New revelations in SA nuclear deal
The department of energy was tight-lipped on Friday over the awarding of a tender for the controversial nuclear build programme to the son of a close friend of President Jacob Zuma.
When approached for comment, departmental spokesperson Thandiwe Maimane said by email: “For now the department of energy will not be commenting further on the matter.
The Mail & Guardian reported that Shantan Reddy, the son of flamboyant businessman Vivan Reddy, was the recipient of a R171m contract by the department of energy. The contract appears to be the first transaction in the multi-billion rand nuclear deal, despite earlier assertions Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson that South Africa has not yet entered into any such a deal.
The tender was published on the DoE’s website under the category “Awarded Bids”. The bid number BAC-10/16 appeared under the heading as well as the company name Central Lake Trading 149, which trades as Empire Technology.
According to the Mail & Guardian, Empire Technology can be traced back to the Edison Power Group – a company owned by Vivian Reddy of which Reddy Jnr is the deputy chairperson.
The DA’s spokesperson on energy Gordon Mackay told Fin24 by phone that the tender awarded to Shantan Reddy appears to be for a “system” that will manage the nuclear build project.
More on nuclear
Watch: How South Africa’s nuclear plans will destroy the economy
Nuclear plans will push South Africa to R3 trillion in debt: Outa
SA has not entered into a nuclear deal with any country: Ramaphosa
Loading ...