Written by Lisa Murimi
A South African court has overturned an environmental authorisation granted to TotalEnergies and its joint venture partner Shell to explore for oil in a block off the Cape coast, according to a court judgment.
The Western Cape High Court ruled on August 13 that the approval process had failed to adequately assess potential socio-economic impacts of possible oil spills and had not fully considered climate change implications.
Judge Nobahle Mangcu-Lockwood, however, noted that TotalEnergies should be given the opportunity to address these shortcomings.
“Total must be afforded opportunity to submit new or amended assessments … to cure the deficiencies identified,” she wrote.
In a statement, a TotalEnergies spokesperson acknowledged the ruling and said its South African unit and partners had complied with all local regulations.
“TotalEnergies E&P South Africa, along with its joint venture partners, will now legally assess the judgment in more detail and decide on the course of action,” the spokesperson said.
The French energy major had announced last year its intention to exit the concession, Block 5/6/7 — located between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas — leaving operatorship to Shell, with South Africa’s PetroSA retaining a minority stake.
The case marks the latest in a series of legal battles between environmental groups and oil companies seeking to explore along South Africa’s coastline.
Oil firms are increasingly targeting the country’s west coast, aiming to replicate Namibia’s recent oil discovery successes in the Orange Basin, which extends into South African waters but remains largely untapped.
Non-profit group Natural Justice, one of the applicants in the case, hailed the ruling as a victory for community rights and environmental oversight.
“This judgment again confirms that companies must follow due process, undertake comprehensive assessments and provide communities with an opportunity to be heard,” said Melissa Groenink-Groves, programme manager at the organisation.
