Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs & Tourism
25 September 1996
CALL FOR RESTRAINT - FISHING QUOTAS
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Peter Mokaba, today called for restraint on the part of all fishermen who have serious grievances with the allocation of fishing quotas and with the Quota Board. The Ministry realises that informal fishermen do have legitimate grievances and that their frustrations are running high, but condemns any violent action as this will not lead to any solutions.
In response to a list of demands handed over to the Ministry by informal fishermen today, at a hearing of the Quota Board at 120 Plein Street, the Deputy Minister wants to assure the fishermen that their concerns are receiving urgent attention. As the Ministry is committed to transparency and consultation, non decisions will be taken without proper consultation with the fishing communities.
The Ministry has set up a series of meetings with representatives of the informal fishermen and the Quota Board in an attempt to find urgent solutions to the problems raised. The Deputy Minister will meet with the Quota Board on Friday, 27 September 1996. Representatives of the fishing community will meet with Minister Z Pallo Jordan on 8 October 1996.
These meetings will begin to address the concerns raised by the informal fishermen. As the informal fishermen have been given a raw deal in the past and many are living below the poverty line, it is therefore understandable that they now want immediate action. An appeal is made to the fishermen to give this process of discussion and consultation a chance to find the best solutions to their demands.
For further information please contact: Cassandra Gabriel, Public Relations Officer Ministry of Environmental Affairs & Tourism Cell - 082 573 4168 Ph: (021) 457 240, Fax: (021) 453 216