In a landmark decision, South Africa’s High Court denied TotalEnergies’ application to drill offshore, protecting the rights of coastal communities and defending oceans from fossil fuel destruction.

What Total Wanted

Total had set its sights on exploring South Africa’s coastal waters for oil and gas, a move that threatened fragile marine ecosystems, local fisheries, and coastal livelihoods.

Total called it “development,” but the court found it reckless. They had no real plans to protect communities or the climate from their project. This ruling continues the ongoing legal battles between environmental groups and oil companies seeking to drill along South Africa’s coast. More seriously, it exposes Total’s insatiable appetite for profit across Africa.

Totals track record

Mozambique: Total’s multibillion-dollar gas project in Cabo Delgado is marked by militarisation, violence, and mass displacement of local communities. Instead of jobs and prosperity, people have been left with insecurity and fear.

Republic of Congo: In the Congo, Total’s oil operations have led to pollution, sickness, and contaminated waters, leaving communities struggling with disease rather than development.

East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP): Total is a key player in this highly contentious project spanning from Uganda to Tanzania. If completed, it would displace thousands of people, cut through critical ecosystems, and lock Africa into decades of dirty energy.

Each of these cases reveals the same pattern: reckless extraction, expansion at the expense of local communities, and a blatant disregard for long-term consequences.

Communities Fight Back

From August 18 to 24, communities from the streets of Nigeria to the shores of Mozambique joined the Kick Total Out of Africa Week of Action, uniting in a powerful wave of resistance against polluters like Total in Africa. Grassroots assemblies to public demonstrations draw attention to the company’s devastating record and amplify a growing call for accountability and a just community-led energy transition.

The South African court ruling shows that communities can win. But it also reminds us that vigilance is needed, because Total’s drive for oil and gas in Africa shows no signs of slowing down. This is why solidarity across borders remains so important.

Protecting people and the planet means holding companies like Total accountable and fighting for an energy future that works for all.

 

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By Tumi Masipa for 350Africa.org