Cape Town, South Africa – The Green Connection welcomes TotalEnergies’ recent announcement to abandon two of the four blocks it has exploration and production rights to, in South Africa. The eco-justice organisation’s Advocacy Officer, Lisa Makaula says that Total’s decision to withdraw from block 11B/12B (off the south coast), as well as block 5/6/7 (off the West Coast), are significant victories for the socioeconomic and environmental rights of coastal communities and the planet.

Makaula says, “Offshore oil and gas activities can threaten marine biodiversity, disrupt the livelihoods of coastal communities and contribute to the ongoing climate crisis. The potential for devastating oil spills and the long-term impact of seismic surveys on marine life, coupled with the ripple effect this could have on coastal livelihoods and cultural heritage, is why we continue advocating for sustainable projects that benefit our environment and communities.” 

“As South Africans suffer the intensifying impacts of climate change, we must recognise that we are at the point where exploring, innovating and investing in renewable energy is crucial. This is why we are hopeful that the partial exit of this legacy fossil fuel polluter might lead to a more positive shift towards a just energy transition. But while we hope, we also continue our work with communities – such as the small-scale fishers in Port Nolloth in Northern Cape – who continue to oppose Total’s other offshore oil and gas applications and proposals that are still in the pipeline,” she says

At the time of the announcement, The Green Connection had been opposed to Total’s 11b/12b production licence application, which is still at the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application phase. The Green Connection and Natural Justice had also launched a court case against the environmental approval for TEEPSA block 5/6/7, located off the coast between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas, in March 2024. However, The Green Connection’s legal team is reviewing the terms of Total’s withdrawal and will provide further updates.

“Investments in fossil fuels that cause climate change must now become a thing of the past. According to International Energy Agency (IEA), there are sufficient reserves and enough projects on the go or in the pipeline, to facilitate the just transition to more sustainable energy sources. This is why we support the exit of oil and gas companies from South Africa. As one of the world’s biggest carbon emitters, we must seek to honour our commitments, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable energy future. Moreover, the evidence confirms that wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources hold immense potential for creating jobs, ensuring energy security, and fostering a resilient economy,” she says.

Members of affected coastal communities expressed their relief:

Carmelita Mostert from Coastal Links Saldanha Bay says, “This is very optimistic news! We only hope that this means that Total recognises that the ocean belongs to the fishers and to those who live along the coast, and that their potentially harmful activities can negatively affect our way of life.”

Darlin McQuin from UBUNTU Rural Women Assembly in Doringbaai says, “I am very happy with TotalEnergies’ decision because as communities who rely on the ocean for our food and livelihoods, we have a very real fear of oil spills and other ocean disasters that can affect us. At least, for now, we have two less blocks to worry about.”

Walter Steenkamp from Coastal Links in Port Nolloth says, “While we are thrilled that TotalEnergies is leaving the south coast, for small-scale fishers on the West Coast, where there are still projects being proposed, the fight continues. With oil and gas activities happening in our oceans, there is always the threat of harm. Just consider the oil spill that happened over the weekend with that cargo ship. What if that was an oil tanker? Small-scale fishers like us, we cannot afford such disasters. Our livelihoods depend on fish, and for that we need a healthy ocean.”