Desmond D'Sa, a prominent environmental justice activist, died in a car crash early yesterday morning along with his son Rodney and sister-in-law. The three were traveling from D'Sa's home in Umzinto to the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) office when the accident occurred. D'Sa, 69, was the founder of SDCEA and had been a vocal advocate against pollution in the South Durban Basin. He had recently moved to Umzinto after his leg was amputated.
D'Sa's fight for environmental justice began in 1968 when he was forcibly removed from his home in Cato Manor due to the Group Areas Act. He moved to Wentworth, where he witnessed firsthand the harsh effects of industrialization and pollution. Born on June 13, 1956, D'Sa was the 11th of 13 children and grew up in a community actively involved in farming and environmental protection. His early life experiences shaped his passion for protecting the environment and people from greedy developers and companies.
D'Sa's activism intensified in the early 1990s when he started speaking out against pollution and its effects on workers and residents in the South Durban Basin. In 1994, he founded the Wentworth Development Forum and began advocating for a chemical company to be shut down after toxic chemicals spilled into a nearby playground, making several children ill. His efforts led to the company being closed down in 1995, and it pledged to clean up its mess and provide compensation.
In 1995, D'Sa founded the SDCEA, which was dedicated to fighting for environmental justice. He built relationships with people in various areas, including Merebank, Bluff, Isipingo, and Umlazi, and discovered that they were also highly polluted by companies. Despite being fired from his job at Sasol Fibres in 1998 for speaking out against pollution, D'Sa continued his activism, leading the SDCEA in various projects, including an environmental and health assessment in 1998.
Throughout his life, D'Sa faced numerous challenges, including death threats, his house being petrol-bombed, and being fired for speaking out. However, he remained resolute in his fight for environmental justice, inspiring a community movement that continues to hold corporate polluters accountable. Bongani Mthembu, SDCEA's air quality and health officer, expressed shock and grief at D'Sa's passing, saying that he was the head and founder of their organization.
D'Sa's legacy extends beyond his activism; he also created a community in Wentworth, building parks, play areas, and green spaces in an area that was previously a concrete jungle. His hands-on approach to environmental activism inspired a generation of activists and residents to take action against pollution and environmental injustices. The SDCEA continues to work towards environmental justice, and D'Sa's contributions will be remembered for years to come.
The South African community mourns the loss of a renowned environmental justice activist, Desmond D'Sa, who dedicated his life to fighting against pollution and environmental injustices. His tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on the community, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of activists and residents to take action against environmental injustices.
Key points
- Desmond D'Sa, a prominent environmental justice activist, died in a car crash along with his son and sister-in-law.
- D'Sa founded the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance and led various projects to fight pollution and environmental injustices.
- He faced numerous challenges, including death threats and being fired for speaking out, but remained resolute in his fight for environmental justice.
