WATCH: Scenes from crash site where Desmond D’Sa died - IOL

Desmond D'Sa and his two relatives died in a horrific crash this morning.

Tributes have poured in for prominent environmental activist Dr Desmond D'Sa, who dedicated decades of his life to fighting pollution in South Durban.

D'Sa died with his son Rodney D'Sa, and his sister-in-law, when a trailer reportedly broke away from a tractor and crashed into their vehicle on the R106 near Umzinto.

His granddaughter is receiving treatment in hospital.

IOL News visited the scene of the fatal collision on the R612 near Umzinto, KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday morning.

Police had cordoned off the scene, with pieces of the vehicle, a jacket, a pillow and business cards scattered along the roadside.

Dr Brandon Pillay, former Member of Parliament and chairperson of the Bayview Flats Residents Association, said D’Sa’s death was a profound loss to humanity and to all those who believe in justice, equality, and the dignity of our people.

“I met Desmond when I was 18 years old. Our paths crossed through the Concerned Citizens Group and later the Community Citizens Forum, under the leadership and guidance of the late Professor Fatima Meer. 

“Those were formative years that shaped my own journey as a community activist, and Desmond was one of those committed individuals who stood firmly on the front lines of the struggle for social justice and the rights of our communities.

“I will always remember his unwavering presence during significant global moments, including the World Conference Against Racism and the World Summit on Sustainable Development.”

Pillay said Desmond was never one to stand on the sidelines when the rights, dignity, and future of ordinary people were at stake. 

“He believed in speaking out, challenging injustice, and ensuring that the voices of marginalised communities were heard.

“His contribution to the people of Wentworth and the broader South Durban community will remain part of our collective history. His activism was a reminder that meaningful change is driven by ordinary people who possess extraordinary courage, conviction, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others.

“Desmond’s untimely and tragic passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. While we mourn his loss, we must also honour his legacy by continuing the work he dedicated his life to and by remaining steadfast in our pursuit of a more just, equal, and compassionate society,” Pillay added.

The scene where the accident took place.

Selvan Naidoo, director of the 1860 Heritage Centre, said D’Sa was a “people’s champion”.

“He is known for protesting environmental justice issues. He lived in the South Durban Basin area, known as a ‘Cancer Alley’ because of over 300 industrial facilities in the area. 

“To address this he founded the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA). 

“That network has been successful in opposing other polluting sites, and is advocated to prevent expansion of the Port of Durban.

In 2011, his house was firebombed for his advocacy. Raised in the apartheid era, he was inspired to integrate environmental and social justice issues in his activism.

“For his work he received an honorary doctorate from the Durban University of Technology,” Naidoo added.