[DEBATE] : (Fwd) World Environment Day: tonight/tomorrow in S.Durban

[Patrick Bond]

South Durban Community Environmental Alliance
WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY ACTION

In south Durban, living spaces are challenged by refinery, harbor and 
airport emissions, industrial belt pollution and a high density of 
trucking. The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance in 
association with South Durban Basin will engage over 600 youth over the 
5th and 6th of June in an effort to create awareness about the 
multiplicity of issues we face. This is done in the hope that future 
generations will show more care for our vulnerable resource, our planet.

The primary schools will tour various parks and learn about the value of 
open spaces. They will then enjoy presentations by each school and 
receive lunch packs and T-shirts. Desmond D’Sa, SDCEA chairperson, will 
speak to the children and encourage them to better understand their 
surroundings. The high schools will participate in a public speaking 
competition as they deal with deeper issues related to environmental 
justice. Professor Dennis Brutus from the Centre for Civil Society will 
address these youth. Exclusive Books and Adams book stores have 
generously donated books which will be awarded to the winners of the 
Breathing Still Arts Competition on the day. A special environmental 
candle, a puppet show, a large cake and shrubs for each school will add 
to the celebrations.

Members of the public are invited on the evening on the June the 5th at 
6.30pm to the Merebank Community Centre. Bobby Peak, an activist form 
goundWork, will address the people on community rights and 
responsibilities. Jimmy and Lewis, two upcoming rap artists will perform 
their hit single – Pollution! A 70 minute documentary on south Durban 
entitled ‘Beauty and the Beasts’ will be screened as the evenings 
feature attraction. This award winning film deals a lot with real issues 
facing the people in south Durban’s toxic soup. Thereafter refreshments 
will be served.

For more information on World Environmental day activities, please 
contact Darryl or Jo-Ann on 031 4611991.