Energy companies want to begin drilling for natural gas to help ease energy deficit in South Africa . Campaigners say that , the drilling technique will damage environment irrevocably . Shell South Africa is one of the main companies lobbying to begin fracking . To release the natural gas the companies drill down and sideways into a rock called shale , and pump large quantities of water and other chemicals to release the gas . Shell says it will bring economic benefits and help ease South Africa 's energy deficit .
Energy companies want to begin drilling for natural gas to help ease energy deficit in South Africa . Campaigners say that , the drilling technique will damage environment irrevocably . Shell South Africa is one of the main companies lobbying to begin fracking . Shell says it will bring economic benefits and help ease South Africa 's energy deficit .