The South African government has embarked on a programme to develop the country’s
nuclear energy capability in order to meet increasing national energy demand. In order
to achieve its nuclear ambitions, government has appointed a cabinet-level committee
to oversee the process, while key institutions are restructuring in line with government’s
ambitions. The nuclear plans have prompted questions within and outside South Africa
due to their opacity and their reliance on institutions of dubious managerial competence
and financial integrity. The questionable quality of this management also raises issues
concerning the country’s readiness to manage broader socio-economic issues arising
from its nuclear planning. The nuclear programme should be seen against the backdrop
of increased resource nationalism evident in South Africa’s diplomacy, especially in respect
of uranium. All these questions must be addressed by government if the integrity of the
nuclear planning process is to be protected.