By Abbas Nazil
Environmental groups, The Green Connection and Natural Justice, have condemned TotalEnergies’ proposal to drill what could become the world’s deepest offshore well in the Deep Western Orange Basin (DWOB South), describing the project as reckless and unjust.
The plan involves drilling at depths of nearly 3,900 metres, only 211 km from Saldanha Bay, an area home to indigenous small-scale fisher families whose livelihoods depend on marine resources.
The Green Connection’s Strategic Lead, Liziwe McDaid, said approving such a project would endanger livelihoods, marine biodiversity, and climate action goals.
Concerns raised include governance failures highlighted in the Draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report (DESIAR), which critics argue downplays oil spill risks and makes unrealistic claims that a blowout could be capped in 20 days, despite experts warning it could take months.
A spill at those depths could devastate fisheries, tourism, and even spread into Namibian waters.
McDaid warned that the report ignores cumulative climate impacts and fails to ensure meaningful engagement with marginalised fishing communities.
Many were not consulted adequately, undermining their constitutional rights and exposing them to the dangers of a carbon-heavy path that contradicts South Africa’s just transition commitments.
Critics also say the DESIAR inflates economic benefits, as most skilled jobs could go to foreign contractors, leaving locals with temporary low-paid work, while fishing and tourism jobs remain at risk.
Marine biodiversity impacts and noise pollution from drilling and seismic blasts are also downplayed, despite their threats to whales, turtles, and seabirds.
Legal advisor Shahil Singh stressed that environmental assessments must cover the full life cycle of fossil fuel projects, not just exploration, citing a recent court ruling against weak evaluations.
He noted that South Africa’s strict carbon budget and Paris Agreement commitments could be undermined, exposing the nation to potential international penalties.
Experts further argue that presenting gas as a transition fuel is misleading, given methane’s potency in accelerating climate change.
They warn that continued investment in gas infrastructure could lock South Africa into costly energy dependency, while affordable renewable alternatives remain underutilised.
The groups emphasised that true development should prioritise people, livelihoods, and sustainable ecosystems, not short-term profits that risk oceans, heritage, and climate stability.