A different high court on Dec. 3 decided in Shell’s favor, but the new ruling contends that Shell did not have the necessary environmental approvals. Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe claimed that critics to Shell’s project wanted to deprive Africa of energy resources, but environmentalists worried that the project – which would involve blasting parts of the coast – would disturb sea life, which includes whales, dolphins and seals.
"Could it be possible that this is an extreme pure love for the environment, or an unrelenting campaign to ensure Africa and South Africa do not see the investment inflows they need?"