The Masifundise Development Trust has welcomed the Constitutional Court’s landmark ruling on Friday, August 14, in the Wild Coast Communities versus Shell case.

The organisation says the court affirmed that meaningful consultation with communities is an expression of human rights and ruled that Shell cannot reapply for offshore oil and gas exploration rights.

The organisation says the moratorium on new applications remains in place.

Nomathembu Ndzegu, media officer says the judgment is a significant victory for coastal fishing communities who have opposed Shell’s exploration plans since 2021.

Ndzegu says the ruling recognises the rights, livelihoods and customary practices of fishing communities and reinforces the need for genuine consultation that respects communities’ voices and generational knowledge.