Black business seeks nuclear build role

THE Nuclear Energy Corporation of SA (Necsa) and Black Business Council have created a nuclear energy desk so black business can benefit from the nuclear build programme.

The desk will enable black business to interact with Necsa and other relevant entities on the programme with the aim of sharing information‚ building experience and networking.

It will also identify training needs to develop technical skills so that black business can participate in the build programme. A directory of black companies that could participate will be compiled.

The creation of the desk comes amid reports that Necsa chief executive Phumzile Tshelane is facing court action on a number of fronts that raise questions about his leadership of the corporation‚ which is said to be in a shambles.

Necsa is operating without a functioning board or permanent chief executive. Tshelane’s contract has been renewed monthly since July.

He said past mistakes regarding black participation in business ventures could not be repeated.

“The nuclear new build programme should lead to industrialisation in South Africa with meaningful participation by black business practitioners‚” Tshelane said.

Necsa has not finalised its annual financial statements for 2014-15‚ which were due to be tabled in parliament by September.