Coastal communities rallying together contributed to halting of seismic survey: Activists

Community activists believe the coastal communities rallying together had contributed immensely to the court’s decision in halting a seismic survey planned along the Wild coast in the Eastern Cape.

A large number of communities are affected by oil giant Shell’s intention to a blasting operation, aimed at locating natural resources deep within the earth’s surface.

The Grahamstown High Court in Makhanda ruled earlier this week that Shell halt all operations until a second part of an interdict is heard.

Amadiba community activist, Nontle Mbathuma says there is a need for a united stance to take on big giant corporations.

She says, “It’s a big victory for our communities but for the world because to fight big giants like Shell, it was not somebody’s baby. Shell is a big company, Shell was being backed up by the government. As communities, we are alone fighting Shell because we saw that Shell was not following the right procedures. The government were turning a blind eye for Shell to go ahead.”

VIDEO: Shell SA’s country Chair, Hloniphizwe Mtolo responds to ruling: