Centre for Environmental Rights – Advancing Environmental Rights in South Africa

Every year, the Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded to grassroots environmental heroes from Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America, who, often at great personal risk, have made sustained and significant efforts to protect the environment.

This year, Desmond D’Sa, Coordinator of the environmental justice organisation South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) has been recognised as one of these heroes. He was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for Outstanding Environmental Achievement in Africa on 28 April 2014.

Desmond D’ Sa, SDCEA Coordinator

A passionate and outspoken activist, Des has fought – and continues to fight – tirelessly to defend the rights of the poor who are worst affected by environmental injustices.

SDCEA advocates for better air quality in the highly-industrialised South Durban, and reports and  researches the frequent industrial incidents and accidents in the area. Currently, SDCEA is opposing the proposal to expand the Durban port, on the basis that, in addition to its other negative impacts, it will displace thousands of South Durban residents.

The Goldman award highlights SDCEA’s 2011 struggle and victory in getting Wasteman’s Bulbul Drive toxic landfill site, which was exposing residents to dangerous chemicals, shut down.

Congratulations from all of us at the CER, Des. We salute you and your unfailing commitment to environmental justice and environmental rights for all.