Fishermen protest over permits

EASTERN Cape divers, fishermen and processors staged a sit-in at the offices of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in Richmond Hill yesterday, demanding fishing rights, among other things.

Their frustration stems from a meeting eight months ago with Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana and Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane where, they say, a commitment was made to small-scale fishing operators.

It was announced that they would actively tap into the oceans economy and take part in financially viable activities linked to the government’s massive Operation Phakisa.

That meeting was at the department’s offices in Stanley Street – the same boardroom occupied by the group yesterday.

On April 21, a decision to give offices in the province’s coastal towns powers to issue permits – presently only granted in Cape Town – was taken, but had not materialised, the group of about 60 small-scale fishing operators, said.

Yesterday, they demanded answers from the department’s national office. Other demands included: ý Rights to harvest perlemoen for 10 years in all zones and be issued with permits;

ý The opening of Bird Island to harvest perlemoen; and

ý Rights to establish aqua farms for 10 years and to be given permits.

Eastern Cape Divers and Fisheries Forum spokesman Romeo Hawkins said the office in Stanley Street was not servicing the fishermen – as per the minister’s promise – and that they still had to travel to Cape Town for permits.

“Nothing has come forth since those undertakings eight months ago,” Hawkins said.

“Our coastline is dominated by people from the Western Cape, while our people are unemployed and hungry.

“We demand to be addressed by DAFF officials,” he said.

In the group, Amelia Michaels said they were all tired of the government’s empty promises.

“Our people are dying of hunger while they [DAFF] drag their feet,” Michaels said. “At least give us temporary licences.”

Qoboshiyane’s spokesman, Mvusi Sicwetsha, referred the media to Zongwana’s spokeswoman, Bomikazi Molapo, who said: “I will follow the matter up with relevant officials.”

Last week, Laverthon “Burty” Andrews, Joseph “Tolla” Claassen and Schauder-Korsten Action Committee chairman Glen Harmse embarked on a six-day hunger strike over permits.

They set up a caravan on a grassy patch outside the Premier Office Park in Drew Street, Korsten, to attract attention from motorists and others.

The caravan had placards hanging on it, saying: “Hunger Strike in Progress”, “We Want Fishing Rights” and “Give us rights and we’ll create jobs”.