Nuclear energy will propel economic growth

Nuclear energy will propel economic growth

26 August 2025 - Wits University

Young people have been encouraged to embrace nuclear energy and to prepare for the multi-disciplinary opportunities ahead.

Wits University in partnership with Africa4Nuclear and Women in Nuclear Global - Young Generation (WiN-YG) hosted a youth-focused event titled Nuclear Re-Imagined: A youth perspective. This initiative sought to inspire and empower young South Africans-both male and female-interested in the energy conversation and the role of nuclear in driving sustainable development. The event also highlighted the vital role of nuclear science and technology in medicine, agriculture, protecting biodiversity, and creating an energy secure continent.

Speaking to Voice of Wits FM, Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Jane Graham-Maré levelled the ground by addressing fears around nuclear power which is often associated with destruction due to historical events linked wars.

"There was a lot of negativity around nuclear, but the world has taken a different view on nuclear and it is now seen as a clean energy and as a result, organizations like the World Bank have come up and said that they will fund projects."

She also highlighted that South Africa needs to embrace nuclear energy as a part of its energy mix alongside fossil fuel and renewable energy in order to ensure an energy-secure country and job creation. Listen to her interview where she also speaks about South Africa's leadership in nuclear medicine, and position as one of the world's top five producers of isotopes.

Hosted during Women's Month, the event was championed by three phenomenal women: Nomso Kana, Chairperson of Africa4Nuclear, Princess Mthombeni a nuclear energy champion, and Amanda Mbhele, WiN Global Young Generation representative.

Speakers at the event included leading figures from the education sector including Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and nuclear physicist Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi, National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute's CEO, Riedewaan Bakardien, Chairperson of Africa4Nuclear Nomso Kana, African Commission on Nuclear Energy's Collins Omondi amongst other key thinkers. View programme.

Head of the Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School Professor David Phaho invited young people to join the energy sector adding that it is a multi-disciplinary environment requiring a range of skills. Listen to his interview on Voice of Wits FM.