Desmond D’Sa with his wife, Beatrice at the Premier’s Excellence Award held at the Durban ICC on Friday
World-renowned environmental and social justice activist Dr Desmond D'Sa was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Excellence Awards held at the Durban ICC on Friday.
The prestigious honour was presented by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli in recognition of D'Sa's unwavering commitment, outstanding leadership, and dedicated activism in the pursuit of environmental and social justice across the province. The awards specifically recognise public servants and civil stakeholders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty by delivering quality services, driving innovation, and contributing toward building a capable, ethical, and developmental state that responds effectively to community needs.
The high-profile event was attended by more than 1,000 guests, including key figures from government, business, civil society, traditional leadership structures, and the broader community.
Ever the activist accustomed to questioning government policy, D’Sa admitted he was shocked to receive the accolade.
