South African Court Overturns Oil Exploration Ap...

South African Court Overturns Oil Exploration Approval for TotalEnergies, Shell

Zim Now Writer

A South African court has overturned an environmental authorisation granted to TotalEnergies and its joint venture partner Shell to explore for oil in a block off the Cape coast.

The Western Cape High Court ruled on August 13 that the approval for exploration in Block 5/6/7—situated between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas—was flawed due to several omissions, including inadequate assessment of potential socio-economic impacts from oil spills and insufficient consideration of climate change.

Judge Nobahle Mangcu-Lockwood said TotalEnergies should be given the opportunity to correct the deficiencies by submitting new or amended assessments.

In response, a TotalEnergies spokesperson acknowledged the decision, stating the company and its partners had complied with all local regulations. “TotalEnergies E&P South Africa, along with its joint venture partners, will now legally assess the judgment in more detail and decide on the course of action,” the spokesperson said.

TotalEnergies announced last year its intention to exit the concession, leaving Shell as operator, with South Africa’s PetroSA holding a minority stake.

The ruling is the latest in a string of legal challenges from environmental groups against oil and gas exploration along South Africa’s coastline. Oil companies have been targeting the country’s west coast in hopes of replicating Namibia’s recent exploration success in the Orange Basin, which extends into South African waters but remains largely untapped.

Natural Justice, one of the applicants in the case, welcomed the judgment, calling it a win for communities and environmental oversight. “This judgment again confirms that companies must follow due process, undertake comprehensive assessments, and provide communities with an opportunity to be heard,” said programme manager Melissa Groenink-Groves.