The Democratic Alliance says it will interdict Energy Minister David Mahlobo’s attempt to “force through” a nuclear deal that is expected to cost in the region of R1-trillion.

“The DA will not hesitate to interdict any attempt by Minister of Energy‚ David Mahlobo‚ to force through a nuclear deal despite the fact that South Africa does not need or afford the estimated R1 trillion deal‚’ the party said in a statement.

“With each passing day‚ it becomes clear that Minister Mahlobo was appointed to make sure that the necessary nuclear deal would be pushed through.

“We will not allow Mahlobo to appease his friends‚ the Russians‚ at the expense of millions of South Africans who are struggling to survive with no jobs in a flat economy.”

The party said it will use every legal and Parliamentary tool in its disposal to ensure that the generations to come will not be shackled to massive debt that will compromise South Africa’s future.

City Press reported on Sunday that officials at his department are working weekends to finalise the country’s reviewed integrated energy resource plan – four months ahead of schedule.

The plan to determine the energy mix the country needs was expected to be finalised in February next year‚ but will now be finished in the next two weeks‚ the newspaper said.

It quoted an insider saying: “We would have been talking February‚ but now we are talking November 14.”