Hub of the country.
- The energy infrastructure projects earmarked for the region holds high Potentials for industrialisation and localisation (wind Turbines), Thyspunt nuclear site and opportunities for SMMEs.

Integrated Resource Plan and Future of Nuclear Energy in South Africa:
- As you may be aware, the Integrated Resource Plan of 2019 (in short IRP) approved by Cabinet considered an addition of nuclear capacity as an option to add up 2500 MW post 2030. Understanding the lead time for a deployment of a nuclear power plant, Government established a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO) to assist the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy with upfront planning for timely decision making and implementation.
- The Department published the Draft IRP2023 in December last year for public comments. Since the consultation process in January of this year, following a high interest from a public perspective, the Department has addressed the comments. This week as we gather here, the Department has been meeting with interested parties to present the updated IRP2023 version. I say all this because as communities we should take interest in shaping the future of our energy landscape and understand the impact to the society in addressing socio-economic challenges.
- In parallel Minister is in the process of establishing an Industry Expert Team to advise on the Nuclear New Build Programme following the withdrawal of Section 34 Determination.
- Nuclear energy remains key to South Africa’s low carbon pathway by 2050. The role of nuclear as part of the energy mix in South Africa is more pertinent given 
the planned decommissioning of a significant amount of base load capacity from Coal fired power stations post 2030.
- Nuclear power will complement the massive rollout of intermittent renewables to ensure a reliable low carbon electricity supply as well as ensure the grid stability.

Existing and Planned Nuclear Infrastructure in South Africa
- South Africa’s nuclear involvement dates to 1950’s with commissioning of SAFARI-1 Research Reactor in 1965. Through this nuclear facility the country has cultivated many young minds and published many research papers.
- Soon, South Africa will celebrate 60 years of safe continued operation of SAFARI-1, that is testament to the capability of many South Africans young and old.
- Through SAFARI-1, South Africa is ranked amongst global leaders in the production of Medical Radioisotopes globally. While it approaches its end of life, we have made significant progress on the development of the new Multi-Purpose Research Reactor Project to complement and eventually replace SAFARI-1.
- For the Management of Radioactive Waste coming from the operational activities of both Koeberg and SAFARI-1. Government is embarking on an infrastructure-built project to manage the nuclear waste in a central facility away from operational sites.
- The rollout of these infrastructure projects will create many opportunities for young people from all phases of schooling structure. Keep up with your grades and you stand a good chance to join this ever-growing industry.

Global Nuclear Renaissance, Net Zero and Climate Change
- There’s a global surge on nuclear energy as a low-carbon source, nuclear is seen as an unavoidable part of the solution to meet the world decarbonisation targets. Evidence has shown that for the world to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in a sustainable development manner, there needs to be more installed capacity from nuclear energy.
- Following the Conference of Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 31 countries pledged to TRIPPLE nuclear capacity by 2050.
- As the world reduces reliance on FOSSIL FUELS and transition to a low-carbon future, South Africa must adapt too. In South Africa over 80% of generated electricity is produced from COAL.
- Government convened a Presidential Climate Commission to advise government on a possible JUST TRANSITION so that no one is left behind, particularly communities that are dependent on the coal value chain from mining to electricity production.
- As government we maintain that all low-carbon energy sources will be key to realise a JUST ENERGY TRANSITION, this includes NUCLEAR ENERGY.
- For young people must see this as an opportunity as more new industries will be born out of this transition, to safeguard the environment for future generations.
- There is a global growth in the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR). Our most ambitious project yet is to promote the use of nuclear power as a critical tool in mitigating climate change through new nuclear builds and Small Modular Reactors in the country. South Africa is currently looking to revitalise our nuclear programme to provide energy security and grid stability through clean, dependable energy. The world once acknowledged our Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Programme (PBMR) as a global first, and we aim to restore our position as a leader in nuclear energy research by bringing to market a working prototype SMR, with supporting fuel production, that can be successfully commercialised. The Department will soon recommend that Cabinet to approve the lifting the state of Care and Maintenance on the PBMR to revive this programme in South Africa to create jobs and contribute to the economy.
- The Stand-Up for Nuclear South Africa, this event comes at an opportune time to demonstrate and educate communities on the use of Nuclear for power generation and non-power applications. Raising awareness of the rich history of South Africa’s experience in operating nuclear facilities as well as envisioned role of nuclear in the energy mix of the country.
- As government working with the South African Young Nuclear Professional Society representing the interest of the youth from all levels, we commit to support their endeavour of raising awareness and educating the young people of the nuclear industry and career opportunities.
Government Policy Imperatives, National Development Plan
- Electricity is a basic need. Electricity is one of the core elements of a decent standard of living. To this, the National Development Plan 2030 envisioned a future where all South Africans will have access to clean and reliable supply of electricity.
- The NDP offers a long-term plan for the country and defines a desired destination where inequality and unemployment are reduced, and poverty is eliminated for all South Africans.
- Programme Director, I am here reminding all of us of government policy imperatives that as the Ministry and custodian of Nuclear Industry, our endeavours are not taken in isolation, that its integrated effort to realise the ideals of NDP and the role of nuclear in realising those ambitions.

Acknowledgements
- Local Organising Committee for partnering with the Department in hosting this important session.
- Kouga Local Municipality for their continued support.
- Provincial Government and representatives.
- Provincial and District Basic Education officials.
- The special Guests: Learners and Educators.
- Community members and Local leaders.
- Nuclear industry stakeholders: Eskom, Necsa etc.

I THANK YOU!!!