Fishing mentorship initiative launched

THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) and KZN Subsistence Fishing Forum (KZNSFF) have launched a fishing mentorship initiative on the north coast of KZN.

The two organisations have held many similar development training sessions in and around Durban in the past.

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This programme is aimed at equipping disadvantaged/underprivileged youths with both the theoretical and practical skills needed for fishing.

They were also given the necessary equipment a young fisherman needs to fish, such as a rod, a reel, a tackle box and a cap.

“The initiative aims to equip young children with life-long fishing skills. Owing to the high unemployment rate and scarcity of jobs, youths will be able to catch fish and put food on their tables and even sell some of their catches to earn an income.

“We rather have the youth engaged in fishing than let them sit idle or get involved in any form of substance abuse,” said SDCEA Just Energy transition & environmental justice project officer Tanica Naidoo.

So far, the communities of Tugela and Richards Bay have been subject to this programme, which first took place on 15 July in Dokodweni.

“Tugela/Dokodweni is a fishing area known for its marine protected areas (MPAs), which is why SDCEA and KZNSFF thought it a good place to start.

“John-Peter Narayanasamy and Logan Govender represented the KZNSFF, while SDCEA co-ordinator Desmond D’sa, with other SDCEA staff, organised, facilitated and supported the event. This was the first mentorship programme in Tugela ever,” said Tanica.

The second edition of the mentorship programme took place on 20 August at Alkanstrand in Richards Bay.

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