Keeping up with Mrs Jones

Some call her a greenie, others might say a tree hugger, but the Salt Rock environmental activist calls herself a brownie.

She is known for her passion for all things natural, but she is not your stereotypical housewife hippie.

Di Jones is a well informed, curious and forward thinking woman.

“I have always been a nature lover,” said Jones over a cup of strong, black coffee.

Jones’ last paying job was back in Gauteng, when she was the manager of the Transvaal branch for the Wildlife and Environment Society of SA (WESSA).

When it was time to retire, Di and her husband, Sandy, moved to Ballito.

“I had no intention of getting involved in environmental issues on the Dolphin Coast,” said Jones, who initially spent her time with the handicapped children at Sunfield Home School, Verulam.

“I absolutely loved the relationships I built with the children,” said Jones who has no children of her own, just her pets Bella the Bulldog and SPCA rescue Charlie.

Plans not to get involved were soon abandoned and the busy pensioner found herself on just about every environmental committee in the area.

She is chairman of the Dolphin Coast Conservancy, member of the Noise Committee of KSIA, the KwaDukuza Landfill Committee, Avon’s Community Management and Monitoring Committee and so the list goes on.

One of the most prestigious groups she is part of is the Provincial Coastal Committee, representing Coastwatch KZN, where she is currently serving her last of a three year term.

Her work does not go unrecognized, as she was awarded the KDM ‘Special Mayoral Award’ in 2008 and the Conservationist of the Year by WESSA in 2010.

“I love the ability to learn all the time and being on these committees teaches me a great deal of interesting things,” said Jones, who works on a voluntary basis.

Jones is very proud of the work these committees have achieved, especially the KwaDukuza Landfill Committee.

“We must have the best landfill site in the country. It is neat and tidy, well run and they only plant indigenous trees,” she said with a smile.

So, why call herself a brownie?

“I care about sewage issues, soil erosion and general earthy concerns,” said Jones, who has a degree in criminology and psychology.

“I am a practical person. I look at the whole picture. I believe one needs to look after an area holistically, which means all the contributing factors need to be healthy.”

According to Jones, the development of the Dolphin Coast has not been looked at holistically.

“Everyone started developing, but very few people got involved to see whether the area is designed to hold the development. The whole demographic has changed, but no one has changed the infrastructure.”

Jones keeps her brain fit with the committee work and when it comes to her body, swimming in the sea and walking are her favourite activities.

“Sandy and I have done 12 slackpacking walks in Europe as well as a few in SA, which we thoroughly enjoy.”

Do not be fooled into thinking that these walking tours are casual strolls.

“We walk up to six hours a day, so it is a real challenge, especially the walks on the Wild Coast.”

No matter how much she enjoys her travels, the brownie’s home will always be the Dolphin Coast, where she can bake shortbread in her kitchen and keep an eye on the environment.