According to a recent statement, a third application to renew Shell’s exploration off the wild coast of South Africa has been lodged. The renewal application was made in July 2023 and is still in the process of being decided upon. Environmental activists and coastal communities have been fighting against this decision however it is claimed that the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe will have the final say on this matter. According to an article by Daily Maverick, in late 2021, Wild Coast communities, Sustaining the Wild Coast, and All Rise Attorneys for Climate and Environment, challenged a seismic survey in court. However, Mantashe, Shell, and Impact Africa filed an application for leave to appeal, arguing that the review should have been dismissed due to the late filing of the challenge and that the communities should have exhausted internal remedies before approaching the court. Chantel Jaar, representative for the youth organization, Environmental Trades, heard about this and had the following to say... INSERT [SHELL] The Supreme Court (SCA) ruled that the minister failed to provide clear notice of the initial grant and renewal of an exploration right, highlighting the lack of consideration for the spiritual and cultural practices of affected communities and their livelihoods, and recommended a further public participation process is needed.  

Journalist: Tasha-Ree Kella
Email: tashakella13@gmail.com