The Eastern Cape launches Oceans Economy Masterplan and Minister Creecy hands over Small-Scale Fishing Rights
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, in partnership with the national Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries will launch the Eastern Cape Oceans Economy Masterplan and hand over dozens of 15 year long small-scale fishing rights to cooperatives in the OR Tambo Region, Mthatha.
During the launch, the Nelson Mandela University will officially handover the masterplan to government and the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Minister Barbara Creecy will hand over the fishing rights to the cooperatives.
The masterplan paves the way for establishing sustainable Ocean’s Economy and unlocking its full potential in the province whilst the handing over of the fishing licenses is a significant milestone in the local development of the emerging Oceans Economy, indicative of the progress made through aligning policy to practical implementation of projects on the ground.
The small scale fisheries sector plays a vital role in contributing to food security, nutrition, poverty prevention, alleviation and reduction, livelihoods and culture of coastal communities. Historically, South Africa’s small-scale fishers have been subject to adverse marginalisation due to historic political, social and economic challenges.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Venue: OR Tambo Hall
Date: 6 March 2020
Time: 10h00
For enquiries, please contact:
Ncedo Lisani
Manager: Marketing and Communications
DEDEAT
Cell: 066 485 0501
Zolile Nqayi
Director: Communications Services
Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
Cell: 083 490 2871
Zimkhitha Macingwane
OR Tambo District Municipality
Cell: 067 180 2098
