“We are still trying to comprehend the depth of our grief,” says family of Desmond D’Sa

Desmond D’Sa, the founder of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), was killed in a car crash on Thursday.

The family of Durban environmentalist Desmond D’Sa said they were still trying to comprehend the depth of their grief after D’Sa, his son Rodney D’Sa, and sister-in-law Patsy Bishop died in a car crash on Thursday.

D’Sa was travelling from his home in Umzinto, and he was due to head a protest at the Eskom offices in Durban when a trailer reportedly came loose from a tractor and crashed into their vehicle on the R106. 

In a statement on Saturday, his family said: “To our community, friends, colleagues, and all who have reached out with love and support. We are heartbroken beyond words by the tragic loss of our beloved Dr Desmond D’Sa, his son Rodney D’Sa, and sister-in-law Patsy

“In one moment, our family lost three precious lives, and we are still trying to comprehend the depth of this grief. 

“Desmond was many things to many people - a tireless champion for environmental justice, a voice for the voiceless, and a man of extraordinary courage.

“But to us, he was simply our father, brother, uncle, and anchor. 

“His fierce love for his family was the foundation of everything he did.

Rodney was taken from us far too soon, and our sister-in-law’s loss has left another profound void in our hearts.

“We thank the SDCEA, emergency services, neighbours, friends, and people from across the world who have stood with us during this painful time.

“Your messages of condolences, prayers, and acts of kindness have given us strength we did not know we had.

“Desmond’s legacy of courage and care will live on, but for now, we ask that you hold our family in your thoughts and prayers,” the statement read.

D’Sa was well known for his fearless fight against environmental issues, taking on industry giants who broke environmental laws, putting the lives of residents at risk.

His funeral details are still to be confirmed.