African Wildlife & Environment Issue 77 FINAL ISSUE

IN MEMORIAM

humility and dignity at all times and his selfless sharing of knowledge with the next generation of conservationists, which was always at the forefront of his influence.” Rose Williams, director of Biowatch South Africa said: “I remember Keith for his kindness, his lifelong commitment to the environment, the way he made opportunities for one to ‘see’ and how he gave so much support to the work of Timberwatch. Our thoughts are with Keith’s beloved family – Mae, his children and grandchildren – and with the many people who have connected with Keith during his extraordinary and committed life.”

many lives. Timberwatch Coalition members SDCEA, Biowatch and groundWork all recall their association with Keith and the support he was always willing to give. Desmond D’Sa, coordinator of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) expressed his sadness at hearing of Keith’s sudden death: “I knew him from my long- ago days with WESSA but also from his support for SDCEA and his integral involvement with Timberwatch and many other environmental groups. Early on, Keith understood that forming coalitions would strengthen communities, enabling them to challenge industry and government rather than exhausting the energies of small groups and concerned individuals. He will be greatly missed.” Bryan Ashe, chair of Timberwatch, has many recollections of the years he worked with Keith: “Working with Keith was always a learning curve, from setting up Timberwatch, to community conservation initiatives in Ndwedwe, or visits to the Mnweni tourism project. I shall forever hold these memories close, as well as his

With thanks to The Timberwatch Coalition timberwatchsa@gmail.com www.timberwatch.org.za

12 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 77 (2020)