A newly erected signboard at Homestead Dam has recreational anglers upset because it states that under City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) Parks and Open Spaces by-laws, fishing is no longer permitted at the popular water body.

Exclusions state that the park and its amenities may only be used between 07:00 and 19:00.

According to Ward 28 Clr Mary Goby, the new sign was erected around September 9 with no public participation process, before the blanket ban was imposed.

The section of the board relating to fishing has since been covered.

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However, members of the angling community are questioning whether they could face legal action if they continue casting their lines into the water.

During a public meeting held at the site of the sign on September 19, anglers, members of the Farrarmere community, Goby, Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson for environmental affairs Amanda Davison, and Benoni EMPD commander Chief Superintendent Lucky Mbhele addressed the issue.

Speaking on behalf of the anglers, Dashan Ragooloo said he had been fishing at the dam for most of his life.

“I can tell you that I have pulled some beauties from here,” he said.

“It goes beyond fishing. This is where we unwind and relax while participating in a sport that we love. We have made precious memories along these banks and many entertaining fishing stories have been born here.

“We feel safe here and it is close to our homes. With a single sign, the CoE has robbed us of our enjoyment.”

Adding his voice, James Steyn said he cast his first line into the waters in the mid-1980s.

“This is where I fell in love with fishing. We come here to enjoy the beauty, we do not cause any disturbance and as far as possible ensure that we do not negatively impact the environment. Why are we being targeted?” he said.

“If by-law enforcement is the order of the day, then surely every single transgression should be addressed and policed. Yet it seems that anglers are bearing the brunt.”

Davison said she had already been furnished with an extensive list of complaints from interest groups regarding the condition of park facilities and community concerns, adding that these would form the basis of the issue being raised in council.

Enforcement concerns raised

Addressing Mbhele, residents asked how issues of drinking in public, disturbances of the peace in the form of excessive music, and reckless driving were being policed.

“To put it into perspective, our division consists of 34 uniformed EMPD officers and 17 Gauteng Wardens, yet only three out of our 14 vehicles are operational,” he said.

“We do patrol Homestead Dam, mostly over weekends, but do so using our private vehicles and only when our services are not needed at priority incidents such as vehicle collisions or crime scenes. We regularly seize alcohol that is being consumed here.

“However, the uncertainty regarding the directives of the signboard would necessitate officers ordering anglers to cease activities. Should they not comply, they will face a R500 fine. It is therefore imperative that we get clarity on the issue to ensure that all parties involved remain compliant.”

Anglers commit to compliance

With questions yet to be answered, Mbhele did confirm that as the board currently stands, fishing is permitted at Homestead Dam, but only during the specified daytime hours.

“The fish here bite best at night, but we will take the lead in the matter in showing our compliance,” said Ragooloo.

“Through our various social media platforms, we will spread the message that as anglers we will use this opportunity to set a clear example to the greater community.

“We will ensure that we are in possession of valid fishing licences, which are easily obtained at angling shops and post offices. We will ensure that all hooks, lines and sinkers are removed from the banks and waters to the benefit of the wildlife and that our litter and rubbish returns home with us.

“We may feel targeted and disheartened at the moment, but we believe that with Clr Goby’s assistance, our favourite fishing spot will remain available to us.

“Let’s use this opportunity to set a clear example to other park users and contribute to creating a space for all of us to enjoy responsibly.”

In closing, Goby said that in order to ensure that Homestead Dam remains a place of enjoyment, the responsibility rests with community members to report dangerous and illegal activities as well as contraventions of the stipulated by-laws.

These matters should be reported to 011 458 0911 and the call taker should furnish callers with reference numbers.

Should no action be taken, reference numbers and a detailed description of the transgression can be sent to benoni.precinct@ekurhuleni.gov.za.

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