ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION: Farewell to Desmond D’Sa, the ‘bulldozer’ who brought hope to polluted communities

Desmond D'Sa, a prominent environmental activist from South Africa, was celebrated at memorial services in Durban last week. He was honored as one of seven South African recipients of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, which aims to inspire grassroots activists to protect the planet. D'Sa was known for his relentless efforts to defend the poor and fight against pollution in their communities.

Born in Cato Manor, D'Sa moved to Wentworth, a residential area surrounded by various polluting industries, in the mid-1960s. By the 1980s, he became increasingly frustrated with the escalating pollution, crime, and health issues plaguing his community. To address these concerns, he founded the Wentworth Development Forum, which later evolved into the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) with his wife.

D'Sa's activism gained momentum when he confronted Nelson Mandela over air pollution and health issues during a visit to Wentworth in 1995. His relentless protests led to the creation of an intergovernmental plan to monitor air pollution and reduce emissions of hazardous substances in neighboring residential areas.

During a memorial service at Austerville Hall, Bobby Peek, a fellow activist and Goldman Prize winner, remembered D'Sa as a "difficult man" and his "second ballie," highlighting his unwavering commitment to activism, often working tirelessly to support other causes across South Africa and the world. Verushka Memdutt, chair of the SDCEA, referred to D'Sa as the alliance's "bold, deeply principled heartbeat," praising his ability to listen to community grievances and his dedication to organizing.

Mqapheli Bonono of the Durban shack dwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo remembered D'Sa as a man who "taught us how to organize and how to stand up," while Pastor Gavin Samuels of the Church Based Community Organisation described him as a "bulldozer with the gift of gab," who inspired countless prayer walks through the streets of Austerville and Wentworth.

Although D'Sa was known to be stubborn and occasionally difficult, his colleagues and friends lauded him for his kind and spiritual nature, his ability to engage people with respect, and his unwavering commitment to the people of his community.