Latest news with #GoldmanEnvironmentalPrize
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Desmond D'sa: 'The day Mandela listened and acted'
Environmental activist Desmond D'sa remembers Mandela not just as a leader, but as a listener, who turned concern into change at the gates of a a refinery. Image: Picture: Independent Media Every year on July 18, the world pauses to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela , a man whose values of justice, compassion, and service continue to inspire millions. Mandela Day is not just a tribute, but a call to action: to dedicate 67 minutes, one for each year he spent fighting for social justice, to making the world a better place. For many South Africans, however, Mandela's legacy is not confined to global campaigns or symbolic gestures. It lives in personal stories, unforgettable moments, and acts of leadership that empowered ordinary people. One such moment belongs to Desmond D'Sa, environmental justice activist, coordinator of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), who won the 2014 Goldman Environmental Prize for Africa. In 1995, just a year into South Africa's democracy, D'Sa and the South Durban communities of Wentworth, Merebank, and the Bluff found themselves at a crossroads. News had broken that President Mandela was coming to the area to open an expansion programme at the Engen oil refinery, a facility long accused of endangering the health of residents through unchecked pollution. ''The people were angry because a lot of people at that time already knew that their families were getting sick with all the high levels of toxins being emitted from the refinery. 'We got wind that Mandela was coming to South Durban to open up the engine, an expansion programme at the Engen refinery,' said D'Sa. 'And we had been challenging Engen for many years to clean up, to reduce their pollution.' But as with many state-linked industrial operations of the time, access was tightly controlled. 'We found that the refinery was under the National Key Point Act. They wouldn't allow us near the gates, and they wouldn't allow us to enter the premises or even to have a tour meeting with them,' he said. Desmond D'Sa and community members honor Nelson Mandela's legacy, championing clean environment as a human right. Image: Picture: Supplied Still, the people of South Durban saw Mandela's visit as a rare opportunity to raise their voices. Volunteers went door to door, mobilising residents not to protest against Mandela, but to meet him, and to highlight our concerns about the engine refinery when Mandela comes past. 'They understood that there was an opportunity and they didn't want to miss it,' said D'Sa. ''More importantly, the statesmen of Mandela wanted to see him, and to see if he would react and welcome the local communities for decades of high levels of pollution that would be emitted from the refinery. That's how Mandela gave everyone an opportunity to speak.'' And Mandela did react. When the presidential motorcade arrived and security forces lifted their rifles to block the crowd, D'Sa recalled a moment that still moves him. 'Mandela told them to leave with their rifles and stand aside. That showed how he commanded and the authority he had, even on the police and the military at that time.' Far from brushing off the community's concerns, Mandela stopped, greeted residents personally, and listened to what they had to say. 'Ordinary people took centre stage with him and he greeted and shook everybody's hand,' D'Sa says. 'He wanted to hear what we wanted out of the meeting with him.' D'Sa remembers running with others down Tara Road, Durban, to meet Mandela, to see the man who had sacrificed so much of his life in prison. Moreover, D'Sa said what the community wanted was simple: a meeting. Desmond D'Sa remembers Mandela as a humanitarian ,a true champion for justice and the environment. Image: Picture : Supplied 'We said, Mr President, all we wanted was a meeting with you to bring our concerns to you and that we wanted a meeting for you to set up with your cabinet so we can discuss the high levels of pollution that people were affected with in South Durban.'' D'Sa and his team requested a meeting with Mandela and his cabinet. To D'Sa's amazement, Mandela acted immediately. 'It was really a joy. I sat for many hours with Mandela on a Friday night, having supper with him, but also him listening to what I had to say about the impact that the Engen refinery had on people,' he said. Mandela didn't just listen. He acted. 'While I was sitting with him, it was a joy to see and hear that he could command and call all the ministers that were involved, Dawie de Villiers, Bantu Holomisa, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Pik Botha, including the Engen management, to come to a meeting on Tuesday at his home in Morningside. ''We would all meet together and sit at the table to find a solution to the ongoing problem of environmental injustices.' D'Sa highlighted the significance of Mandela's commitment in involving the cabinet, as well as the health and environmental sectors, in their efforts. He explained that this involvement was crucial because it showed them the importance of participating actively and contributing their knowledge and experiences to the conversations. 'We knew that we had to participate, we had to bring our knowledge and our experiences to the discussions.' [email protected] IOL Politics
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Activist exposes international scandal after calling attention to seemingly innocent shipments: 'We ... have the right'
Tunisian environmental activist Semia Labidi Gharbi has spent several years exposing a major waste scandal in which wealthy nations were caught dumping hazardous materials in her country, and recently won a global award for her efforts. As NBC Right Now reported, Gharbi has devoted the past 25 years to environmental advocacy; however, since 2020, most of her time has been spent on a single important task: halting shipments of toxic waste from Italy and other countries. That year, customs officials discovered more than 280 containers at a local port that supposedly held recyclable plastic scrap, but upon further inspection, they were found to contain banned hazardous waste materials. Gharbi was one of the first to call attention to the attempted scandal. In late April, she was one of seven activists awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize, also known as the "Green Nobel," for her help in preventing a potential ecological and health disaster. Gharbi's undercover work ultimately led to Italy being forced to return its waste in 2022 and prompted the launch of a campaign to challenge waste trafficking between Italy and Tunisia. The Goldman committee informed the news outlet that Italy had to reclaim over 6,600 tons of illegal household waste due to Gharbi's grassroots activism. "It's true, we are developing countries," Gharbi said in an interview with AFP, per NBC. "But we are not a dumping ground." The scandal had a nationwide impact in Tunisia, leading to the arrest of high-ranking officials. Mustapha Aroui, the former environmental minister, was fired and sentenced to three years in prison. In total, 26 people, including customs officials, were charged with crimes. Overall, the ordeal spurred positive changes in Gharbi's home country and abroad. The Goldman committee stated that the incident prompted the European Union to strengthen regulations for waste shipments overseas, which will lead to improved health for people and the environment. Gharbi said she hopes the award will encourage more Tunisian citizens to get involved with activism and raise awareness about the importance of environmental health. She regularly collaborates with environmental groups across Africa, who view the achievement as a win for them as well. The more people speak out against environmental crimes, the greater the chances authorities have of stopping them and protecting our shared planet. Sadly, poor and developing nations often bear the brunt of the world's plastic use and waste generation. According to an analysis by the International Pollutants Elimination Network, plastic waste exports from wealthy nations in the EU, as well as Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to low-income countries were significantly underestimated by nearly two million tons annually. And that's just plastic; e-waste, chemical waste, and industrial waste also add to the injustices of "waste colonialism," as some experts have called it. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. However, some efforts are underway to curb this practice. As the Hill reported, an amendment to the Basel Convention — an international treaty designed to regulate the global movement of hazardous waste and its disposal — prevents wealthier nations from sending hard-to-recycle or contaminated plastics to developing countries overseas. Additionally, the United Nations is moving forward with the global plastics treaty announced in 2022. Once the treaty is finalized, it will have far-reaching impacts on the environment and public health. However, in the meantime, it's crucial to implement more effective waste management strategies so that developing nations don't have to suffer the consequences of inaction. "What is toxic for developed countries is toxic for us too," Gharbi said. "We also have the right to live in a healthy environment." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Arabian Post
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Arabian Post
Soweto Communities Demand Swift Action on Green Energy Transition
A community-led dialogue in Soweto has intensified calls for a people-first approach to South Africa's energy transition, as environmental activists and residents urge the government to prioritise frontline communities in climate policy decisions. Held at the Soweto Career Centre on 27 May to mark Africa Day, the 'Scamtho' event—organised by Earthlife Africa Johannesburg—brought together over 100 participants from local organisations. The gathering served as a platform for residents to voice concerns about the environmental and health impacts of fossil fuel dependency and to advocate for a just transition that centres on inclusive economic development. Ulrich Steenkamp, Programmes Officer at Earthlife Africa, emphasised the need to amplify the voices of those most affected by fossil fuel extraction. 'The purpose of the event is to put more emphasis on the need to place frontline communities at the centre of climate action and amplify community voices who are directly affected by fossil fuel extraction and the economic gap,' he stated. ADVERTISEMENT Speakers highlighted the disproportionate burden borne by communities exposed to pollution and environmental degradation. Mme Martha Mokate from the Soweto Electricity Crisis Community stressed the importance of community-led planning and participation in local government activities to prepare for the just transition. 'We must move away from fossil fuel energy because it causes pollution and ultimately climate change,' she asserted. The dialogue underscored the necessity of creating decent job opportunities that benefit local communities. Thabisile Mashinini of the New Church NPO remarked, 'It is critical that we address climate change, promote social justice and inclusivity. This is why we want a just transition because it involves greening the economy in an inclusive manner by creating decent job opportunities which benefit local communities and leave no one behind.' Dumazile Ntsele, also from the New Church NPO, highlighted the broader implications of the transition. 'The fight against climate change is one of the main challenges facing the planet today. The impact of extraction in our continent is environmental damage, climate change and extreme health risks, which affect many of our communities. The just transition will ensure that the shift to a green economy benefits African nations,' she noted. Earthlife Africa has a longstanding history of environmental advocacy in South Africa. The organisation gained prominence for its role in halting a controversial nuclear deal between South Africa and Russia in 2017, a victory that earned its director, Makoma Lekalakala, the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2018. Earthlife Africa continues to champion community involvement in environmental decision-making processes.
Daily Maverick
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Makhanda High Court orders immediate halt to illegal Wild Coast building
The court order follows an April 2023 knobkerrie assault on activist and Goldman Prize winner Nonhle Mbuthuma and fellow women residents while attempting to halt building work inside the protected coastal zone. Two years after a group of women were allegedly assaulted on a Wild Coast beach, the high court has granted an interdict which bars the construction of any further illegal structures along this protected environmental landscape. In a ruling earlier this month, the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Makhanda ordered that local resident Nero Dlamini (or his agents or contractors) be restrained and interdicted from constructing any new buildings within 1km of the sea near Sigidi village. The order, granted on 8 May 2025 by Acting Judge V Sangoni, follows a heated confrontation about the erection of illegal structures close to the beach almost two years ago. Local activist Nonhle Mbuthuma (joint winner of the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize) and fellow women residents were allegedly beaten with knobkerries while attempting to halt building work on a new structure inside the protected coastal zone in April 2023. Mbuthuma has played a central role in opposing plans for dune mining and a new toll road along this northern section of the Wild Coast. Shortly after the confrontation, Mbuthuma secured a Rule Nisi (interim interdict) from the high court to prevent further building close to the beach at Sigidi that was in conflict with Transkei Environmental Conservation Decree 9 (which prohibits construction of any buildings without a special permit). In the most recent ruling, the court also ordered Dlamini to rehabilitate any cleared land. The Sheriff of the Court was also directed to dismantle any illegal structures, with the assistance of the SA Police Service if required. Though the application was opposed, Dlamini and his legal representatives did not appear at the latest hearing. DM
Arab News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
‘No dumping ground': Tunisia activist wins award over waste scandal
TUNIS: Tunisian environmentalist Semia Labidi Gharbi, awarded a global prize for her role exposing a major waste scandal, has a message for wealthy nations: developing countries are 'no dumping ground.' Gharbi was among the first to speak out when Italy shipped more than 280 containers of waste to the North African country in 2020. The cargo was initially labelled as recyclable plastic scrap, but customs officials found hazardous household waste — banned under Tunisian law. 'It's true, we are developing countries,' Gharbi said in an interview with AFP. 'But we are not a dumping ground.' The 57-year-old was among seven environmentalists from different countries handed this year's Goldman Environmental Prize — commonly known as the 'Green Nobel' — in California last week. "The environment knows no boundaries or political borders." Semia Gharbi, 2025 #GoldmanPrize winner from Tunisia, shares a powerful message at the Goldman Environmental Prize ceremony. Learn more about her work as an environmental leader: — The Goldman Environmental Prize (@goldmanprize) April 30, 2025 The Goldman committee said her grassroots activism helped force Italy to take the waste back in February 2022. Gharbi 'helped spearhead a campaign that challenged a corrupt waste trafficking scheme between Italy and Tunisia,' the Goldman committee said. And her endeavours ultimately led to the return of 6,000 tons of 'illegally exported household waste back to Italy,' the US-based organization added. The scandal took on national proportions in Tunisia and saw the sacking of then environment minister Mustapha Aroui, who was sentenced to three years in prison. A total of 26 people, including customs officials, were prosecuted. Yet the waste remained at the port of Sousse for more than two years, with Tunisian rights groups criticizing the authorities' inaction as Italy failed to meet deadlines to take it back. Global waste trade often sees industrialized nations offload rubbish in poorer countries with limited means to handle it. 'What is toxic for developed countries is toxic for us too,' said Gharbi. 'We also have the right to live in a healthy environment.' She added that while richer countries can manage their own waste, developing ones like Tunisia have 'limited capacity.' The Goldman committee said Gharbi's campaigning helped drive reforms in the European Union. 'Her efforts spurred policy shifts within the EU, which has now tightened its procedures and regulations for waste shipments abroad,' it said. Gharbi, who has spent 25 years campaigning on environmental threats to health, said she never set out to turn the scandal into a symbol. 'But now that it has become one, so much the better,' she said with a smile. She hopes the award will raise the profile of Tunisian civil society, and said groups she works with across Africa see the recognition as their own. 'The prize is theirs too,' she said, adding it would help amplify advocacy and 'convey messages.'
