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Fisher folk face uncertain future

By

Dear Editor

Many traditional fisher folk have been left reeling after their applications were rejected by the long delayed Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP).

In response to a question from the DA, it was confirmed to the parliamentary portfolio committee on Tuesday that no fishing exemptions would be granted to previous rights holders until the appeal process has been completed. The appeal process will run from 29 March until 29 April 2022, which means that unsuccessful applicants will have no income for two months at least. The consequences for the families reliant on fishing will be simply devastating.

The DA has been made aware of numerous people who’ve now lost livelihoods in an instant – many of whom have fished along the South African coastline for generations. In some sectors, such as tuna pole, it appears that over 60% of previous rights holders have been rejected due to alleged “non-performance” on their applications.

The online application system experienced multiple issues when it was launched at the end of last year and the application deadline had to be extended for another month to compensate. We have heard that many applicants found the online application process extremely difficult and confusing. This sentiment has been borne out by the results of the applications.

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE) has proclaimed that they are intent on bringing in new entrants to the fishing industry but the process was clearly not as accessible as the Department would believe. Many traditional fisher folk have now been completely shut out.

The Department may boast about reaching diversity targets but the reality is that many of the people with their hands in the water appear to be the ones being left out.

The DA would urge the Minister of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, to reconsider the granting of exemptions to unsuccessful applicants so that they are able to continue to feed their families and keep their businesses afloat. FRAP was supposed to empower and assist fisher folk but instead it appears that so many are now worse off than they were before. Serious and urgent consideration must be given to all appeals to save the livelihoods of individuals and families dependent on these fishing rights.

Regards

Dave Bryant MP
DA Shadow Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.