Minister Ramokgopa Hails Nuclear Facility Approval Near Cape Town, SA Reacts

• A proposed nuclear facility near Cape Town has received long-awaited environmental approval on Friday
• Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the move strengthens plans to secure a stable baseload supply and diversify the energy portfolio
• The approval faced challenges from environmental and community groups concerned about safety, costs, and long-term energy strategy

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has welcomed the environmental go-ahead for a new nuclear facility in Cape Town, calling it a crucial step toward ensuring a stable baseload power supply for generations to come.

Eskom to proceed with the next phases

After an eight-year delay caused by appeals, Environment Minister Dion George on Friday, 8 August 2025, overturned the objections. Eskom may now proceed with the next development phases alongside its existing Koeberg station.

The approval, first granted in 2017, faced various challenges from environmental and community groups concerned about safety, costs, and long-term energy strategy. The decision now paves the way for what the government sees as a vital addition to South Africa’s future energy mix.

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Ramokgopa welcomes the decision

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the move strengthens plans to secure a stable baseload supply and diversify the energy portfolio. He said that nuclear would be central to ensuring reliable, low-carbon electricity while creating high-quality jobs and advancing local industrial capabilities.

The minister said that South Africa had a good record of operating nuclear facilities safely and efficiently. The Koeberg nuclear power facility is a key contributor to the national grid for more than 40 years.

Earlier this year, Ramokgopa said his department would restart South Africa’s nuclear power programme after years of controversy over its expansion.

South Africans weigh in

Social media users shared their opinions regarding the decision.

@VuyelwaMdlalos1 said:

"The greenlight for the EC site will be reassuring."

@ManOfSteel19901 said:

"It cannot be built in Cape Town when they already have one and secondly keep pushing Cape independence agenda."

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@Mjudana said:

"Yes, SA should build in both provinces even better is your suggestion of the spread over the different provinces throughout SA."

@YELL0WCRESCENT said:

"Now it’s no longer a budgetary issue bcz it's the white GNU controllers in charge of the processes. No more sponsored anti-nuclear media pieces & experts every week. Bcz it's time for white corruption now, everybody must just clap hands and act all excited."

@XolaniXtx said:

"This is the only way out of this economic rut we find ourselves in. Cheap and reliable energy will lead to many positive outcomes. This does that and create jobs at the same time."

@VRamaano said:

"Great news nuclear is the future is the future of energy and power."

Ramakgopa says Eskom is fighting to keep lights on

In a previous article, Briefly News reported the Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said that state-owned entity Eskom is fighting to ensure that the national grid remains stable in winter.

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He spoke during a press briefing on 14 May 2025, a day after Eskom announced Stage 2 loadshedding for three days. Ramokgopa said Eskom's power system is significantly stronger than it was the previous year during the same period.

Source: Briefly News