Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

NNadir

(36,749 posts)
2. I am, I think, the kind of Democrat one sees less and less of today. To me...
Sun Oct 12, 2025, 08:58 AM
Sunday

...poverty matters, anywhere on Earth, not just in Louisiana and elsewhere in our borders.

Africa bears the heaviest weight of European colonialism, going back to the collection of its people and selling them into irrevocable slavery, continuing up to the present time, now with the participation of the United States, China, and Japan, the wealthiest nations.

The nuclear industry has not been immune from this exploitation. Most French uranium was mined in Africa, in Gabon, which led to the recognition of the Oklo natural nuclear reactors that operated a couple of billion years ago.

(The French did not build a nuclear reactor for Gabon.)

I can actually see why Africans might want to own a solar cell, because the national poverty (and the corruption that helps drive it) does not allow for the cleaner option of a reliable grid, and power for a few hours a day might seem like a form of "wealth" to someone who has had no power ever.

However there is little infrastructure to safely collect the inevitable waste, and efforts to do what the paper claims "could" be done (but almost certainly will not be done), recycle the materials, which would be, under poverty conditions, extremely dirty to the point of being extremely dangerous.

Nevertheless, their are activists in Africa driving to bring nuclear power to the continent to drive that poverty away.

For example:

Princess Mthombeni: Pioneering Africa’s Nuclear Future with Vision and Resilience

I've been following her for some time, albeit peripherally.

From the link:

“I’ve always believed in giving my best in any role I’m privileged to serve,” she says. Her then-boss, Ms. Chantal Janneker, played a pivotal role in shaping Princess’s career trajectory. “She saw potential in me and encouraged me to strive for greatness,” Princess recalls, describing Chantal as an extraordinary mentor whose guidance helped shape her leadership.

What followed was a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Princess immersed herself in the nuclear industry, joining organizations like Women in Nuclear South Africa and the African Young Generation in Nuclear, where she honed her leadership skills. A transformative milestone came when she attended the prestigious World Nuclear University Summer Institute, an experience she describes as pivotal in refining her expertise and professional identity.

Rooted in Resilience

Princess attributes much of her resilience to her mother, a domestic worker who raised her on a modest salary. Despite the financial challenges, her mother’s determination ensured Princess had opportunities to dream big. “She worked tirelessly to give me opportunities she never had,” Princess shares. These early lessons in strength and sacrifice shaped her unyielding resolve to overcome obstacles.

This resilience was tested early in her career, especially in the male-dominated nuclear industry. “I am neither a scientist nor an engineer, and this made it even harder,” she explains. “The industry can be highly competitive, and being a woman added another layer of challenge.” She faced dismissive remarks and societal biases but learned to navigate these challenges by developing strong communication and self-advocacy skills.

“Today, I am at a point where others’ opinions of me hold no power,” she says confidently. “I choose to focus on my work and my impact, not on detractors.”


The world needs more African women like her.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Environment & Energy»Solar Photovoltaic Develo...»Reply #2