Anglers’lines cast off Grunter Gully
ANGRY fishermen clashed with Transnet Port Authority (TNPA) security and SAP officers on Saturday, 1 February as they fought for their right to fish in designated areas of the harbour.
The first set of permits were issued in August 2013 after fishermen were banned from fishing in the Durban Harbour since 2009. At that time, access was only open to north and south piers, however, according to the KZN Subsistence Fishermen Forum (KZNSFF), discussions with harbour master, Dennis Mqadi led to Grunter Gully and Round Bush being declared fishing areas for those with permits.
Despite this, fishermen complained of being harassed by security and police in these areas. People were allegedly forcibly removed. “They even cut our fishing lines,” said local fisherman, Rafi Mohamed.
Logan Moodley of the KZNSFF said they had explained repeatedly that the areas had been demarcated as fishing zones, but to no avail. Security officials were adamant that only the north and south piers were fishing zones, as per the original agreement. So the KZNSFF members decided to take action.
On Saturday, 1 February, about 40 fishermen arrived at Grunter Gully to enjoy a day of fishing. Within minutes a security officer had asked them to leave, but they refused. Police were called in to facilitate their removal and Desmond D’Sa, a member of the KZNSF and the South Durban Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), stepped in to make their case.
Tempers flared on both sides as each group was determined to prove their point. Armed with email correspondence, D’Sa claimed the go-ahead had been given by Mqadi. After more than an hour of back-and-forth communication with the relevant authorities and with more police officers on scene, deputy harbour master, Justin Adams gave the fishermen the all-clear.
“It was a great victory for us and many of the gathered fishermen stayed there the whole day. I hope this matter is now resolved and no further action is required,” said D’Sa.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
