Wild Coast Communities Take Shell To ConCourt Over Seismic Blasting

The steps of South Africa’s Constitutional Court turned into a stage of resistance this week, as community members from the Wild Coast stood shoulder to shoulder with environmental groups to challenge Shell’s plans for seismic exploration.

The case goes beyond oil and gas. For many, it’s about protecting the environment, preserving culture, and defending future generations from irreversible harm.

Why The Fight Matters

Last year, the Supreme Court of Appeal cleared the way for Shell to apply for seismic exploration off the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, a region known for its pristine beaches, rich marine life and deep cultural heritage.

But residents argue that seismic blasting which involves powerful underwater sound waves to search for oil and gas could devastate marine ecosystems. Local fishers fear depleted catches, while conservationists warn of irreversible damage to whales, dolphins and other sea life that rely on sound for navigation.

The Voices On The Ground

For campaigners like Greenpeace’s Sherelee Odayar, the issue is not just scientific, it’s also deeply personal and cultural. She argues that Shell failed to meaningfully engage with communities, bypassing ordinary residents by only consulting traditional leaders.

“They do not consider communities in terms of public participation,” Odayar said. “That’s not true consultation, because the voices of the people who depend on the sea every day were never heard.”

Local fisherman Jacobus van Wyk echoed the fears of many coastal families: “The future of our children, our land and our marine system is in our hands. If we don’t protect it now, we will be ashamed tomorrow.”

A History Of Resistance

This is not the first time Shell’s seismic ambitions have faced pushback. In 2021, a similar exploration plan was temporarily halted after urgent court interdicts were granted. Each legal challenge has reignited debate over the balance between economic development and environmental protection in South Africa.

What Happens Next

The Constitutional Court must now decide whether to grant leave to appeal. If successful, environmental groups and communities will have another chance to argue that seismic blasting threatens both livelihoods and heritage.

For the Wild Coast, the fight has become symbolic of a broader struggle: the right of communities to shape the future of their land and sea against the interests of global corporations.

Source:EWN 

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