Community holds dialogue for clean air in South Durban
The dialogue created a powerful space to reflect on more than 30 years of environmental justice struggles.
THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), together with community activists from Isipingo, KwaMakhutha, Merebank and The Bluff, hosted a two-day South Durban Just Transition Strategic Dialogue at Ganges Secondary School in Merebank recently.
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Held under the theme “Building a community-led roadmap towards a fossil fuel-free South Durban”, the dialogue was also attended by former refinery and chemical industry workers, researchers, environmental justice advocates, and environmental health and climate experts.
SDCEA’s air quality and health officer, Bongani Mthembu, said the dialogue created a powerful space to reflect on more than 30 years of environmental justice struggles, share lived experiences of industrial pollution, examine the health impacts of fossil fuel industries, and collectively envision a healthier, more resilient, and economically sustainable future.
“A key message emerged throughout the discussions: communities and workers must be at the centre of a just transition. Building a fossil fuel-free future must protect livelihoods, advance environmental justice, improve public health, and create sustainable economic opportunities for generations to come,” said Mthembu.
He added that the dialogue was the beginning of a longer, community-driven process to develop a South Durban Just Transition Plan, which is shaped by the voices, knowledge, and aspirations of those most affected by pollution and industrial development.
“Together, we are re-imagining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for South Durban,” he concluded.
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