- In a significant development in South Africa’s ongoing battle for environmental justice, Shell and the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, have filed for leave to appeal a Western Cape High Court ruling that invalidated the environmental authorisation for offshore oil and gas exploration in Block 5/6/7.
The judgment, delivered by Judge Mangcu-Lockwood, found the authorisation to be unlawful following a legal challenge brought by environmental groups The Green Connection and Natural Justice. The case centres on the protection of coastal communities whose livelihoods and food security depend on healthy marine ecosystems, as well as the broader need to safeguard against worsening climate impacts.
Following an online hearing on 16 October 2025, The Green Connection’s Strategic Lead, Liz McDaid, expressed disappointment at the appeal.
“This appeal attempt is disappointing but not surprising. It is clear that the oil and gas giants, together with government, are determined to push ahead despite the court’s recognition of serious environmental and procedural shortcomings,” McDaid said.
“We will continue to stand firm for the rights of coastal communities and the protection of our oceans because the High Court’s ruling correctly highlighted major flaws in the approval process for Block 5/6/7.”
Community Concerns Over Coastal Impacts
The Green Connection’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Neville van Rooy, warned that the proposed exploration poses serious risks for small-scale fishers and marine life along South Africa’s west coast.
“Thousands of coastal families who depend on small-scale fishing for their livelihoods may face immediate and long-term harm if the project proceeds,” van Rooy said.
“Any offshore drilling accident, including a well blowout, could devastate marine life and fisheries, with oil potentially drifting into Namibian waters via the Benguela Current. These are just some of the reasons why we keep raising our voices – loudly and clearly – to ensure these risks are not brushed aside.”
A Broader Pattern of Environmental Oversight
The Green Connection believes the case highlights a broader pattern in which fossil fuel companies and government agencies repeatedly attempt to bypass environmental safeguards — making judicial oversight essential for protecting both people and the planet.
“Beyond the local risks, production from this block could significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, further accelerating climate change,” van Rooy added. “Such impacts could ripple through small-scale fisheries and undermine the wellbeing of coastal communities.”
The Green Connection and Natural Justice now await the court’s decision on whether the appeal will proceed — and, if so, whether it will be heard by a Full Bench of the Western Cape High Court or elevated to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
