South Durban Community Environmental Alliance

South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) is an environmental justice organisation based in South Durban. It is made up of 16 affiliate organisations and it has been actively fighting toxic industries since its formation in 1995.

SDCEA has been organizing for over 21 years against oil refineries, paper mills, and other toxic industries in Durban in order to contribute to the struggle against environmental racism and to works towards environmental justice and environmental health.

SDCEA believes that everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing. It is working to protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation, promote conservation, and secures ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources, all while promoting justifiable economic and social development. Strategies include:

• Holding regular workshops to create awareness in the community on health issues, climate change, energy, air quality, water, and recycling.
• Organizing petitions, protests, and marches to highlight the toxic environment in the Durban area and the various violations of the community’s right to a clean and safe environment.
• Organizing beach clean-ups and other projects, as well as school projects engaging youth and women.
• Running toxic tours to raise awareness about the situation in South Durban.
• Coordinating the Bucket Brigade, a community air monitoring program.

Learn more about SDCEA’s work on our blog.