ConCourt blocks Shell’s offshore exploration along Wild Coast

After years of legal challenges by local communities and environmentalists, South Africa’s oil exploration aspirations were dealt another blow after the Constitutional Court blocked offshore exploration led by Shell along the country’s pristine Wild Coast.

17 Aug 2026

The logo of oil and gas company Shell at a gas station in Wijchen, Netherlands, April 13, 2026. Image credit: Reuters/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo

The ruling is the latest outcome in a series of court cases that have dampened investor appetite and delayed exploration offshore South Africa.

The majority decision by South Africa’s highest court overturned a 2024 judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal, which handed a lifeline to Shell and Impact Africa in their quest to conduct seismic surveys off the east coast as part of an exploration right granted in 2014.

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“The order of the Supreme Court of Appeal is set aside,” Justice Jody Kollapen said.

Shell — which is also looking to explore in South Africa’s west coast Orange Basin — said it noted the ruling and remained committed to responsible offshore exploration, meaningful stakeholder engagement and environmental stewardship.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Protesters march during a demonstration in support of Wild Coast communities’ legal battle against Shell’s offshore oil and gas exploration, at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg. Image credit: Reuters/Alet Pretorius/File Photo

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One reason communities and environmental groups challenged Shell’s exploration plans was that they argued there had not been sufficient public consultation.

“The court affirmed that the right to public participation is not just about following a procedure and ticking boxes, but rather that it is about placing the dignity of our people at the centre of developmental decisions that will affect them,” said Delme Cupido, director at Natural Justice, one of the applicants in the case.