02
September 2002
Shame
on Shell
Today we marched. We piled into three vans
and drove across Durban to join some local groups in a protest
march and rally outside the gates of the Shell / BP oil refinery
in South Durban. The police were there in force with their
riot gear and guns but they were not needed. These people
are angry, but the march was dignified and peaceful.
 Sounds
from the rally [play] |
This is a struggle that has been going on
for many years. Over 400,000 people live in the communities
adjacent to the refinery. Many are suffering from terrible
health problems as a result of its emissions. They are exposed
to pollution in the air, water and soil.
The refinery has been there since the 1950's
when the apartheid government granted permission for it to
be built alongside black communities in the area. It processes
over 185,000 barrels of oil per day. The refinery has a long
history of accidents and it produces toxic emissions that
are far above the allowable level in Europe. These emissions
can cause respiratory problems, leukemia, birth defects and
cancers.
The oil companies refuse to take responsiblity
and the Government have failed to hold them responsible for
the harm they have caused to the people and the environment
in Durban.
It's time to get your act together guys.
Highlights of the Esperanza's South African
WSSD tour so far...
 01
September - The MV Esperanza arrives in Durban and is
welcomed by local people, whales, police, navy, helicopters
and beautiful weather.
 26
August - We find out that the 6 crew members arrested
at Koeberg are not allowed to return to the ship.
 24
August - Greenpeace activists protest against nuclear
power at the Koeberg nuclear power plant near Cape Town. Everything
goes smoothly until the police arrive. Twelve Greenpeacers
are arrested and two boats from the Esperanza are confiscated.
 23
August - Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited us in Cape Town
and blesses the Esperanza wishing us well on our quest for
peace and a nuclear free world.
 19
August - The Esperanza intercepts the British Nuclear
Fuels plutonium shipment aboard the Pacific Pintail and stages
a high seas protest.
|
