Port fishing permits issued
PERMITS are finally being issued to subsistence fishermen who have been banned from fishing in the Durban Harbour since 2009.
Transnet Port Authority (TNPA) issued the first set of 100 permits on Saturday and Sunday, 17 and 18 August, allowing access to the north and south piers, which were previously closed off due to security concerns.
“The port of Durban was pleased to witness the first fishermen back within the port after several years, since the harbour was closed to fishing,” said ports harbour master, Captain Dennis Mqadi.
Last year the KwaZulu-Natal Subsistence Fishers Forum (KZNSFF) appealed against the ban. Discussions with the port authority led to the ban being lifted and designated fishing areas were decided. In May this year about 4,000 subsistence fishermen applied for permits at a session at the Clairwood Tamil Institute, organised by KZNSFF.
These permits were then handed over to Transnet for processing in a severe inspection process. These applicants and thousands others will receive their permits, allowing them access to the south pier at the end of the Bluff.
“Although certain areas along the south pier have been opened to permit holders, the north pier and surrounding areas will remain closed to the public. All ports within the South African ports system, subscribe to the International Ship and Port Security Code and this code will remain in place at the Port of Durban,” said Cap Mqadi.
As only a limited number of permits can be issued per day, all applicants must call KZNSFF to determine which day they must present themselves for collection, along with their identity document. Contact Desmond D’Sa on 083-982-6939, or for Chatsworth, contact Essop Mohammed on 031-404-8780 or 083-786-4175.
