Iain Esau
Africa Correspondent at Upstream
Opinion

Could frustrated majors quit South Africa as court cases drag on?

'Unacceptable' delays in exploration permitting threaten future of country's oil and gas sector

A top TotalEnergies executive told the recent African Energy Week event in Cape Town that South Africa's exploration permitting process is “unacceptable”.
A top TotalEnergies executive told the recent African Energy Week event in Cape Town that South Africa's exploration permitting process is “unacceptable”.RYTIS DAUKANTAS/UPSTREAM
Published 9 October 2025, 08:58Updated 9 October 2025, 08:58
South AfricaGwede MantasheCyril RamaphosaOrange basinTotalEnergies