A new round of public meetings on the proposed Bantamsklip and Thyspunt nuclear power developments are taking place across the Overstrand and surrounding regions, offering communities an opportunity to engage directly on the project.

Meetings begin in the Overstrand, with sessions scheduled for early April an then the programme will continue across the Eastern Cape later in the month.

These sessions form part of the public participation process concerning the proposed nuclear power station at Bantamsklip and Thyspunt, which begin with a Draft Scoping Report.

A Draft Scoping Report is the critical first step in an Environmental Impact Assessment that defines the boundaries of what a developer will study, and engaging with it is vital to ensure the inclusion of crucial issues that proponents may wish to “scope out” to secure an easy approval. If the public fails to ensure any issue is included in the Scoping Report at this stage, they lose the right to challenge such an omission later.

The upcoming engagements follow strong community turnout at earlier meetings held in February in Hermanus and Pearly Beach. Approximately 280 residents gathered in Pearly Beach to voice concerns about the potential impacts of the development. The event, hosted by the Overstrand Environmental Association, brought together residents, environmental groups, business owners and community leaders.

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), as well as other bodies who advocate for nuclear power, were invited to be presenters, but only the NNR responded, and Mr Peter Bester gave a presentation focussing on nuclear safety issues at the Hermanus meeting.

The presentation by nuclear expert Peter Becker, of Koeberg Alert Alliance and former National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) board member, drew on technical modelling, regulatory insights and international case studies to unpack the implications of a nuclear build in the region.

Key concerns remain unchanged

A central issue continues to be cost. Multiple South African energy studies including Integrated Resource Plans, CSIR analysis and research from UCT’s Energy Systems Research Group — have consistently found that nuclear power does not form part of the country’s least-cost energy mix.

Internationally, nuclear projects have a track record of cost overruns and delays, with the majority exceeding budgets and timelines by significant margins. These projects typically require long-term state guarantees, raising concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers.

Residents have also raised concerns about long-term economic risk. The Overstrand economy is heavily dependent on tourism, agriculture and fisheries — sectors that are particularly vulnerable to both the perception and potential reality of environmental risk.

The issue of nuclear waste remains unresolved, with no long-term high-level waste solution currently in place anywhere in Africa. The intergenerational implications of waste storage continue to be a point of concern.

Community voices and local impact

Community members have highlighted the potential risks to marine ecosystems and livelihoods, particularly for those living in Buffeljagsbaai dependent on fishing and coastal resources. Questions remain around how a nuclear facility could affect access to fishing areas and the broader marine environment.

There is also concern about the potential consequences of a major incident, including long-term land exclusion, economic disruption, and damage to the region’s reputation as a tourism and agricultural hub.

Call for transparency and meaningful participation

As the public participation process continues, there is a growing call for transparency, accountability and credible evidence to support any decision of this scale.

The strong turnout at previous meetings — and the anticipated engagement at April’s sessions — signals that communities are paying close attention and expect to be meaningfully involved in decisions that could shape the region for generations.