Community activists congratulate Des

DESMOND D’Sa, one of Durban’s environmental activists, was awarded with the prestigious 2014 Goldman Environmental Prize at the San Francisco Opera House on Monday night.

D’Sa was one of five leaders from around the world working to protect the environment and their communities, chosen by the US based Goldman Environmental Foundation.

D’Sa was awarded for rallying South Durban’s diverse and disenfranchised communities to successfully shut down the Bulbul Drive landfill and has now turned his sights on fighting the expansion of Durban’s port, a R250 billion project that stands to displace thousands of people without compensation and exacerbate problems such as waste management, pollution, and traffic.

Vanessa Burger, local activist, who has worked with D’Sa for many years, said it was fantastic news.

“It couldn’t have been awarded to a more deserving person! Des has dedicated his life to the struggle for environmental and social justice and human rights and is the most ethical, honourable and motivated person I’ve ever met. As an activist he’s strategic, unwavering and fearless, but always acts with integrity – an inspiration to us all in these dark days of greed, corruption and injustice. Des has been my hero since I first heard about his, and SDCEA’s work, many years ago. His example has encouraged me to stand up, speak out and never give up the fight for what is right, regardless of the odds against you. Whenever I’ve been faced with a difficult decision, I’ve always thought, ‘What would Des do,’ and that makes it much easier because it’s simple, ‘just do what’s right’,” she said.

Earthlife Africa eThekwini’s Vanessa Black has also worked with Des over the years and says the award is well-deserved.

“Des is a tireless campaigner, most days he is in the office from 6am to 6pm, and has community meetings in the evening and weekends. He not only has seemingly endless energy but always positively motivates others. As I’ve come to know him I’ve realised that no challenge is too great, and he will always make time to help a person. As well as fighting for environmental justice in south Durban, he also works on a host of other community issues such as housing and drug problems in the community,” she said.

Vanessa said what she admired most was his courage to tackle any subject, no matter how taboo, and keep at it until the situation improves while remaining completely ethical.

“I am thrilled that this commitment has been recognised through the Goldman Prize, and that everyone at SDCEA can celebrate with Des and his family,” she said.

Durban activist wins international environmental prize