The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has welcomed and supports the Small Scale Fisheries policy and rollout plan presented by Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana and DDG Mortimer Mannya.
Committee Chairperson, Machwene Semenya, said she was hopeful and believed that the rollout plan would benefit our people from coastal areas. “Our people have been waiting for a very long time for this plan and we could not allow them to wait any longer,” said Semenya. The Committee agreed that the implementation plan and policy development of small-scale fisheries was a game changer regarding the economic status of many people and the rollout plan would guarantee the successful allocation of fishing rights.
Minister Zokwana explained that his department had initiated the process of community engagement to make sure that people were involved in the fishing industry. He further added that small-scale fishers had been waiting too long. “Going forward, we are promoting existing cooperatives and other small formations for our poor people to get their fishing rights and start their business and support their families,” said Minister Zokwana.
The Minister added that the department needed to build its internal capacity and cut down on the use of consultants. The department also had to ensure that people in coastal areas were well equipped with necessary marine resources, which are often limited, to support their small-scale fishing businesses.
Said Semenya: “If we are committed and serious about improving economy and financial positions of our people, we should focus on three major key issues... creating employment, reducing poverty and building economy. Trough creating employment and reducing poverty we should take note and consider women and youth as they are heavily affected by high level of unemployment and poverty.”
For enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson:
Mzingezwi Obert Plum, Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 2201
Cell: 076 905 4693
E-mail: oplum@parliament.gov.za
