Environmental groups have appealed the government’s approval for Shell to drill off South Africa’s West Coast. According to BusinessTech, the authorisation covers up to five ultra-deepwater wells in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep (NCUD) block. Groups including The Green Connection and Natural Justice argue the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report contains serious gaps. It underplays blowout risks and lacks credible emergency plans. They also say that during the assessment process, coastal communities impacted by Shell oil drilling in South Africa were not properly consulted.
Wild Coast Case Heads to Constitutional Court
Separately, Eastern Cape communities are taking the Wild Coast dispute to the Constitutional Court next month. They will challenge parts of a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling. This ruling overturned a High Court decision which had set aside earlier exploration rights tied to Shell and its predecessor. The court record notes years of delays and more than R1.1 billion in sunk costs. Moreover, there is a need to weigh public-interest factors such as legal certainty and investment alongside environmental and community rights, specifically regarding the ramifications of Shell oil drilling in South Africa. Arguments are set for next month.
What Shell and communities say is at stake
Shell maintains that finding resources could bolster energy security and support economic development. Communities counter that Shell oil drilling in South Africa threatens marine ecosystems, fisheries, and cultural rights. They argue that decision-makers should not proceed without robust contingency plans and full, meaningful consultation.
The Bigger Picture
Together, these cases show how Shell oil drilling in South Africa now hinges on both environmental authorisations and constitutional principles. The West Coast appeal will test the strength of the NCUD assessment and consultation process. Meanwhile, the Wild Coast hearing could set a national precedent on how courts balance energy security claims with constitutional and climate obligations.
