Madiba’s strength, sensitivity remembered

“Solid as a rock; long may he remain in our hearts and minds. The communities of the South Durban Basin (SDB) will always hold former president, Nelson Mandela in their hearts because of his tolerance and patience to listen to the voices and concerns of the people who are suffering from ill-health on account of the high levels of pollution.”

A group of protestors gathered outside the Engen refinery in Wentworth on Friday, 24 March 1995 were met by the then-president, who was due to speak at an event at the refinery. “He stopped his entourage and security to listen first-hand to what the communities’ problems were. Mandela’s words to the communities were ‘these are my people, please stand aside I want to listen to my people’. On that same Friday night, representatives of those communities led by SDCEA met with him to discuss the problems concerning the people.”

A second meeting was held with the necessary government minister and led to the formation of a committee, headed by Bantu Holomisa and “the biggest gathering of over 600 of the most senior captains of industries in Durban at the City Hall. This resulted in them being addressed by five representatives of the South Durban communities. This initiative by Nelson Mandela led to a ‘good neighbourly’ agreement signed by Engen and SDB communities, which led to the reduction of sulphur dioxide by 80%.

The environmental movement in this country has grown from strength to strength because of environmental laws enacted by Nelson Mandela and his government. The erecting of the rock on Quality Street in Wentworth by the SDCEA represents the strength, and the gardens, the sensitivity of former president Nelson Mandela, who listened and acted on the concerns of the community. His humility has inspired our community to continue to speak out against major polluters and any injustice, be it from government or business located in South Durban.”