Engineering News reports that Koeberg Alert Alliance (KAA) activist Peter Becker has filed an application in the Cape Town High Court to declare Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s decision to dismiss him as a director of the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) unlawful and invalid.

Mantashe in January suspended Becker from the NNR board over allegations of misconduct and conflict of interest, before making a final decision on 25 February to dismiss him from the position. Becker’s dismissal came at a time when the NNR was finalising plans for replacing steam generators at the ageing Koeberg nuclear power station. The R20-billion refurbishment of the plant is a requirement by the NNR if Eskom is to renew Koeberg’s operating licence. Activists, such as Becker, have been discussing and helping to decide on technical aspects of the work being done at the power station. He had, however, been denied access to the agenda and document packs, as well as invites, for such meetings since shortly before his suspension. The KAA has queried the costs involved with the Koeberg refurbishment and required of Eskom to reveal the scope of work being planned before it went ahead. Becker was appointed to the board in June 2021 to represent communities which might be affected by nuclear activities. Mantashe reportedly said he had concerns about Becker’s anti-nuclear stance and deemed it a conflict of interest with his duties to the NNR board.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News

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