Nuclear power and its associated risks remain a public concern. In the 1988 White Paper on Energy Policy the government signalled its intent to investigate nuclear as a source of energy. To develop a better understanding of the views of civil society on nuclear technologies Jarè Struwig and Ben Roberts present select findings from one of the first detailed studies of public attitudes towards nuclear technology and energy in the country. It is imperative that the government, the nuclear industry and non-governmental stakeholders alike invest in imparting to the general public sufficient basic information about the nuclear options for the country.