Environmentalists in South Africa are holding their breath in anticipation of the Makhanda High Court decision on whether it will allow Shell and Impact Africa to carry out a seismic survey along the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast.
South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) spokesperson Desmond D’sa said the court hearing was expected to be heard over three days, culminating on Wednesday.
Fisherfolk and SDCEA members held a placard-carrying protest at North Beach in Durban on Monday. They stood in solidarity with other organisations and coastal communities interested in the hearing.
The community won the first round of the case last year and were granted an interim interdict against Shell and the other respondents. The hearing on Monday was about part B of the application, which seeks a permanent interdict.
The court will need to determine whether Shell required an environmental authorisation obtained under the National Environmental Management Act (Nema), and whether Shell’s exploration right was lawfully awarded given the lack of consultation with communities.