Pretoria News of 10 October 2006 entitled, "Report Reveals Pelindaba Radiation
Damage"
10 October 2006
The Department of Minerals and Energy rejects with contempt, the allegations
made by Mr Phalane of Earthlife Africa, in an article published in the Pretoria
News of 10 October 2006 on the ill-health of former South African Nuclear
Energy Corporation (NECSA) employees.
In the article, Mr Phalane refers to a statement by the then Minister of
Minerals and Energy, who had promised an investigation into the death of a
young graduate at Pelindaba. The Department of Minerals and Energy wishes to
once again put it on record that the unfortunate death of the young graduate
referred to in the article, had absolutely nothing to do with radiation or for
that matter nuclear-related activities of NECSA.
The death of this NECSA employee was caused by inhalation of chemicals. In
this regard, Phalane also falsely, but knowingly claims that no investigation
was done, which is a blatant misrepresentation of facts. Investigations were
conducted and an inquest into this death was conducted in April 2003. The
finding of the inquest conducted in terms of section 16 of Act 58 of 1959,
revealed that the death was not brought about by any act or omission prima
facie involving or amounting to an offence on the part of any person. It is a
pity that this unfortunate industrial incident is being used by Earthlife to
further an anti-nuclear agenda.
Phalane's sensationalism and utter disregard for decent communication
practices presents Earthlife as an irresponsible organisation and that is very
unfortunate because when they have a valid point to make in future, it may be
difficult to separate the truth from mere propagation of slander.
The department also notes with great disappointment that the Department of
Minerals and Energy was not contacted by the reporter on this story, where some
of these matters could have been clarified.
Enquiries:
Ms Bontle Mafuna
Tel: (012) 317 8086
Fax: (012) 322 4954
Cell: 082 571 4310
E-mail: daphney.mohlala@dme.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
10 October 2006
