Thyspunt in the Kouga Municipality where Eskom is planning a nuclear energy plant.
Communities from across the Kouga region converged on Jeffreys Bay recently to voice their uncompromising opposition to Eskom’s proposed 5,200-megawatt nuclear power station at Thyspunt.
At an emotional Speak Out event hosted by Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, an unprecedented alliance of residents, small-scale fishers, environmental organisations, heritage advocates, and community leaders sent a clear, unified message to the government: the development threatens local livelihoods, irreplaceable biodiversity, cultural heritage, public safety, and the regional economy, while imposing a significant financial burden on all South African taxpayers.
"The people who live here understand exactly what is at stake," said Makoma Lekalakala, Director of Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, noting that many residents have been fighting the development for nearly two decades.
"Throughout the day we heard the same message from small-scale fishers who want to protect their livelihoods, First Nations representatives who want to protect their heritage, and conservationists concerned about the environment. They all agree: Thyspunt is not a suitable place for a nuclear power station."
