3 February 2009
The Department of Roads and Transport would like to send its condolences to
the family of the late Sikhanyiso Bangilizwe who was attacked by a shark at the
second beach at Port St Johns on 24 January 2009, at 14h00.
The department is very much appreciative of the dedicated individuals like
him who have a passion to save the people of the country.
Bangilizwe was a lifeguard employed by the company that has been appointed
by Port St Jonhs local municipality to render the service of life guards in all
beaches around Port St Johns.
The department's Maritime unit pays for the service as part of the Port St
Johns Intervention Programme that was initiated and adopted by the executive
council in 2007.
This lifeguard service forms part of the Department of Roads and Transport's
intervention project in the municipality, which includes ensuring safe river
crossings and beach safety management.
As part of improving safety at beaches, in 2008 the department undertook an
initiative of investigating the mechanisms to combat the shark attacks. The
Maritime unit within the department consulted the KwaZulu-Natal Shark Nets
Board in order to get guidance and seek assistance. Having looked at the
process of installing shark nets being so long, the department researched for
other alternatives.
There were recommendations on interim tools that could be used to combat
shark attacks in our beaches.
It was at the stage of getting further details that the recent incident of
shark attack has taken place before these mechanisms put in place.
Our plans for 2009/2010 financial year are to have these temporary tools in
place, expecting the approval by Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism (DEAT) to utilise such tools in our coast.
Media contact:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388
Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
3 February 2009
