What a day?
We were up at 3am on Monday 5 March to protest against the South African government's plans to build 6 new nuclear reactors around South Africa in the near future.
Having studied Environmental Science I always felt guilty that I do not have any link to any environmental project due to the nature of my work and saw Greenpeace Activism as an ideal way to use my energy working towards a sustainable future.
Even thought the activity was straight forward and not as militant and risky as some of the Greenpeace demonstration in other countries I was concerned about police reaction towards a bunch of 'hippies' on Sea Point beach.
The South African police force (not service) has a reputation that they 'shoot to kill'. With that in mind my connection with God via prayer was constant during the activity. I was relieved when I saw the Metro Police vehicles leave the 'scene of the crime' 2 hours into our demonstration.
***phewww***
Their presence caused me to sweat up a storm even thought it was an overcast morning with the sun's rays intermittently greeting us when the clouds allowed.
The white chemical gear was comfortable, however the white heavy boots was a mission to wear. To make matters worse, my boots were filled with water halfway throughout our 4 hour awareness making stunt.
The aim of the demonstration was to stimulate debate around nuclear power in South Africa and to point out the simple fact that a nuclear meltdown could happen at any of the world's 437 nuclear reactors. Nuclear is never safe.
This simulated nuclear pollution exercise seeks to increase public interest around nuclear energy.
I was unable gauge the reaction from joggers and people that passed by because my team mates and I were trying to look as authentic as possible.
I sincerely hope that message, that Nuclear energy is not the way to go, has been communicated effectively.
LET US GO THE RENEWABLE ROUTE AND USE THE SUN AND WIND MORE!
We were up at 3am on Monday 5 March to protest against the South African government's plans to build 6 new nuclear reactors around South Africa in the near future.
Having studied Environmental Science I always felt guilty that I do not have any link to any environmental project due to the nature of my work and saw Greenpeace Activism as an ideal way to use my energy working towards a sustainable future.
Even thought the activity was straight forward and not as militant and risky as some of the Greenpeace demonstration in other countries I was concerned about police reaction towards a bunch of 'hippies' on Sea Point beach.
The South African police force (not service) has a reputation that they 'shoot to kill'. With that in mind my connection with God via prayer was constant during the activity. I was relieved when I saw the Metro Police vehicles leave the 'scene of the crime' 2 hours into our demonstration.
***phewww***
Their presence caused me to sweat up a storm even thought it was an overcast morning with the sun's rays intermittently greeting us when the clouds allowed.
The white chemical gear was comfortable, however the white heavy boots was a mission to wear. To make matters worse, my boots were filled with water halfway throughout our 4 hour awareness making stunt.
The aim of the demonstration was to stimulate debate around nuclear power in South Africa and to point out the simple fact that a nuclear meltdown could happen at any of the world's 437 nuclear reactors. Nuclear is never safe.
This simulated nuclear pollution exercise seeks to increase public interest around nuclear energy.
I was unable gauge the reaction from joggers and people that passed by because my team mates and I were trying to look as authentic as possible.
I sincerely hope that message, that Nuclear energy is not the way to go, has been communicated effectively.
LET US GO THE RENEWABLE ROUTE AND USE THE SUN AND WIND MORE!
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| Me at the right helping to cordon off the 'scene' |
