Environmentalists promote ocean protection at Scottburgh beach
Scottburgh local and community activist, Jeff White, attended the awareness campaign and also addressed the crowd and explained why it is so important to say no to oil and gas drilling as he firmly believes it destroys the environment.
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), in a joint effort with the KwaZulu-Natal Subsistence Fisherfolk Forum, rallied their troops at Scottburgh main beach on Freedom Day for an awareness demonstration for ocean protection in the area.
Supporters from far and near joined in on the day as the message “We say no to oil and gas drilling and yes to fishing, swimming, surfing and a healthy ocean” was emphasised through posters, flags, T-shirts and word of mouth.
Desmond D’Sa, South African environmentalist and coordinator of the SDCEA, addressed all present and stated that the main aim of these types of awareness campaigns is to get more people to care for the ocean, and on this day in particular, the call was for the government to abandon fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy today to protect the future.
“By stopping oil and gas drilling, we’ll be saving our ocean now and for generations to come,” he said.
“A healthy ocean also boosts our country’s tourism and creates job opportunities in the tourism industry as well as for beachgoers and small enterprises.”
Scottburgh local and community activist, Jeff White, attended the awareness campaign and also addressed the crowd and explained why it is so important to say no to oil and gas drilling as he firmly believes it destroys the environment.
Mr White and his wife Sylvie, like many others, have been protesting against oil and gas exploration for years and hope that more people realise what could happen to the ocean if this is not stopped and support them rather than stand against them or turn a blind eye.
After their informative discussion with the crowd, and to bring about good cheer as it was Freedom Day after all, the group welcomed a group of maidens from the KwaMakhutha township to entertain beachgoers with traditional African songs and dances which was enjoyed by all.
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