South Africa’s top court blocks Shell oil exploration off country’s Wild Coast

South Africa's Constitutional Court set aside oil exploration rights held by Shell and Impact Africa, blocking fossil fuel exploration off the Wild Coast after a decade of litigation. The case began when communities and environmental groups challenged the 2021 seismic survey plans, arguing authorities failed to meaningfully consult residents or weigh harm to marine life and climate.

Justice Jody Kollapen's majority opinion framed consultation as an affirmation of dignity rather than mere procedure, explicitly invoking the legacy of apartheid-era dispossession of land and resources. The court also drew on last year's International Court of Justice opinion on climate obligations in reaching its decision.

Attorneys for the applicants called it the first time the apex court has ruled on community and environmental rights against oil and gas exploitation, saying it could influence similar pending cases. Shell did not respond to a request for comment.

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