Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has come out strongly in support of the energy company Shell’s plan to explore for oil and gas on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape.
The move is being opposed by environmental groups.
Shell’s move to explore for oil and gas in the Wild Coast has been met with protests and court challenges by a number of environmental groups including Greenpeace.
The video below is reporting on the furore around Shell’s plans continues:
The latest court challenge is due to be heard by the Eastern Cape High Court next week.
However, Mantashe says the environmental concerns are unfounded.
He says exploring for minerals is key to achieving economic development in order to create employment and reduce poverty in South Africa and in Africa as a whole.
Minister Mantashe strongly supports Shell’s plan to explore oil and gas in Eastern Cape:
