Weskus fisherwomen fight for permits

Fisherwomen from the West Coast are demanding the reinstatement of their permits and an internal investigation into whether government officials have private interests that override small-scale fisher rights.

Ubuntu Rural Women and Youth Movement, which has supported West Coast fisherwomen in securing fishing rights, led a protest at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) offices in Cape Town last week

The movement, led by women comprising over 60 percent of the Doringbaai cooperative, is calling for an urgent investigation and action regarding irregularities affecting the small-scale fisher cooperative.

They made the following demands: the immediate reinstatement of their permits, an internal investigation into the conduct of department of small-scale officials, an urgent internal investigation into the issues affecting the cooperative in Doringbaai, and an urgent meeting with the department and the new board of the cooperative.

Following the handover, Wendy Pekeur, Founder and Coordinator of Ubuntu Rural Women and Youth Movement, said: “The Deputy Director and Chief came to receive our memorandum. 

“It was a very positive and beautiful moment for the fisherwomen, and we were addressed by DFFE. 

“The fisherwomen are grateful for the permits they were granted; they were granted a 15-year licence, and it is due to people not working with it well that we are sitting with this situation. We are positive.”

Zolile Nqayi, communications for DFFE, said: “It was received and we are awaiting a response from Fisheries.”