Residents and environmental organisations call for Shell boycott
Different communities are coordinating efforts against oil and gas giant, Shell.
THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), KZN Subsistence Fisherfolk Forum (KZNSFF), various communities and environmental organisations will gather along the entire coastline on Sunday, November 5 at local beaches to say no to a proposed oil and gas exploration by Shell.
ALSO READ: Urgent interdict to stop Shell’s seismic survey dismissed
This is in solidarity with the Amadiba Crisis Committee as they march with local communities to meet at Mzamba Estuary. In a statement, SDCEA said the purpose of the protest is to send a message to Shell bosses and shareholders to stop the company from carrying out the seismic survey on the wild coast.
“As offshore oil and gas drilling, that has the potential to destroy our beautiful ocean heritage as well as negatively affect the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the ocean for a living, like the fisherfolk, tourism and recreational industry. Those who enjoy the beach for their health will also be affected. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) issued the authorisation for Shell to conduct seismic surveys back in 2013. This oil and gas drilling will not only affect our marine biodiversity and livelihoods but will also add to climate change,” the statement reads.
It further advised that climate change is a critical issue that has catastrophic consequences like extreme weather conditions which are seen with cyclone Eloise.
“Leading climate scientists have warned that we have until 2030 for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C and avoid catastrophic environmental breakdown. To do this, we have to stop investing in fossil fuels and rather invest in renewables. South Africa must not forget its international commitments like the Paris Agreement to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions within its jurisdiction. What will be left for future generations, if we continue to let this happen?”
SDCEA, its allies and communities across the country are collectively calling for Shell to stop oil and gas exploration. The group said there are alternatives, and emphasised that it says no to oil and gas drilling and yes to fishing, swimming, surfing and a healthy ocean.
Details of the Event:
Date: Sunday, December 5
Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Durban Beachfront (Riaz Khan: 0842531157)
Umhlanga Beach (Riaz Khan 0651981060/0842531157)
Isipingo Beach (Riaz Khan 0651981060/ 0842531157)
Umdloti Beach (Riaz Khan 0651981060/ 0842531157)
Mfazazane Beach (Mr. Mbambo: 0717772880)
Sunlight Beach, Coastal Lodge (Mr. Mbambo: 0815925699)
The Whalers, Umkomaas (David: 0834671386)
Umtentweni Main Beach
Port Shepstone Main Beach
Zinkwazi (Clare: 0727178806)
Merebank (Rishi: 0835577020)
Rocky Bay (Marco: 0619209886)
Wear Blue – bring your placards and banners. Masks are compulsory and Covid-19 protocol will be observed. For more information, contact Desmond or Cassandra on 031 468 1257, cell 083 982 6939 or via email cassandra@sdceango.co.za
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