The implementation plan and development of policy around small-scale fisheries is seen as a game changer with regard to the economic status of many people from coastal areas, with the roll-out plan expected to guarantee the successful allocation of fishing rights.

The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has welcomed and declared its support for the policy and roll-out plan, which were presented to Parliament by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries deputy director-general Mortimer Mannya.

In a media statement on Wednesday, committee chairperson Machwene Semenya said: “Our people have been waiting for a very long time for this plan and we could not allow them to wait any longer.”

Minister Zokwana explained that his department had initiated the process of community engagement, stressing that small-scale fishers had been waiting too long.

“Going forward, we are promoting existing cooperatives and other small formations for our poor people to get their fishing rights and start their business[es] and support their families,” he said.

The Minister added that the department needed to build its internal capacity and cut down on the use of consultants, while also ensuring that people in coastal areas were well equipped with the necessary marine resources, which were often limited, to support their small-scale fishing businesses.

Semenya explained that if government was committed and serious about improving the economy and poor people’s financial positions, it needed to focus on three key issues – creating employment, reducing poverty and building the economy.

“Through creating employment and reducing poverty, we should take note and consider women and [the] youth as they are heavily affected by [South Africa’s] high level of unemployment and poverty,” she commented.