The global environmental justice movement has been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned South African environmental activist, Desmond D’Sa, founder of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA).

D’Sa, his son, Rodney D’Sa, and his sister-in-law died in a road accident early Thursday on the R612 in Umzinto, South Africa.

Local authorities said the vehicle conveying them was involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer.

In a statement, Oilwatch described D’Sa’s death as a profound loss to the environmental justice movement, paying tribute to his decades of advocacy against industrial pollution and corporate environmental abuses.

The statement issued on Sunday, was signed by Miss Kome Odhomor
Oilwatch Communications Officer.

According to the statement, for decades, D’Sa championed the rights of communities affected by industrial pollution, particularly residents of South Durban, where he helped mobilise grassroots resistance against hazardous emissions and environmental degradation.

His commitment to environmental activism was shaped by his experiences as a worker and his exposure to the devastating health consequences of industrial chemicals.

However, a chemical spill near a playground on Hime Street, Wentworth, in 1994 became a defining moment in his activism, prompting him to organise affected residents to document pollution and demand corporate accountability.

Through SDCEA, he empowered communities to monitor air quality, document environmental violations and use evidence-based advocacy to challenge polluting industries.

His influence extended beyond South Africa through collaborations with environmental and human rights organisations, including the Right2Know Campaign, KwaZulu-Natal Subsistence Fisherfolk and the Poor Flatdwellers Movement.

Despite threats to his life, including an assassination attempt in 2001 and the firebombing of his home in 2008, D’Sa remained committed to defending vulnerable communities.

Reacting to his demise, Fatima Dialo of Oilwatch Africa, Senegal, described him as a giant of the social justice movement and a mentor whose courage inspired environmental campaigners.

She said his legacy would endure through the communities he empowered to defend their rights to clean air, safe water and a healthy environment.

Similarly, Noble Wadzah of Oilwatch Ghana described the death as a major blow to the global environmental and social justice community.

Wadzah said D’Sa fought environmental abuses at the grassroots, in the courts and through engagements with those in positions of authority.

Salome Nduta, Coordinator of Oilwatch Africa, said D’Sa’s commitment taught activists that justice was achieved through persistence and collective action.

She urged environmental campaigners to sustain the struggle in honour of his contributions.

Also, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Chair of the Oilwatch Steering Committee, said D’Sa consistently stood with fishermen and communities suffering from industrial pollution, particularly those exposed to toxic emissions.

Bassey described him as a committed comrade who defended oppressed communities despite being a target of intimidation.

“Des was a true brother and comrade. Unforgettable,” he said, adding that the best way to honour his memory was to strengthen the movements he helped build.

He said D’Sa’s courage and commitment to environmental justice would continue to inspire the struggle for the protection of communities and the environment.

Oilwatch said his death marked a major loss to environmental activism but noted that his legacy of community mobilisation, grassroots organising and resistance to corporate pollution would endure.