Subsistence fisherfolk have their backs against the wall
A Durban activist feels Transnet and the municipality are putting tourism ahead of fisherfolks' livelihood, despite a high level of unemployment in the city.
SUBSISTENCE fisherfolk are battling once again to gain access to the Durban harbour and piers in the Indian Ocean.
According to Desmond D'Sa from the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), it is very clear that subsistence fisherfolk have a fight on their hands, despite the port regulator ruling in their favour in 2010 and recognising them as port users for four years.
D'Sa said representatives of the subsistence fisherfolk have met on a monthly basis with Transnet’s port manager, Moshe Motloa, as well as the Durban harbour master, Alex Miya, and their legal team to discuss and ensure that access to the Durban harbour, as provided by the decision of the port regulator, is open.
“The subsistence fisherfolk have met with the head of the harbour police, Brigadier Gopal Singh, to ensure that all obstacles with regard to security have been thrashed out. At these meetings, agreements were reached with the harbour masters, port manager and police. However, we have seen that Transnet has gone back on its word and has closed Grunter Gulley, north piers and round bush, which were traditional fishing areas for fishing,” said D'Sa.
He said he felt Transnet, together with the eThekwini Municipality, is putting tourism ahead of livelihood, despite the fact there is a high level of unemployment in the city and province.
“Further concerns are that the annual license documents are no longer available at the post office and only monthly permits are available. The monthly permits cost far more than the annual license. This will lead to criminalising the vast majority of poor fishermen,” said D'Sa.
He said the KZN subsistence fisherfolk are embarking on rolling mass action to get they voices heard and the decisions reversed.
“We call the deputy Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Bheki Cele, to meet with the fisherfolk as soon as possible,” he said.
He said meetings will be held in the Shallcross Swimming Mosque Hall on Sunday, 4 October at 2.30pm and at Rydalvale Primary School on Sunday, 11 October at 2pm.
