The civil rights organisation Cape Forum argues that rumours about political interference in the fishing industry and allegations that it has become a breeding ground for cadre deployment must be urgently investigated. This interference means that the livelihood and culture of the Cape’s small-scale fishing communities, which earn their bread and butter from this industry, are now in serious jeopardy. Cape Forum therefore demands an urgent and thorough investigation into these allegations to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating fishing rights.
Cape Forum’s response follows the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) recent decisions regarding the allocation process for fishing rights. The rulings, as well as media reports investigating the plight of the Cape’s small fishing communities, highlight the distressing situation that traditional small-scale and medium-sized commercial fishermen currently face.
Cape Forum recognises the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the need to manage marine resources responsibly. However, the organisation strongly condemns any action that, as is currently claimed, jeopardises the well-being of fishing communities for political gain. The decision to grant fishing permits to individuals who do not depend on fishing for their livelihood raises serious questions about the motivation behind these grants.
According to Tommy van Zyl, Coordinator at Cape Forum, fishing communities play an important role in local economies by, among other things, providing job opportunities and maintaining the culture in coastal areas. “We are particularly concerned about the potential impact these allocations, which appear to be made to political friends, could have on these communities. An economic crisis is facing families who have often been fishermen for generations, while fishing permits are handed out to businesses who want to resell them at huge profits.”
Van Zyl also warns that the granting of fishing permits is probably another way of attracting votes for the upcoming 2024 elections.
The organisation calls on the DFFE to reconsider the allocations of fishing rights, taking into account the real needs and contributions of those who are directly dependent on the fishing industry for their livelihood. Cape Forum also demands an end to any practices that prioritise political interests over the well-being of fishing communities.
“At a time when the economy is shrinking and interest rates are rising and therefore also resulting in an increase in the price of food, South Africa’s small-scale and medium-sized commercial fishers are being deliberately cut out of the economy. This policy is unacceptable. As an organisation committed to fairness, transparency, and the sustainable use of marine resources, Cape Forum stands shoulder to shoulder with traditional small-scale and medium-sized commercial fishers affected by these decisions and pledges to work towards a just resolution of these issues,” concludes Van Zyl.