D’Sa touched by accolade

GOLDMAN Environmental Prize winner and Wentworth resident, Desmond D’Sa speaks about the award and what it means to him, his family and the residents of South Durban.

“When I heard I had been selected as a recipient of the award, I was shocked. I had no idea so many international people were aware of the work we are doing here. My family were just as excited as me and proud of my achievements,” said D’Sa.

“It means we are on the right track and demonstrates how much support we really have. It also gives us a much-needed lift to achieve more and shows that ordinary people can change the world if you stay committed to your objective.”

Accompanying him on the trip is his wife, who has endured the stresses of his activism as much as he has. “It’s her first time overseas and I think it is as much an award for her as it is for me. She has had to put up with all the long hours, hard work and threats over the years, including the petrol-bombing of our house.”

D’Sa will spend a few weeks in America, addressing local organisations and working with communities to gain helpful insight into the ongoing environmental battle, both locally and abroad. When he returns, he plans to mobilise people and put pressure on government and noxious industries while he has the opportunity.

The main objective of the South Durban Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), of which he is co-ordinator, is the fight against the proposed dig-out port and all the knock-on effects. “This award has given us the opportunity to reach more people, gain support and impetus to continue the fight against the port expansion, which will adversely affect the livelihoods of thousands of people.”

He thanks the people of the South Durban Basin for their support through the years, the SDCEA committee and especially Shaun Hammond of the Bulbul Drive monitoring committee, who he worked closely with to shut-down the site. “Without these people I wouldn’t have received this award. From the bottom of my heart I thank them and God. It is also through the love and support of my family that I have achieved all I have and kept my feet on the ground.”