A multimillion-rand probe into possible cases of radiation sickness caused by the Pelindaba nuclear plant will be the first step towards a proper survey of the true costs of nuclear power to the country, Earthlife Africa said on Monday.
However, it voiced concern about whether the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa) probe will end up as an excuse to deny access to medical records and documents again, and questioned whether employees will be allowed to talk to investigators ”without fear”.
Said Earthlife Africa (Johannesburg) spokesperson Mashile Phalane: ”The investigation should also lead to appropriate steps for compensation for affected workers.”
Welcoming the probe, he said Earthlife Africa has repeatedly drawn attention to the lack of any public health investigation into the effects of radiation.
”We renew our call for the investigation of health effects of radiation on the public near nuclear activities.”
Necsa announced last week that scientist Mogwera Khoathane will head a R3,5-million investigation into allegations that some workers contracted lung cancer and neurological disorders or experienced miscarriages amid high radiation levels at particularly the Pelindaba plant.
Khoathane hopes to assemble a team within two or three weeks and have the investigation up and running in four weeks. Necsa is optimistic the investigation will not take longer than a year.
Its terms of reference will encompass Necsa’s health, safety and environment programme, incidents and accidents resulting from abnormal exposure to radiation within Necsa, and diseases as ascertained form employees’ medical records. — Sapa