The funeral of Desmond D'Sa was held on Friday.
Hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to Durban environmentalist Desmond D’sa at his funeral in Wentworth today.
D’Sa, his son Rodney D’Sa, and his sister-in-law Patsy Bishop were killed in a car crash last Thursday.
Speaking after the funeral service, Narend Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said it is a very sad day for the environmental community.
“I worked with Desmond for well over 30 years. We were always in touch, sometimes disagreeing, but most times agreeing that the planet is very important to us, and that the community needs to be protected at all times.
“His death is a great loss and I hope that the SDCEA continues the good work Desmond has done.
“He has left big shoes to fill, but I am sure they will find the right person,” Singh said.
John Peter Narainsamy, chairperson of the KZN Subsistence Fishing Forum, said: “It is sad to say farewell to our late brother.
“He was the backbone, fighting for the poor, vulnerable fisherfolk, and ensured they were able to fish, which was their livelihood.
“Desmond fought with the department of fisheries to get free fishing permits for the poor subsistence fishermen.
“He also fought for a review of the bag limits, as fisherfolk were using subsistence fishing to feed their families and earn a living.
“We are grateful for all the hard work that he did,” Narainsamy added.