Shell

Cape Town – Petroleum giant Shell is carefully looking over a recent Western Cape High Court decision that gives the company permission to appeal a ruling that stopped offshore drilling along South Africa’s West Coast. The court overturned a Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) choice to let Shell drill in a section of the Cape coast, but now Shell can challenge parts of that in a higher court. Social and environmental justice groups like the Green Connection and Natural Justice say even with the appeal allowed, the first ruling stands up for the environment and sets a good example for future cases. Shell’s spokesperson Pam Ntaka said: “Shell has noted the court’s decision to grant leave to appeal in relation to aspects of the Western Cape High Court’s judgment on block 5/6/7. We are currently reviewing the decision to determine next steps.” Green Connection’s advocacy officer Lisa Makaula added: “The ruling on environmental authorisation still remains unlawful, and we’re happy to see that the process will have to be redone again in a correct manner, whereby the communities are also involved.” This case has big meaning for South Africa’s energy plans and green goals, as the country tries to balance finding new oil with protecting nature and listening to local voices.

The High Court’s Recent Ruling

The Western Cape High Court made its choice after hearing Shell’s ask to appeal an earlier ruling that blocked their exploration rights. The first decision came because the court found the DMRE did not do enough talking with communities or think about how drilling could hurt the climate and sea life. Now, the court has said Shell can appeal some parts, but not all, of that ruling.
This step lets Shell and the government argue their side in the Supreme Court of Appeal. The case is about Block 5/6/7 off the West Coast, where Shell wanted to look for oil and gas. The area is rich in fish and home to many sea animals, so groups fought hard against it. The court’s okay for the appeal means the fight is not over, but activists are glad the main points about the environment stay strong.
The judge said the DMRE’s okay for Shell was wrong because it did not look at all the risks, like oil spills or harm to fishing jobs. Communities along the coast, who rely on the sea for food and work, were not asked enough what they think. This ruling builds on other cases, like the one that stopped Shell’s seismic tests on the Wild Coast in 2022.

Shell’s Response and Next Steps

Shell is taking time to think about what to do next after the court’s choice. They have been fighting to keep their rights in the area, saying it could bring big money and jobs to South Africa. The company has spent millions on studies and plans, but court blocks have stopped work.
Shell has faced many fights in South Africa over drilling. In 2021, a court stopped their seismic survey on the East Coast after groups said it would hurt whales and other sea life. Now, with this appeal chance, Shell might push harder to start exploring. But they must show better ways to protect the environment and talk to people.
The DMRE also got permission to appeal, saying the ruling hurts energy plans. South Africa needs more gas to move away from coal, but green groups say it locks in fossil fuels when the world goes clean

.
Activists Celebrate Environmental Win

Groups like the Green Connection and Natural Justice see the ruling as a big step for justice. They fought the case saying drilling could kill jobs in fishing and tourism, and add to climate change. Makaula said they are happy the main ruling stays, and any new process must include communities fully.
These groups have won before against big oil companies. Their work shows how local voices can stop projects that hurt nature. They call this a win for the ocean and people who live off it, like small fishers who catch for their families.
The West Coast is home to rich sea life, with cold waters bringing nutrients that feed fish, birds, and seals. Drilling could bring oil spills that kill this, hurting food chains and jobs. Activists say the appeal is okay, but the strong first ruling sets a good rule for future cases.

Background on the West Coast Drilling Dispute

The fight started when the DMRE gave Shell rights to explore Block 5/6/7 in 2014. Groups challenged it in court, saying the okay did not look at climate risks or talk to affected people enough. In 2022, the High Court agreed and stopped the work.
Shell and the government appealed, saying the ruling was too strict and hurts energy security. South Africa imports most of its oil, so finding local sources could save money and create jobs. But opponents say the risks to the environment and fishing – which supports 30,000 jobs – are too high.
This case is part of bigger talks on South Africa’s energy mix. The country plans to cut coal use for cleaner air, but gas from drilling could bridge the gap. Green groups push for wind and sun power instead, saying it’s safer and creates more jobs.

🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes Tony Yengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

Shell

Shell Reviews High Court Appeal Permission in West Coast Offshore Drilling Case

Shell

The High Court’s Recent Ruling

Shell’s Response and Next Steps

.Activists Celebrate Environmental Win

Background on the West Coast Drilling Dispute

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

Marburg Virus Outbreak Confirmed in Ethiopia: 9 Cases Reported as Health Authorities Mobilise Response

Jacob Zuma Appoints Des van Rooyen as MK Party’s Acting Parliamentary Leader Amid Internal Shake-Up

Related Articles

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

.
Activists Celebrate Environmental Win