Cape Town – It’s the start of South Africa’s Energy Month and The Green Connection and Natural Justice are set to appear before the Western Cape High Court from Monday 5 to 7 May 2025, in their landmark challenge against the decision to grant environmental authorisation to TotalEnergies EP South Africa Block 567 (Pty) Ltd (TEEPSA) for offshore oil and gas exploration
between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas (Blocks 5/6/7). The organisations are represented by environmental law firm, Cullinan & Associates Inc.
Court Hearings: 5–7 May 2025 | Western Cape High Court | From 10h00 – Daily
Although TotalEnergies has since announced its withdrawal from exploration activities in Block 5/6/7, the company has now filed a joinder application to include Shell as a party in the legal proceedings. Shell, with its troubled history of community conflict, could soon be at the centre of this unfolding court battle.
The application is made on the basis that Shell holds a commercial interest in the right, and that it will become the exploration Operator in the future. However, The Green Connection and Natural Justice oppose this move, arguing the exploration right has lapsed and that Shell has no legal standing in the case.
“As Africans who believe in development that puts people before profit and which relies on inclusive decision-making, we are committed to protecting our oceans and the livelihoods of our coastal communities. This is why we will be present at the court hearings, to ensure that environmental justice is upheld. We call for good governance because development must not come at the cost of People’s livelihoods, especially given that South Africa is already experiencing
climate impacts which disproportionately affect marginalized communities,” says The Green Connection’s Advocacy Officer Lisa Makaula.
This judicial review calls into question the environmental authorisation process and challenges the government’s failure to properly assess the devastating risks posed by oil and gas exploration – including oil spills, climate change impacts and threats to small-scale fishers.
On Monday, a number of solidarity actions are planned around the country – as communities and climate justice activists continue to demand accountability from the oil giants and the South African government.
(More details to follow).
● Applicants (The Green Connection & Natural Justice) – Heads of Argument
Find a summary on the matter in our FACTSHEET.
