Groups fight offshore oil exploration between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas: ‘This is about good governance’

CapeTalk’s John Maytham speaks with Liziwe McDaid of The Green Connection.

Listen below:

Civil society groups The Green Connection and Natural Justice are challenging the government’s environmental authorisation for offshore oil and gas exploration between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas.

They argue that the authorisation process was rushed, flawed and ignored environmental and Constitutional obligations.

“This is a case about good governance. Whatever you may feel about particular developments, we need to make sure our laws are applied properly.”

- Liziwe McDaid, The Green Connection

The Green Connection claims the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) did not adequately assess the risk of oil spills, climate impacts or the damage to small-scale fishing communities.

RELATED: Eco-justice groups launch challenge against offshore oil and gas project near Hondeklip Bay

The case began on 5 May 2025 in the Western Cape High Court.

McDaid says it could take some time before a decision is reached.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview for more.