On the morning cruise on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, we were joined by Neville Van Rooy, the community outreach coordinator at the Green Connection, to discuss the proposed offshore oil drilling projects along South Africa’s west coast. These projects, spearheaded by Total Energies, have raised significant concerns among eco-justice organizations, including Green Connection, Natural Justice, and Masifundise. Their opposition to these projects highlights a broader movement focused on protecting our oceans, marine life, and the livelihoods of the communities dependent on them.
For over a decade, the Green Connection has been at the forefront of environmental justice, focusing on the protection of the oceans, marine animals, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The organization works to address various environmental issues, including the impacts of oil and gas exploration on the ocean. As Neville explained, the Green Connection is not just about protecting marine life but also safeguarding the livelihoods of those who depend on it. These efforts are grounded in the principles of environmental justice, ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
The proposed offshore drilling project, set to take place on South Africa’s west coast, is part of a larger trend of expanding oil and gas exploration in the region. The project is not the first of its kind, as there are already multiple applications for oil exploration along the coast. These include the Deepwater Exploration Block North and South, with the latter now facing strong opposition. The Green Connection and its partners are rejecting these projects due to their negative impacts on the environment, communities, and the broader climate crisis.
As Neville pointed out, the ongoing climate crisis requires that we reduce carbon emissions, not exacerbate them. Drilling for oil in the ocean would increase emissions and disrupt the ecosystems that are vital to marine life and the local fishing communities. Furthermore, the projects lack proper consultation with the communities that will be most affected, including coastal and Indigenous communities who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods.
The environmental risks of offshore drilling are profound. The proposed projects involve drilling up to nine exploration wells, which will disturb vast sections of the ocean floor. The noise generated from drilling operations, comparable to a jackhammer on a doorstep, will harm marine animals, particularly species sensitive to noise pollution. These activities will disrupt the natural flow of ocean currents, endangering marine ecosystems.
The risk of oil spills also looms large. Neville highlighted a recent shipwreck off the coast of the Western Cape, which took five months to clean up. This experience raised alarm bells for communities who are already concerned about the consequences of larger oil spills resulting from these new drilling projects. The Green Connection's concerns are echoed by many fishing communities that rely on the ocean for sustenance and income.
Despite the obvious risks, many communities are still unaware of the full extent of the proposed offshore drilling projects. As Neville pointed out, it’s crucial that communities are informed and empowered to take action. The Green Connection is working to raise awareness, particularly among Indigenous communities and small-scale fishing communities, who are most vulnerable to the environmental and economic impacts of these projects.
One of the challenges is that, often, when people are first informed about the project, they do not fully understand the potential consequences. The Green Connection, alongside other organizations, is working to bridge this gap by providing clear information about the risks of offshore drilling and what can be done to stop it.
A key issue raised by Neville is the role of the South African government in these developments. The government has, in many cases, sided with multinational companies such as Total Energies, despite the clear risks posed by these projects. This alignment with big business over the interests of local communities and the environment is deeply concerning.
Neville pointed out that the Department of Environmental Affairs, which should be safeguarding the environment, is instead supporting these harmful initiatives. This highlights a systemic issue where profit-driven motives are prioritized over the well-being of people and the planet. Eco-justice organizations like the Green Connection are calling for the government to protect the rights of communities, uphold the Constitution, and ensure that future generations inherit a safe and healthy environment.
If you’re concerned about the proposed offshore drilling and want to take action, there are several ways to get involved. The Green Connection has an office in Cape Town, where people can drop by for information and support. They also have an active website, www.greenconnection.org, where you can stay informed about the latest developments and sign petitions to oppose these oil exploration projects.
Neville emphasized the importance of community action, urging listeners, especially those living in coastal areas, to get involved in the fight against these projects. He reminded us that the ocean is not just a resource for the present but for future generations as well.
As Neville concluded, the fight against offshore oil drilling is not just about protecting the environment but about defending the livelihoods of communities who depend on the ocean. It's about making sure that development is people-driven and sustainable, not profit-driven and destructive. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard and that the government is held accountable for its decisions.
To stay informed and get involved, visit the Green Connection’s website, or contact their office for more information on how you can make a difference in protecting South Africa’s oceans.
Let’s not wait until it’s too late. Stand with the communities and environmental defenders who are fighting to protect our oceans for generations to come.
Written By Mkuseli Khusi Veto
Produced by Ntlahla Jujwana
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