ANC pays tribute to renowned climate activist Desmond D’Sa following fatal car crash - IOL

Desmond D'Sa, who spearheaded the fight against environmental injustices in the Durban South region.

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has paid tribute to renowned activist and Goldman Environmental Prize laureate Desmond D’Sa, hailing him as a “fallen son of the soil” who dedicated his life to championing social equality, decent housing, and climate justice.

D’Sa died in an accident, alongside his son and sister-in-law, on Thursday.

D’Sa, best known for his leadership of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), was a towering grassroots figure who took on corporate polluters and fought tirelessly for communities in Merebank, Wentworth, Bluff, and Austerville.

In its statement, the ANC reflected on D’Sa’s deep political and civic roots, recalling his early democratic candidacy as an ANC councillor and his principled oversight as chair of the project steering committee for Wentworth flat renovations.

However, it was his fearless advocacy against environmental degradation that earned him international prominence. The party noted that D’Sa firmly established that “environmental justice is inseparable from social justice,” constantly reminding leaders that families cannot thrive in homes surrounded by toxic industrial emissions.

The tragedy comes against the backdrop of an intensifying climate emergency across the province. Reflecting on D’Sa’s legacy, the ANC highlighted his early warnings regarding global warming, pointing to the catastrophic April 2022 eThekwini floods — which claimed over 450 lives — as a stark reminder of the escalating dangers facing coastal communities. With regional temperatures warming at double the global average and severe rainfall projected to rise sharply over the coming decades, the party said honouring D’Sa requires urgent, sustainable action to curb global warming and safeguard basic rights to clean air and safe living conditions.

“The pain and loss is multiplied several times by the reported simultaneous loss of his son and sister-in-law,” the ANC said, extending condolences to D’Sa’s family, friends, and the SDCEA network.

“Rest in power, Cde Des. The struggle for climate justice and a better life for all continues.”