Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty A Tool To Undermine The Global South?

Reneva Fourie

The opening line of the United Nations Charter is ‘We the peoples of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war ...’. Yet eighty years on, we once again face the terrifying prospect, not just of a global war, but of nuclear war. 

The authority of the UN is increasingly undermined as founding members leave it cash-strapped and disregard multilateralism and international law. As we remember the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bombed by the United States on 6 and 9 August 1945, we question whether the nuclear powers have learned anything.

The US attack on Japan was an act of savagery that resulted in over 200,000 lives lost and a ravaged environment. It had no military justification. By then, the Soviet Union had already struck a decisive blow against Nazi Germany, effectively ending the war. The bombings served merely to assert US dominance in an emerging Cold War.

As the US and its allies desperately try to strangle the emergence of a multipolar world, the same need for global dominance prevails. Military budgets are rising, and rhetoric is increasingly shifting from deterrence to aggression. US President Trump’s erratic nuclear threats set a dangerous precedent for impulsive brinkmanship.

Iran was even attacked despite clear evidence that its nuclear programme is humanitarian. The hypocrisy was glaring. The aggressor, Israel, known to possess nuclear weapons through its past collaboration with apartheid South Africa, launched an unprovoked strike and was not held to account. Instead of outrage, Israel received support from Western countries, particularly the US.

This casts doubt on the credibility of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. While nuclear-armed states enhance their arsenals freely, those without are forced to comply or face consequences. Established initially to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons while encouraging the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the NPT has been undermined by the reluctance of nuclear states to disarm, deepening discontent, especially in the Global South. 

The UN Charter places the responsibility for peace and global governance in the hands of the people. We must hold our governments accountable and reassert the importance of international law, multilateral cooperation and disarmament. A nuclear fallout is beyond anyone’s ability to manage. Prevention is the only option.

Human security must be at the centre of the global nuclear discussion. Nuclear technologies play an increasingly important role in socio-economic development. South Africa already benefits from nuclear energy. Koeberg, the country’s oldest nuclear power station, has provided reliable, low-carbon electricity for decades. 

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation also applies nuclear and radiation technologies to support industry, medicine and science while upholding environmental responsibility. Through the SAFARI-1 programme, South Africa is a global leader in producing medical isotopes used to diagnose and treat cancer. A recent study by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation also highlights further peaceful applications.

Across Africa, the need for clean and stable power is growing rapidly, yet millions still lack access to reliable electricity. While renewables are essential, they require support from consistent and stable sources. Small modular reactors offer a promising solution. These compact systems can serve remote or underserved areas, and South Africa is wisely reviving its Pebble Bed Modular Reactor programme.

With supportive policies and partnerships, nuclear energy can drive a cleaner, inclusive future. South Africa’s energy plans must set clear nuclear goals, ensure localisation and skills development, and align with just transition and climate finance efforts.

Safety must remain paramount. The design, construction and operation of nuclear facilities must meet the highest safety standards. South Africa has a robust legal and regulatory framework, overseen by the independent National Nuclear Regulator, which aligns with international best practices.

Environmental responsibility is also key. Although nuclear energy produces less waste than fossil fuels, some waste is long-lived and must be carefully managed. The National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute is responsible for developing safe and sustainable systems for the storage, transportation, and disposal of radioactive waste.

Nuclear energy can be a tool for peace and progress. But the 1945 atomic bombings of Japan and the more recent nuclear threats against Russia and attacks on Iran demonstrate the potential destructiveness of its abuse. We must prevent history from repeating itself.

Apartheid South Africa once developed nuclear weapons. But the anti-apartheid movement, led by the ANC and its allies, pressured the regime into dismantling that arsenal. All governments that possess nuclear weapons should also be pressured by their citizens to disarm.

Today, South Africa retains the capability but chooses not to use it. The country believes the existence of nuclear weapons is fundamentally wrong. It remains committed to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and plays an active role in international disarmament.

Africa’s safeguards are strong. The African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, known as the Pelindaba Treaty, bans the development, possession or use of nuclear weapons across the continent. It requires full-scope IAEA safeguards, prohibits the dumping of radioactive waste and is upheld by the African Commission on Nuclear Energy. What is now needed is full operationalisation of this commission, along with greater regional cooperation in regulation, training and verification.

As a major exporter of uranium, Africa should ensure its resources are not used to produce nuclear weapons. There must be a common African position that no uranium from the continent will be used for military purposes.

To maximise the economic benefits of nuclear, planning must align with Agenda 2063 and the continent’s climate goals. Peer reviews should guide infrastructure development for countries pursuing nuclear energy. Every nuclear initiative must also include meaningful participation by women and youth. Inclusion is not only a moral necessity but essential for long-term sustainability. 

On this 80th anniversary of Hiroshima, let us not only remember the victims of nuclear war but also commit ourselves to ensuring such horror is never repeated. The nuclear age began in devastation. But it does not have to end that way. By rejecting nuclear militarisation and embracing peaceful innovation, Africa can shape a new path built on sovereignty, sustainability and science.

* Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.