On 1 September 2022, a high court in South Africa overturned a government decision to grant oil and gas exploration rights to Shell, which would have allowed the company to conduct a seismic survey off the Wild Coast.

In a decision hailed as a win for indigenous communities' rights and the environment, the court found that Shell had failed to adequately consult with local communities about the proposed project and its potential impacts on their livelihoods. The company said it respected the court’s decision and would review the judgment.