Spearheaded by Delwyn Pillay on behalf of the Durban Greenpeace Volunteers and the Umbilo River Watch community group, this campaign demanded decisive action to address the devastating pollution of the uMbilo River.

The petition called for implementing national programs like the River Eco-status Monitoring Programme (REMP) and the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan, regular water sampling, and public reporting to ensure transparency and accountability. The uMbilo River, flowing through diverse communities and ecologically significant areas, including Durban’s mangrove reserves, has faced prolonged neglect. Residents, frustrated by inadequate government responses, took matters into their own hands, monitoring and reporting pollution while advocating for justice and river restoration.

Thanks to over 9,400 supporters, this petition gained the attention of key officials. Greenpeace Africa Durban volunteers were invited by Dr. Reggy Cele, Deputy Head of KZN Metros, to participate in panel discussions addressing KwaZulu-Natal’s river pollution. This collaboration marks a significant step toward restoring the uMbilo River and safeguarding its vital ecosystems, proving the power of community-driven action in demanding accountability and change.

Every drop matters—let’s stand together to protect our rivers.