A handful of protesters from civil society groups have started occupying bridges in and around main arterial routes into Cape Town ahead of the State of the Nation Address.
The groups include Right2Know Western Cape‚ the Southern African Faith Communities Environmental Institute‚ One Million Climate Jobs Campaign and Catholic Justice and Peace.
According to a joint statement‚ they are picketing against the "R1 trillion nuclear deal that government is said to have signed with Russia''.
Image: Tamzen Titus
Protesters hanging the banner over the N1. Photo: Tamzen Titus
"We need the public's support to send a clear message to government that we‚ the citizens of South Africa are concerned about the legitimacy of the procurement process‚ since most decisions have been made behind closed doors‚" said Pupa Fumba‚ Right2Know's Western Cape coordinator.
The groups are demanding to know:
- How can SA afford R1 trillion for nuclear‚ when there is such a need for further investment on basic social and economic needs and services?
- Why nuclear energy‚ when SA scientists and economic experts have shown that the country has readily available and cheaper renewable energy options?
- Who stands to benefit from the nuclear deal?
- Why has government been so secretive about the nuclear procurement process: What are they hiding and can they be trusted?
The city is gearing up for President Jacob Zuma's address set to take place on Thursday evening.
- TMG Digital/TimesLIVE
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