Whose vision of development counts? South Africa’s Amadiba communities made maps of what matters
Originally published by The Conversation – Articles (AFRICA) — Read the original article →
South Africa’s Mpondoland, on the east coast, is known for its red sand dunes and coastal forests. Here, the Amadiba people have lived sustainably as farmers, herders and fishers for centuries, since before European colonisation.
Xolobeni, about 250 kilometres south-west of the nearest city, Durban, is an Amadiba community in Mpondoland. The community has spent several years fighting against Shell and the oil and gas exploration company Impact Africa’s plans to explore for offshore oil and gas on this part of the coastline.
South Africa’s highest court handed the community a legal victory in August 2026. It ruled that the exploration had to stop as the communities had not been properly consulted about the impact of the mining.
