The Department of Minerals and Energy said on Monday that it was awaiting the outcome of an investigation by the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa) into claims that former Pelindaba nuclear workers had contracted serious diseases, possibly caused by radiation.
And the Democratic Alliance on Monday criticised government’s initial response to the claims, saying it would quiz Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in Parliament.
Tshidiso Maqubela, Minerals and Energy Affairs chief director for nuclear energy, said Necsa launched the investigation after people had come forward with diseases such as lung cancer, neurological disorders, miscarriages and other cancers.
”The department will have to wait for the outcome of the investigation before we can say anything about the situation at Pelindaba,” Maqubela said.
”We hope that the investigation is wrapped up speedily so that the department can do something about it.”
The Star newspaper reported on Monday that some of the workers who worked at the Pelindaba facility in the 1980s and 1990s have developed serious disorders.
Their plight came to light after an occupational health expert found that out of a sample of 23 former Pelindaba workers, 10 showed signs of having been exposed to hazardous substances ”which could cause adverse health effects”.
President Thabo Mbeki entered the fray last week, dismissing statements about the existence of radioactive waste at the site as ”reckless” and ”very regrettable”.
”I am deeply disturbed by the reckless statements that have been made regarding the Pelindaba nuclear emissions and how these are affecting the people of Atteridgeville,” Mbeki said.
”These are statements made without foundation and are, in my view, totally impermissible. We cannot go on scaring people about something that does not exist.”
The Democratic Alliance’s minerals and energy spokesperson, Hendrik Schmidt, said Mbeki should explain on what basis he had made his comments.
Schmidt said Mlambo-Ngcuka seemed to concur with Mbeki, and has responded with ”threats of legislation that will make the spread of allegations leading to unnecessary panic or incitement a punishable offence”.
”She must now say whether she accepts the latest reports on the situation, and whether she still wishes to proceed with this legislation.”
The DA said it will quiz Mlambo-Ngcuka in Parliament, and also seek information on what action will be taken by her department to ensure the safety of the public.
”The DA believes the minister’s behaviour is doubly inappropriate given that the safety of workers at Pelindaba is also in question following reports by Earthlife that around 200 previous employees have appealed for assistance with medical claims for occupational diseases.
”We hope that she will now take responsible steps to ensure that these reports are properly investigated and acted upon where necessary,” Schmidt said. – Sapa