Mineral Resources Minister Adv Ngoako Ramatlhodi today officially launched the drill operation for the first deep-water well, south of Mossel Bay.

The well, operated by petroleum company Total, gives impetus to South Africa's nascent upstream oil and gas industry, which has the potential to contribute to economic growth and the creation of direct as well as indirect job opportunities.

"Drilling in deep-water is novel to South Africa and will therefore also bring with it avenues for skills transfer in the deep-water exploration space for South Africa," the Minister said.