Fisherfolk set deadline for Transnet permits

KZN fishermen have instructed the KwaZulu-Natal Subsistence Fishers Forum to give Transnet management seven working days to sort out and start issuing permits granting them access to fishing in Durban harbour.

At a meeting held on Sunday, fisherfolk expressed their frustration with Transnet's delays in issuing the permits. Des D'Say of the KZN Subsistence Fishers Forum, fisherfolk have warned that should Transnet not begin the process of issuing permits, they will resurrect the defiance campaign and take to the streets to confront Transnet.

“Fisherfolks said this bellicose attitude is even worse than what the apartheid regime inflicted on poor fisherfolk. Then the enemy was known and we directed out anger at them,” said D'Sa.

The fisherfolk expressed their concern about Transnet's failure to provide access as directed by the Port Regulator.

“Our right to livelihood and food is guaranteed in the South African Constitution, however fisherfolk feel Transnet is depriving our families and children of food. We will not accept this and are prepared to fight for this right which we have held since time immemorial,” said D'Sa.

This meeting comes after the KwaZulu-Natal Fishers Forum claimed there were more than 2000 application forms which had been lying on Transnet’s desk unattended for almost five months. Recognised as a port user by the Port Regulator, the KZN Subsistence Fishers Forum, has been given control over the inventory process. Once completed, the inventory was handed over to Transnet and a letter of receipt was signed off as acceptance.

The KZN Subsistence Fisherfolks Association claimed Transnet’s Security Management was in breach of the decisions made by the Port Regulator and the settlement agreement made by Transnet with the Fishers at previous meetings.