Notice of the Proposed Eskom Up to 5,200 MW Nuclear Power Plant, Thyspunt Final Scoping Report Now Available

Notice of the Proposed Eskom Up to 5,200 MW Nuclear Power Plant, Thyspunt Final Scoping Report Now Available

by | Jul 7, 2026 | St Francis

NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ESKOM up to 5200 MW NUCLEAR POWER PLANT, THYSPUNT – KOUGA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE / BANTAMSKLIP – OVERSTRAND LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE

Notice is given in terms of Regulation 41(2) of GNR 982 (as amended) published under section 24 and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) (as amended) in respect of activities identified in terms of GNR 983, GNR 984 and GNR 985 (as amended)

DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

Eskom Holdings SOC Limited (Eskom) proposes the establishment of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) generating up to 5200 MW, with associated infrastructure, at either Thyspunt in the Kouga Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, or, Bantamsklip in the Overstrand Local Municipality of the Western Cape Province, which requires an Environmental Authorisation (EA) application.

FINAL SCOPING REPORT

The Final Scoping Report (FSR) was submitted to the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on 06 July 2026. The FSR is available for your information at the following venues:

 

R102 Reopens to Traffic Following Sinkhole Repairs

R102 Reopens to Traffic Following Sinkhole Repairs

by | Jul 7, 2026 | St Francis

The sinkhole on the R102 has been repaired, bringing relief to residents, businesses and motorists who rely on the route.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman thanked the municipal team for their determination and work in helping drive the matter forward. He also thanked the Provincial Department of Transport for responding to the municipality’s call and acting swiftly to repair the road.
The closure caused significant inconvenience for residents, businesses and road users while repairs were underway.
Mayor Hattingh Bornman said:
I understand the significant inconvenience this closure caused our residents, businesses, and everyone who relies on the R102. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support while the repairs were underway.
A special word of thanks was also extended to the residents of Protea Street in Boskloof, where traffic had to be diverted during the closure. The increased traffic caused disruption in the neighbourhood, and residents were thanked for their patience and cooperation.
Bornman said it was encouraging to see different spheres of government working together to resolve challenges and restore critical infrastructure for communities.
Motorists using the R102 have been urged to travel safely.
Cacadu Development Agency Wound Up After Years of Underperformance

Cacadu Development Agency Wound Up After Years of Underperformance

by | Jul 7, 2026 | St Francis

Papiesfontein (a large piece of state land just outside Jeffreys Bay) was intended to be its flagship project.

The Cacadu District Development Agency (CDDA) officially ceased operations on 30 June 2026 after the Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) Council resolved to dissolve the entity.
The agency, which operated for over two decades, was closed as part of the district municipality’s drive for financial sustainability and more efficient service delivery.
All ongoing projects managed by the CDDA are being transferred either to the Sarah Baartman District Municipality or to the relevant local municipalities to ensure minimal disruption.
The municipality has assured stakeholders, partners, and project beneficiaries that a smooth transition is being prioritised and that development initiatives will continue under direct municipal oversight.

High Hopes That Never Materialised

When the Cacadu District Development Agency was established, the development of Papiesfontein (a large piece of state land just outside Jeffreys Bay) was intended to be its flagship project.
The agency even maintained an office in Jeffreys Bay to drive this and other economic initiatives in the region.
However, the Papiesfontein project never took off. Over the years, it became plagued by prolonged delays, environmental controversies, and later on repeated illegal land invasions.
The site contains one of the last remaining fragments of critically endangered Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld vegetation, which sparked strong opposition from conservation groups.
Critics, including the Democratic Alliance, repeatedly pointed to chronic financial mismanagement, poor operational performance, and a failure to deliver meaningful job creation or economic growth as key reasons for the agency’s struggles.
These issues ultimately led to the decision to dissolve the CDA.
The closure marks the end of an entity that was once expected to play a major role in unlocking economic potential across the Sarah Baartman District but instead became associated with unfulfilled promises and financial strain.
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