@alufaanita "## [Defending the Ancestors Against Big Oil](https..."
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Defending the Ancestors Against Big Oil
The Indigenous people of the Wild Coast in South Africa are fighting to protect their sacred waters from oil companies like Shell. This battle is centered around the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve, where the community’s culture, livelihoods, and spirituality are closely tied to the ocean. This ongoing struggle has reached South Africa’s Constitutional Court .
#IndigenousRights #EnvironmentalProtection #SouthAfrica #OilExploration
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In October 2021, Shell announced plans to conduct a seismic survey offshore. This was part of their interest in oil exploration after acquiring a stake in the area. The local community, having not been consulted in this process, sees this as a threat to their way of life. They argue that the initial exploration rights were granted without proper consultation .
Seismic surveys are used to locate oil and gas reserves beneath the ocean. However, these surveys can be harmful to marine life, creating noise pollution that affects animal behavior. Communities argue that the potential for environmental harm outweighs the economic promises made by Shell .
Shell claims that oil exploration could stimulate South Africa’s economy and create jobs. However, community members question these claims and demand clarity on how these jobs would be generated. Many locals feel that their needs and rights are being overlooked in favor of corporate profits .
Despite legal victories, challenges remain. The community has been denied access to fishing in the newly designated Marine Protected Area. This ban has led to arrests of local fishers, including Gongqose, highlighting the tension between traditional rights and conservation policies .
Gongqose expresses concern about the future, fearing that oil spills could contaminate the sea, killing fish and endangering their way of life. He emphasizes the importance of passing down traditional fishing knowledge to future generations. The battle for their land and resources continues .
Malibongwe David Gongqose, a 65-year-old fisherman from Hobeni, exemplifies the community's deep connection to the sea. He relies on the ocean for food and income. His fishing practices and spirituality are woven into the very fabric of his life, highlighting the importance of the sea for sustenance and cultural identity .
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The ocean is not just a source of food for the communities but also holds spiritual significance. Ancestors are seen as living beings who guide the community. For them, places like “Shark Island” are sacred and are visited to honor ancestors .
The Dwesa-Cwebe communities filed a legal case against Shell in 2021. In 2022, the High Court ruled in their favor, recognizing the community's connection to the ocean. The court emphasized that the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the community were not adequately considered when the exploration rights were granted .
The struggle of the Indigenous communities on the Wild Coast against oil exploration is a profound example of the conflict between corporate interests and community rights. Their fight is not just about land but also about preserving a way of life that has existed for centuries .