South Africa's Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has outlined an ambitious plan to make the nuclear industry more appealing to younger generations, emphasizing its potential for broader societal benefits beyond electricity generation.
"There's multiple opportunities in relation to nuclear technology," Minister Ramokgopa said in an interview with Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the 2024 Russian Energy Week in Moscow. "It's important that we are able to build a generation of young people who've got an appreciation of what nuclear can offer in the development of humanity and encourage them to go that route."
The minister outlined a two-pronged approach to achieve this goal:
Investing in young talent: He emphasized the importance of educating young people about the multifaceted benefits of nuclear technology and creating pathways for them to enter the field.
International partnerships: He emphasized the importance of collaboration with global nuclear powerhouses like China, Russia, and India within the BRICS framework.
He pointed out that there are 600 million people in Africa who don't have access to electricity, arguing that developing nuclear power solutions will bring the continent closer to a brighter future for all.
Exploring New Financial Systems
South Africa is ready to explore alternative financial systems to foster trade and energy sovereignty, including potential options like a BRICS currency or increased reliance on national currencies, but any such decisions will ultimately be driven by South Africa's national interests, according to Minister Ramokgopa.
"Whatever choice or decision that the country makes, it will be to our own interests, our sovereign interests will trump any other interests," he told Sputnik Africa.
Responding to a question about President Putin's recent speech outlining a new financial system to facilitate trade between nations, Minister Ramokgopa acknowledged the potential for such alternative frameworks.
"There's an existing international framework of transacting, so if the leadership of the BRICS and the [South African] president and cabinet makes a determination that we have to go a particular route, we'll do that for as long as it doesn't harm national interests," he stressed.
He emphasized that South Africa would carefully evaluate any proposed changes to the existing financial system, ensuring that they align with the country's economic goals and priorities. "I'm sure, you know it's the nature of South Africans – they are open-minded. Let's see what is there on offer and then we'll evaluate that in the interest of the country."
BRICS is 'Here to Stay': The Group as Major Energy Market Powerhouse
Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa declared the BRICS bloc a vital force in addressing global energy challenges, emphasizing its crucial role in ensuring energy security and fostering universal access to electricity.
"The BRICS is here and is here to stay. The BRICS can only grow from here… Now we are a major powerhouse as a grouping in relation to the energy market," he asserted, adding that the role of BRICS in resolving global energy issues is "undeniable."
The minister anticipated that more countries will seek to join the group in the future. He emphasized the shared commitment among BRICS nations to ensure universal access to energy, while also addressing affordability and reliability concerns for those already connected to grids.
"We have to do something to ensure that the low income households and the poor have access to electricity," he stressed, highlighting the unacceptable situation of people being "dragged into energy poverty" due to unaffordable electricity prices.
Ramokgopa also outlined South Africa's proactive approach to addressing these challenges, focusing on harnessing the country's vast renewable energy resources, particularly solar power. He revealed that South Africa will be piloting a program later this year to demonstrate the feasibility of connecting low-income households directly to off-grid electricity sources.
"Thanks to the maturity and the advancement of technology we are able to do that and move closer to universal access, at least in our country," he concluded.
Sanctions Against Sputnik & South Africa's Example of Championing Freedom of Speech
In the wake of the recent sanctions and bans imposed on Sputnik in Western countries and on Western-controlled social media platforms, Dr. Ramokgopa, recalled former South African President Nelson Mandela's legacy and reiterated his country's unwavering commitment to freedom of speech and human rights.
"We don't hide our position there. I think humanity is able to advance and make strides when we hear, listen to a multiplicity of voices, even those voices that we don't agree with," Ramokgopa told Sputnik Africa.
The minister drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's approach after he was release from prison during the apartheid era, emphasizing the importance of dialogue even with former adversaries. "After his release, President Mandela was not antagonistic and adversarial to those who had imprisoned him, he embraced them."
"So we are taking along those values, that spirit of Mandela, and want to export it to the rest of the world. So you don't have to agree with me for you to have a voice," he continued, highlighting South Africa's own experience with a recent election that saw the ruling ANC party lose its absolute majority. "What did we do? We embraced the outcome and then we are working with those who are on the other side of the ideological spectrum, and South Africa is able to move forward."
Minister Ramokgopa expressed concern about the growing intolerance and restrictions on freedom of speech witnessed in many parts of the world, calling for a more inclusive approach. "It's the multiplicity of voices, it's the diversity of voices. Even those that are diametrically opposed to you, I think that must be listened to."
He offered words of encouragement to Sputnik news agency amid the ongoing challenges, emphasizing the power of resilience and the enduring impact of a strong voice.
"The future is bright, and I think that victory is sweeter when you come from conditions of adversity. So, they will try to isolate you, to gag you, but I think you must stay the course," Ramokgopa said.
The politician, whose personal motto is "If you live truthfully, you will prevail against all adversity," advised the editorial teams facing adversity to adopt the "spirit of Nelson Mandela, a spirit of resilience, never die".
"And I think that the voice will be heard. It will be loud and clear when it's unleashed," he said. "And I'm sure that your energies are going to help us to make the world a better place. So just stay at it."