The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, in partnership with the national Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries will launch the Eastern Cape Oceans Economy Masterplan and hand over dozens of 15 year long small-scale fishing rights to cooperatives in the OR Tambo Region, Mthatha. 

During the launch, the Nelson Mandela University will officially handover the masterplan to government and the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Minister Barbara Creecy will hand over the fishing rights to the cooperatives. 

The masterplan paves the way for establishing sustainable Ocean’s Economy and unlocking its full potential in the province whilst the handing over of the fishing licenses is a significant milestone in the local development of the emerging Oceans Economy, indicative of the progress made through aligning policy to practical implementation of projects on the ground.

The small scale fisheries sector plays a vital role in contributing to food security, nutrition, poverty prevention, alleviation and reduction, livelihoods and culture of coastal communities. Historically, South Africa’s small-scale fishers have been subject to adverse marginalisation due to historic political, social and economic challenges.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Venue : OR Tambo Hall

Date    : 6 March 2020

Time   : 10h00

 

For enquiries, please contact:

Ncedo Lisani 

Manager: Marketing and Communications 

DEDEAT

Mobile: 066 485 0501

 

Mr Zolile Nqayi

Director: Communications Services 

Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries

Mobile: 083 490 2871

 

Zimkhitha Macingwane

OR Tambo District Municipality

Mobile: 067 180 2098

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND OR TAMBO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ​