In a statement dated March 11, Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp confirmed that his department is actively proceeding with the adjudication of appeals lodged against several environmental authorisations previously granted for offshore oil and gas exploration.
Minister Aucamp emphasised that the objective is to prevent decision paralysis, stating that the decision-making process is guided by the department’s legal and constitutional obligations. The priority, he added, is to foster inclusive economic growth and facilitate job creation while simultaneously upholding the critical constitutional mandate to protect the environment.
The Department noted that multiple appeals were submitted to the Minister following the issuance of authorisations under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) for various offshore activities, including seismic surveys and exploration drilling along South Africa’s west and south coasts.
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