The Magaliesberg Biosphere NPC expressed grave concern over the recent announcement of plans to develop a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) within the Zilkaats Estate, which lies within the buffer zone of the internationally recognised Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve, close to the Magaliesberg Protected Environment, tourism venues, the towns of Brits and Hartbeespoort and several densely populated settlements.

A nuclear power plant is planned on Zilkaats Estate within the Magaliesberg Biosphere buffer zone.

“It appears this project has progressed with land purchases, without consultation with the Biosphere management authority, local stakeholders, or the broader community and plans to move forward speedily. This is in direct contradiction to the rigorous public participation required under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), which enshrines the right of all South Africans to be informed of and involved in decisions that may affect their environment and the UNESCO Man and Biosphere principle of participatory governance.”
In 2013, UNESCO required the removal of the Pelindaba nuclear facility from the official boundaries of the Magaliesberg Biosphere as a condition of its designation. The presence of nuclear infrastructure was considered incompatible with the aims of a biosphere reserve. While UNESCO’s most recent guidance (2022) allows for case-by-case consideration of limited nuclear research activities—such as those in academic or medical settings—this does not extend to commercial-scale energy projects like the one proposed by Stratek Global.
“The proposed SMR site spans 2 000 hectares and includes infrastructure for industrial and residential development. Its location within the Biosphere’s buffer zone raises critical concerns regarding environmental integrity, public safety, and long-term sustainability, and may put the UNESCO biosphere reserve designation as it now stands, at risk. We call on the relevant national authorities, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the National Nuclear Regulator and UNESCO’s MAB Secretariat, to urgently intervene. This development must be subjected to full and transparent environmental assessment, rigorous stakeholder consultation, and alignment with South Africa’s obligations under the UNESCO biosphere reserve designation,” Magaliesberg Biosphere NPC said in a statement.
“The Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve is not only a site of immense ecological and cultural value – it is a platform for sustainable development. Its integrity must not be compromised by projects that disregard its founding principles, legal obligations, and the rights of affected communities.”