Industry can expect clarity for offshore exploration authorisation

Minister to address appeals

SOUTH AFRICA: In a bid to address “decision paralysis”, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp has committed to address appeals lodged against several environmental authorisations granted for offshore oil and gas exploration projects.

“These decisions are intended to avoid any further decision paralysis,” said Minister Aucamp. “We have a legal and constitutional obligation to take decisions that promote inclusive economic growth and job creation, without compromising our constitutional mandate of protecting our environment.”

Numerous appeals were lodged with the Minister following the granting of environmental authorisations issued under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA) for offshore activities involving exploration drilling and seismic surveys along South Africa’s west and south coasts. These appeals were submitted in terms of section 43 of NEMA.

“Upon reviewing the deferral, I have come to the conclusion that it would not be reasonable or procedurally fair to continue postponing the appeals,” said the Minister. “Allowing the matters to remain suspended pending lengthy litigation may stall decision-making within the environmental governance system.”

Minister Aucamp reviewed the legality and implications of the interim decisions to defer these appeals pending the outcome of court proceedings. This review was undertaken in light of the statutory framework governing environmental appeals, including NEMA, the National Appeal Regulations and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (PAJA), as well as the constitutional obligation on government to perform its duties diligently and without undue delay.

To ensure an independent and thorough assessment of the issues raised, an appeal panel will be appointed in terms of the National Appeal Regulations to consider the appeals and provide recommendations to the Minister.

Minister Aucamp emphasised that the appeal process is an important safeguard within South Africa’s environmental governance system. It ensures that environmental decisions are subject to scrutiny and that the rights and legitimate expectations of all affected parties are respected.

Further updates on the progress of these appeals will be communicated by the Department in due course.

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