2022

11 November 2022- Oil and Gas Exploration Awareness March

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) hosted a March on the 11 November 2022 from Suncoast Casino Promenade to Wedge Beach for the African Peoples Counter COP 2022. The march focused on the many challenges that the climate faces which include Oil and Gas exploration, all forms of pollution and the need of fossil fuels. The march was attended by over 450 people from all backgrounds with the intention to protect our beautiful oceans. The purpose of the awareness march was to educate the associated risks of oil and gas exploration in our ocean, the impact on our marine life and the livelihood of all those fisherfolk who rely on the ocean for their survival.

02 December 2022- Sasol Action

SDCEA hosted a day of action in regards to the Sasol AGM being held in Johannesburg. 50 fisherfolks attended the picket and beach clean-up at Blue Lagoon.

 

07 December 2022- Total Action

We at the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) have observed a national picket around the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline. We picketed against the TOTALDestruction of our oceans in the coast of South Africa, in solidarity with small scale fishers within coastal communities whose livelihoods are most at risk from the potential negative impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration and production (such as major oil spills). The picket were held at the following areas:

–              Kingsway TotalEnergies Garage

–              Umdloti Beach and TotalEnergies Garage

–              Snake Park Beach Promenade

–              Umkomaas Beach

–              Rossburgh TotalEnergies Garage

2023

01 February 2023- Grunter Gully Meeting

Fisherfolks from Clairwood and surrounding areas who fish at grunter Gully were invited to a meeting at Y. A. S. Temple Hall. The meeting was held to update fisherfolks on the progress that was made with Transnet regarding the area. SDCEA is going to cut the grass, cement the area, put up a fence and get a security for the area. Topics discussed were appointing a committee, maintenance, housekeeping and issues faced at Grunter Gully.

 

09 February 2023- Fisherfolks Survey meeting with researchers and Kira Erwin

Urban Futures hosted a few SDCEA staff, fishermen and researchers at Coastlands Musgrave. The meeting was to update researchers on background information of fisherfolks and what is needed by them to conduct their survey for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE). DFFE require this information to determine exactly how many subsistence fisherfolks are located in the Durban area. By doing so, they will determine if a Subsistence Fisherfolk Policy is required or if subsistence fishers should join a co- operative.

 

11 February 2023- KZNSFF Meeting in Phoenix

SDCEA and the KZNSFF hosted a fisherfolks meeting at the Greenbury Community Hall in Phoenix. Matters discussed were: a report back on UPL toxic leak, the Subsistence Fisherfolk Policy, beach closure, access to fishing piers and beaches, marine protected areas and the current electricity crisis. There were many concerns and struggles by the participants.

 

21 February 2023- Preparation to the Climate Change Bill Hearing in Richard’s Bay

SDCEA hosted a workshop with communities’ members to educate them on the Climate Change Bill. Attendees were from Richard’s Bay and surrounding areas. Shanice Firmin presented to the 30 people who attended about the importance of the bill, the legislative, guidelines for making submissions or written comments and how to make oral presentations.

 

24 February 2023- No Russian Wargames in our water March.

Right 2 Know, The Durban Coalition of the Poor and SDCEA hosted a protest against the Russian Wargames drills that are planned to take place in our oceans. The march started at BAT Centre and ended at Wilson’s Wharf. About 250 people attended the march to show their support.

 

27 February 2023- Preparation to the Climate Change Bill Hearing and Upstream Petroleum Resource Development in Durban

SDCEA hosted a workshop with communities’ members to educate them on the Climate Change Bill and the Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill. There were about 60 people who attended. Shanice spoke about the importance of the bill, the legislative, guidelines for making submissions or written comments and how to make oral presentations. Janeira presented about the Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill, indicating the weaknesses and what’s the implications will be if the bill is passed.

09 March 2023- Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill Preparation

SDCEA hosted an Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill Preparation meeting in Richards Bay. The meeting was held at the Blue Marlin Hotel with 30 participates from surrounding communities. Priyanka Naidoo from Natural Justice, Janeira Reddy and Tanica Naidoo presented to the attendees at the meeting. The following were on the agenda: – Public participation, Democracy and Participation, Just Transition, Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill and Problems with the Bill. The participants were very interactive and learnt how the bill will affect them. At the end, the participants were asked complete a written submission as to what is wrong with the Bill and how it will affect them if the Bill is passed. These written submissions were then handed in at UPRD Bill Hearing in Gamalakhe, Ugu Municipality.

 

10 March 2023- Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill Hearing in Gamalakhe, Ugu Municipality

The Parliament Committee hosted the Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill Hearing as part of their public participation. The meeting was held in ZG Hall, Gamalakhe. Some of SDCEA staff members attended this hearing as well as presented in front of the committee. There were lots of speakers who rejected the Bill and a few people who approved it. The presenters that approved the Bill spoke about “ 31. (1) Every petroleum right must have a minimum of 10 percent undivided participating intertest by black people”. Those participants were wrongly informed with the information thinking that they will benefit from the Bill. There were only about 16 people who presented before the meeting was concluded.

12 March 2023- Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill Hearing in Westville, eThekwini Municipality

The Parliament Committee hosted the Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill Hearing as part of their public participation. The meeting was held in Westville Civic Centre, eThekwini Municipality. Some of SDCEA staff members attended this hearing as well as presented in front of the committee. The majority of the speakers rejected the Bill with valid points as to how it will affect their livelihoods.

24 March 2023- Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill Meeting at The Lions Club, Ramsgate

The Parliament Committee have given till the 31 May 2023 for comments on the UPRD Bill. SDCEA hosted a meeting to inform and educate the communities in and around Ramsgate about the bill and what will occur if the bill is passed. We had participants from Port Edward, Port Shepstone, etc who attended. All participants were very eager to learn and very interactive. Participants were given comment sheets in which they were allowed to indicate how the bill will affect them. The comment sheets will then be sent off to the portfolio comments as part of the public participation.

 

28 March 2023- KZNSFF Meeting in Umzinto

SDCEA together with the KZNSFF hosted a Fisherfolks meeting at the Umzinto Town Hall. There were 53 participants in attendants from Umzinto and surrounding areas (Kelso, Ocean View, Umkomaas and Park Rynie). Mvuzo welcomed the guest and introduced the officials that were present. JP presented about the Subsistence Fishing Policy, Marine Protected Areas, Quotas and about the sewage leakage. Janeira presented the Upstream Petroleum Resource Development Bill and the Fishing Mentorship. Once presentations were done, we took questions and concerns from the participants. The meeting was very interactive and well presented. Participants were interactive and had lots of inputs to contribute.

12 April 2023- No to Oil and Gas Exploration Picket

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) along with activist from the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline picketed against Oil and Gas Exploration in our oceans. Many corporations such as Shell, SASOL, ENI, Total Energies are flocking to our South African coastline to explore for oil and gas along. The impacts for this are immense and affect not only the marine life but fisherfolk who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, surfers, swimmers, traditional healers, and all ocean lovers and users.

On Wednesday, 12 April 2023, SDCEA stood in solidarity with subsistence fishers and small-scale fishers within coastal communities whose livelihoods are most at risk from the potential negative impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration and production. Multi location Pickets were held at Westbrook Beach, Snake Park Beach, Cuttings Beach, Amanzimtoti Beach, Umgababa Beach, Umkomaas Beach and Rocky Bay to say no to oil and gas exploration, no to fossil fuels, no to fish kill and yes to clean healthy oceans.

22 April 2022- KZNSFF Meeting in Verulam

SDCEA together with the KZNSFF hosted a Fisherfolks meeting at the Mountview Civic Centre in Verulam. There were under 20 people in attendance. Attendance were very low but the information from participants were powerful. JP presented the Subsistence Fishing Policy, Marine Protected Areas, Quotas and about the sewage leakage to the attendees.

Once presentations were done, we took questions and concerns from the participants. Fisherfolks of Verulam had lots to say and KZNSFF and SDCEA hope to try and help them were possible. Meeting was successfully as we learnt a lot and are now aware of the issues occurring in Umhloti.

24 & 25 April 2023- KwaZulu- Natal Provincial Fisher Forum Meeting

The KwaZulu-Natal Subsistence Fisherfolk Forum (KZNSFF), in partnerships with SDCEA and

the Urban Futures Centre held a 2-day workshop on the 24th and 25th of April 2023. The

workshop was held at the Coastlands Hotel and Conference Venue in Musgrave, Durban, with approximately forty people in attendance over the two-day period. Participants included small-scale fishers (SSFs) from local communities, subsistence fishers who have not been recognised as SSFs, civil society and university researchers (who only joined the fishers on the second day). Fishers came from various KwaZulu-Natal areas, including Richards Bay, Tugela, Phoenix, Verulam, Chatsworth, Merebank, Umgababa, Umkomaas, Sezela and Umtwalume. The workshop was organized to discuss the protection of rights and safeguarding of livelihoods of subsistence and small-scale fishers in KwaZulu-Natal.

 

28 April 2023- Grunter Gully Grand Opening

The Grunter Gully Grand Opening event marked the beginning of a new journey for the Subsistence Fisherfolks in KZN. The fishing spot had been closed for many years but with the approval from Transnet, SDCEA and KZNSFF were given the opportunity to make environment clean and safe for fishers. The Grand Opening was on the 28th April 2023 with 200 Subsistence Fisherfolks in attendance.

It was a time for celebration and excitement, as the various community members, fisherfolk, KZN Subsistence Fishers and special guests from companies who assisted with the development of the Grunter Gully area. Staff of SDCEA and the KZNSFF showcased their hard work and dedication to creating a successful journey for the fishers. The grand opening was headlined by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches by dignitaries and business leaders and a well needed engagement with the communities of South Durban. The goal was to create a positive first impression and generate a strong movement to protect the area of Grunter Gully. This was a well-planned grand opening which set the tone for future success, establishing a strong brand identity and signalling to the public that the business is ready to serve and satisfy their needs.

05 -07 June 2023- National Oil and Gas Conference

In an effort to keep the momentum and pressure on these industries and understanding that this fight is part of a bigger battle, SDCEA hosted a National Oil and Gas Conference from the 5th June – 6th June 2023 at the Pavilion Hotel in Durban. The two-day conference comprised of almost 200 attendees from environmental organisations who came together with activists, ocean lovers, researchers, legal advisers and fishers from as far as Port Nolloth on the west coast of South Africa to Hluhluwe on the east coast of South Africa in solidarity against oil and gas exploration. The two-day workshop came about due to the urgent need for a strategy planning session to take place in person so that when exploration companies returns or any other corporation, we are united in our response, proactive in our approach and effective in our mobilisation.

On the third day, SDCEA hosted an oil and gas exploration awareness rally on the Durban Promenade to educate people about the associated risks of oil and gas exploration in our ocean, the impact on our marine life and the livelihood of people who rely on the ocean for their survival. The awareness rally consisted of about 600 concerned citizens who have been struggling for a transition from oil and gas to renewables.

16 June 2023- Fishing Mentorship Program- Wentworth

The first SDCEA fishing mentorship programme was held in Austerville hall and Ansteys Beach for the youth of Wentworth. The aim was to equip disadvantaged and underprivileged youth with the theoretical and practical knowledge of how-to fish. They were given the necessary equipment like fishing rods, reels and tackle boxes and were shown how to assemble it and cast. John- Peter Narayanasamy (JP) and Logan Perumal from the KZNSFF headed the programme. They believe strongly in the saying ‘If we give you a fish, we feed you for a day. But if we teach you how to fish, then we feed you for life’.

04 July 2023- Beach Clean Up and No to Oil and Gas Exploration Picket

On Tuesday, 04 June 2023, The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) together with local fisherfolks and members of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Subsistence Fisherfolks Forum (KZNSFF) took the initiative to clean up the beaches across the KZN coastline to demonstrate their commitment to environmental conservation and the well-being of their communities. Cleaning beaches is crucial for preserving the beauty of the coastline and protecting marine life. By participating in these beach clean- ups, fisherfolks are contributing to the preservation of the beaches while maintaining natural habitats and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone to enjoy.

After the beach clean- up, fisherfolks picketed against Oil and Gas Exploration in our oceans. Many corporations such as Shell, SASOL, ENI, Total Energies are flocking to our South African coastline to explore for oil and gas along. The impacts for this are immense and affect not only the marine life but fisherfolk who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, surfers, swimmers, traditional healers, and all ocean lovers and users. The multi-location beach clean-up and picket were held at Blue Lagoon, Umhloti Beach, Westbrooke Beach and Umkomaas Beach.

19 July 2023- KZNSFF Fisherfolks Meeting at Diakonia Centre, Durban Central

SDCEA together with the KZNSFF hosted a Fisherfolks meeting at Diakonia Centre in Durban Central. The attendance of fisherfolks were not great with only 11 people in attendance. We went ahead with the meeting to accommodate the participants who made the effort to attend. Desmond D’Sa summarised what we do at SDCEA and how the KZNSFF is affiliated to us. He also spoke about how far we have come since the KZNSFF started in 2003. John Peter, Chairperson of the KZNSFF presented the fight for the Subsistence Fishing Policy, Small Scale Fishing Policy, Quotas and Marine Protected Areas. The outcome from the meeting was to meet with Transnet to discuss the North and South Piers for fisherfolks, to host a mass fisherfolks meeting and to mobilise more subsistence fisherfolks from KZN who are unaware of the forum.

 

29 July 2023- Cuttings Fishing Forum Fishing Mentorship

Cuttings Fishing Forum hosted their annual event in Merebank on Saturday, 29 July 2023. The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) sponsored the participants with 20 rods, 20 reels and 20 tackle boxes to assist in the fishing mentorship program. There were approximately 50 youth in attendance, all wanting to learn the basic knowledge about fishing. The mentorship is to inspire the youth to fish and to put food on the table as the unemployment rate is increasing drastically in South Africa.

 

29 July 223- KZNSFF Fisherfolks Meeting in Chatsworth

SDCEA together with the KZNSFF hosted a Fisherfolks meeting at Montford Hall in Chatsworth. There were approximately 50 fisherfolks in attendance.  John Peter and Desmond D’sa discussed the following matters: Subsistence Fishing Forum, Small Scale fishing policy, marine protected areas, quota system, grunter gully, Transnet permits, ocean destruction, beach front piers and fishing mentorship.

18 August 2023- Break The BRICS Conference

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) as led a movement in opposition to the influence of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) within Durban, South Africa. The Break The BRICS conference reflected concerns about the potential impacts of BRICS initiatives on local communities, economic structures, and social dynamics. BRICS is said to bring economic opportunities but it could also exacerbate existing inequalities, lead to resource exploitation, and prioritize large-scale infrastructure projects over community needs.

Break The BRICS Conference was held on the 18 August 2023 at the Unite Conference Centre in UKZN Howard Campus. The conference consisted of about 100 participants from around KwaZulu Natal who were in support of the Break The BRICS campaign. The Speakers for the evening were Katya Fedkina, Dr Dale McKinley, Crispin Hemson and Desmond D’Sa. Katya Fedkina from the Ukrainian Association of South Africa presented on the impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on the African continent. Dr Dale McKinley, a political activist presented on the impacts of BRICS on South Africa. Crispin Hemson discussed BRICS as a whole and Desmond D’Sa discussed solidarity. The event was successful as it led up to the Break The BRICS march.

 

23 August 2023- Break The BRICS March

While global leaders were gathering in Gauteng for the BRICS Summit, The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) hosted a Break the BRICS march in Durban, KwaZulu Natal.  The Break The BRICS march took place on the 23 August 2023 in Durban from Speakers Corner to the Indian Consulate. There were almost 400 people standing for environmental justice and human rights for all. The march was intended to the Indian Consulate due to Indian companies affecting local communities’ lives. Jindal Mines intend to relocate thousands of homes to make way for an open cast iron ore mine and United Phosphorus Limited (UPL) has poisoned the air, soil, river and beaches of surrounding communities.

Through awareness campaigns and community mobilization, SDCEA are striving to shape a dialogue that considers the disadvantages of South Africa’s involvement with BRICS. The SDCEA believes that Africa’s survival is largely at the mercy of climate change. Climate change is driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions, in which is fuelled by South Africa and other BRICS countries that continue to rely on and supply their Northern counterparts with dirty, non- renewable sources of energy, or the products created from dirty energy.

The march was to highlight the dangers of BRICS, the invasion of Ukraine most BRICS leaders are tacitly supporting, the underdevelopment caused by Jindal mine, the irresponsibility of UPL, and the ongoing struggle for environmental justice and human rights for the poor and marginalized people who continue to suffer. The SDCEA intended on delivering a memorandum to the Indian Consulate but when we were a few metres away, we were stopped by police saying no one was available to take the memorandum.

05 September 2023- Oil and Gas/ Water Testing Meeting

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) hosted an Oil and Gas/ and Water Testing Workshop at Diakonia Conference Centre. The event had about 90 participants from different areas in KwaZulu Natal such as fisherfolks, traditional healers and community members.  The aim of the workshop was to educate participants on the impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration as well as learning how to test water in their areas. Janeira Reddy presented on how seismic surveys can affect one’s livelihoods and impact the ocean. Jonathan Erasmus from Water CAN provided that basic knowledge and technique required to take water samples. Water Testing Kits were provided to participants from different areas to take back with them to sample their water source. The Water Testing Kits test for E-Coli, pH and bad bacteria in the water. The participants were excited to learn a new skill and to be part of the program.

09 September 2023- The Block Fisherfolks Gathering

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) were called by The Green Net in Port Shepstone to assist with a proposed dam on the Mzimkhulu River. Interested and affected parties joined the conversation in discussing the history of the river and the negative effects the dam will have on the people downstream. We handed out 2 water testing kits from WaterCAN to members who are located close to the river to sample and test the river. The participants requested for SDCEA to educate them on public participation regarding the prevention of the dam.

19 September 2023- #PhasingOutFossilFuels March

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) together with almost 400 people from around Kwa -Zulu Natal marched for an end to the era of fossil fuels devastating our climate and worsening inequality. We are calling for PHASING OUT FOSSIL FUELS to protect our health, our climate and ultimately our existence. The harms caused by negative impacts of fossil fuels fall hardest on the poor and the marginalized people along the entire value chain from extraction to combustion.

We took to the streets to demand a just transition bringing a rapid and equitable end to coal, oil and gas. An equitable transition must respect nature and the sovereign rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

We need transformative action now. A rapid and just transition to a socially owned, renewable energy powered economy, providing clean, safe and affordable energy for all, with no worker and community left behind in the transition. We need our government to support socially owned renewable energy systems at a local level.

We marched from The Durban City Hall to the Department of Minerals Resource and Energy (DMRE). We were fortunate enough to get the Regional Manager and Principal Inspector of Mines (PIOM) to receive the memorandum as well as sign it.

10 October 2023- TotalEnergies Picket

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) along with activist from the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline picketed against TotalEnergies Oil and Gas Exploration in our oceans. Civil society and fisherfolks expressed their shock and horror after Fisheries, Forestry and Environmental Affairs Minister Barbara Creecy gave permission for TotalEnergies to sink holes in the sea between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas as part of a search for oil and gas.

On Tuesday, 10 October 2023, SDCEA stood in solidarity with subsistence fishers and small-scale fishers within coastal communities whose livelihoods are most at risk from the potential negative impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration and production.

Multi location Pickets were held at Cuttings Beach, Amanzimtoti Beach, Umgababa Beach, Blue Lagoon, Umhlanga Beach and Kingway Total Garage to say no to oil and gas exploration, no to fossil fuels, no to fish kill and yes to clean healthy oceans.