Walking for a cure

THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) and the Mothers’ Prayer Group will hold a cancer walk on 10 October from Badulla Road grounds, Bluff from 8.30am.

The purpose of this walk is to create more awareness of the disease of cancer and how important it is to have a healthy lifestyle.

“Statistics show that cancer deaths are on the rise. Our aim is to raise our distress about the impact that chemical emissions have on the surrounding communities and the affect this is having on their health and quality of life,” said Noluthando Mbeje, SDCEA environmental project officer.

South Durban is also known as the ‘Cancer Valley’ due to the high levels of asthma and estimated life risk of cancer. This is also due to the high levels of toxic emissions emanating out of the petrochemicals and chemical industries of south Durban.

“The daily struggles of the residents of south Durban have led to SDCEA campaigning for a 24-hour clinic for asthma and cancer. This will greatly help the community and will reduce the increasing levels of asthma and mortality rate of cancer,” said Noluthando.

She said the protest is intended to raise awareness about the high prevalence of cancer, asthma and leukaemia emanating from a local refinery and other South Durban chemical industries. Local pastors will pray in front of the refinery where the group intends to hand over a statement to management.

Contact Noluthando on thando@sdceango.co.za, 031 461 1991 or 078 234 6206, or Desmond D’Sa on desmond@sdceango.co.za, 031 461 1991 or 083 982 6939.