Activists want voices heard at ConCourt over Shell’s Wild Coast plans

Environmental activists say they want their voices heard as the country’s top court considers the future of oil exploration along South Africa’s Wild Coast.

They marched outside the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg, protesting over Shell’s plans to drill for oil and gas in the area.

The matter has been set down for two days of arguments with the outcome set to shape oil exploration rights in the country.

Activist and leader of Amadiba Crisis Committee Nonhle Mbuthuma says coastal communities have been sidelined in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods and the environment.

“Now our government and Shell must listen to the people on the ground because here we’re dependent on the ocean. Once you do oil and gas, that means there will be no livelihood for us. Why do we need to compromise our livelihood for short term whereas we do have alternatives which are agriculture and tourism that can sustain our communities for longer time than the oil and gas?”