Edited: Last week Eskom and the Khoisan (Kho-San) Traditional Leaders held discussions on the proposed Nuclear Build Programme at Thyspunt in Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
The Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) hosted the stakeholder engagement session led by the SBDM Executive Mayor, Councillor Deon de Vos. The meeting gave Eskom the opportunity to update Traditional Leaders on the proposed development, including anticipated timelines, socio-economic opportunities and environmental processes.
The meeting was also an opportunity for Khoi-San Traditional Authorities to raise concerns, share cultural considerations highlight their community aspirations and discuss mechanisms for ongoing community participation, the SBDM said.
Key issues raised by the traditional leaders included the conservation of biodiversity, protection of Khoi-San heritage, job creation, education and skills development, economic empowerment, youth development and long-term environmental stewardship.
Eskom responded to the Khoi-San concerns and provided further info on how these matters would be considered by Eskom and its Nuclear Build Programme. Discussions also focused on job creation, skills development, youth empowerment, economic opportunities, biodiversity and the protection of Khoi-San heritage.
In the St Francis area, where the proposed Thyspunt nuclear plant is envisaged, there is opposition to the development by the Thyspunt Alliance supporters, who have repeatedly voiced their concerns to the development. See previous article for more info: https://stfrancischronicle.com/2026/05/25/proposed-nuclear-power-station-at-thyspunt-overview/
In addition the meeting highlighted the importance of local community involvement, open dialogue and community participation in developments which have the potential to significantly impact the region and its communities.
St Francis Chronicle 