The Koeberg nuclear power station near Atlantis is a breeding ground for fatal diseases associated with radiation, according to a consortium of anti-nuclear groups that met for a panel debate.
The catalyst for the discussion last week was a co-operative study by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Earthlife Africa and independent researchers.
Their study also claimed that Koeberg had not complied with some of the requirements stipulated by the World Association of Nuclear Operators.
The report was released soon after news that a second nuclear reactor would definitely be built close to the Koeberg plant, following an environmental impact assessment.
Earthlife Africa has repeatedly attempted to block the planned Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR).
Eskom spokesprson Fani Zulu said that, during the 23 years of Koeberg's operation, there had been no forced resignations due to health.
"Koeberg is not a health hazard and we deny the allegations made in the meeting. During the last 23 years of operation, there have been no ill-retirements and we have always worked in compliance with the regulations of the (national) nuclear regulator," said Zulu.
But during the debate last week, activists agreed that nuclear energy was a health hazard, not only to workers but also to communities living near nuclear plants.
Mashile Phalane of Earthlife Africa said research conducted near Pelindaba had confirmed a number of cases of workers who had suffered from, and subsequently died of, cancer, presumably brought on by radiation.
There were also cases of other workers whose deaths were registered as natural but might not have been so.
However Eskom, in its 2006 annual report, said worker exposure to radioactivity at Koeberg was "significantly less" than the maximum levels mandated by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR).
NUM's Derek Elbrecht, who also serves as a labour representative on the NNR board, said he had once worked at Koeberg: "It is the most uncomfortable place to work at.
"I have had some (radioactive) particles detected in my eyes, but I was lucky because I still can see."
He claimed a few colleagues had been disfigured or had died as a result of cancer and leukaemia from radiation exposure at Koeberg.
Meanwhile, the Cape Times reports that about 5000 former employees of the Pelindaba nuclear facility outside Pretoria may be suffering from diseases linked to chemical and radiation exposure.
It said this figure emerged from a survey of ex-employees of the SA Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) at Pelindaba.
Necsa is wholly owned by the state.
The investigation covered 208 former workers. It found that 72 people had "probable occupational diseases".
This could mean that 5100 people out of the facility's former workpool of 30 000 had occupational diseases.
During the investigation, 15 of the 208 workers died.
The survey was commissioned by Earthlife Africa, after former employees had complained of contracting diseases from radiation. - Sapa