South Africa warns of nuclear weapons risk

THE risk of nuclear weapons use remains real and pressing, South Africa warned during the 34th Plenary Meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which took place in Cape Town last week.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

The meeting, which took place from July 21 to 25, marked the Group's 50th anniversary and brought together 48 participating governments, with the European Commission and the Zangger Committee attending as permanent observers.

The NSG is a key part of the international nuclear nonproliferation architecture. It aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons through export controls on nuclear and dual-use materials, equipment, software, and technology, while supporting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

In a keynote address delivered virtually at the opening session, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said: "The world stands at a precipice. The threat of nuclear weapons being used remains. The stakes for humanity could not be higher."