CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - South
Africa will procure nuclear energy at an affordable pace and scale, President
Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.
"We will procure nuclear
energy on a scale and pace that the country can afford," Zuma said in his
annual state of the nation address to parliament.
South Africa hopes to install
9,600 megawatts of nuclear power in the next 15 years to address chronic
electricity shortages but the cost of the project estimated at about $100 billion
has raised budgetary concerns.
During his state of the nation
EFF members were asked to leave the national assembly after they found destructing
the speech of President Jacob Zuma. The members of EFF walk out chanting Zupta
must fall. Malema told the media outside the parliament that they were kicked
out because of making their point of order. Lekota was also asked to leave if he
is not willing to hear what the president has to say as the sitting of the day and
the members of COPE left the house immediately. The President continues to deliver
his speech as the business of the day, in his speech he stated that South
Africa is a victim of Global economic downturn and he also recognized Transnet
as a key company that plays a huge role in our infrastructure and in terms of
employment. Mr. President did also said they are developing an invest
initiative for small enterprises as many of the state owned enterprises are
doing so well. He also touched a very serious subject when he said budget vote
dinners are cancelled delegations to reduce travel and catering, the cost of
two capitals is too costly and it requires the urgent attention of the
parliament. Zuma announced Govts 9point for economic growth focus on supporting
businesses. He also admires the Eskom achievements as there were no
loadshadding since August last year and it has brought a relief to home and
businesses. He said renewable programme has attracted investment of R194bn and land
remains important as South Africa persue transformation.
