Environmental activist Desmond D’Sa receives his honorary doctorate from Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa at the Durban Institute of Technology on September 2nd. Photo courtesy The Mercury.
By Sphelele Ngubane of The Mercury
Environmental justice campaigner Desmond D’sa, who received an honorary doctorate from the Durban University of Technology [on September 2], remains a thorn in the side of big industries and the government, bringing to public attention the abuse of environmental and human rights.
The Wentworth stalwart has opposed industry heavyweights and government officials who have violated the rights of people of the South Durban communities.
“When I started off with issues of community consciousness, I was constantly told by industry bosses and others that they don’t need people like me in this world, but I pursued my convictions, often going against advice even from family and friends,” he said.
“People said I would be taking on giants, I was not going to win and I would be marginalised. This did not stop me from fighting for justice, truth and people.”
The father of four persisted with his fight for the rights of South Durban communities. The polluted areas, including Wentworth, the Bluff, and Merebank, are known for high cancer and asthma rates, and there is constant tension between environmentalists and operators of refineries and industry in this part of Durban.
After receiving his doctorate, D’sa urged students to fight for their rights and the welfare of their communities.
“Never give up, irrespective of how big a challenge may seem,” he said.
D’sa said although circumstances dictated that he could not further his education, this did not stop him from learning, gaining knowledge from all aspects of life, and growing intellectually.
“Ironically, it was industry that introduced me to the horrors of environmental injustices,” he said.
In April this year, D’sa won international recognition when he was awarded the Goldman Environmental Award in San Francisco for grass-roots environmental activism in Africa. He committed the bulk of the prize money of US$175,000 (R2.3 million) to use in the fight for environmental justice.
“For me, the work I do is more than just a job,” he said. “It is my life.”
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IDEX is so proud of its partners and celebrates with Dr. D’Sa and the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA)! You can learn more about SDCEA’s current work on their website.