PRESS RELEASE
No Embargo
02 June 2020
The AL JAMA-AH party welcomed the amendments made to the Covid-19 National Lockdown Alert Level 3 Regulations permitting all fishing including recreational fishing.
The party was amongst several other groups who responded to a MAYDAY call from thousands of anglers and line fishermen who appealed to the government for an easing on the COVID-19 Level 3 Regulations to allow them to return to the fishing industry.
The 10 000 strong ASFN-Fishing community in the sardine shorelines of Umdoni including the Ugu District in KwaZulu-Natal contacted the party’s National Parliamentary Office to take their plight to Parliament with an appeal to amend Regulation 4 (10) of the Regulation under Section 27 (2) of the Act, which will allow them to return to fishing under the strict COVID-19 Regulations.
AL JAMA-AH Member in Parliament Hon. Ganief Hendricks confirmed the Party also lodged an application with COGTA Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to ease the Regulations which will allow poor fishermen to put food on the table. Fish caught by line fishermen is the main contributor to fight malnutrition in South Africa. Responding to the party’s application, the Disaster Management Nerve Centre confirmed the it was referred for discussion. AL JAMA-AH also welcomed Minister Dlamini-Zuma’s agreement to involve the Portfolio Committee on decision-making matters.
The fishermen are known to educate and promote responsible sustainable fishing. Thousands of recreational fishermen in South Africa catch fish to feed their families and under the lockdown regulations, they were denied that right. The party is ecstatic that the fishermen can now continue to earn their bread and this industry will start fuelling the economy with a much-needed commodity, such as food for the poor.
Cape Town’s veteran line fish champion, mr Achmat Smit who also approached the party for help, was elated when he heard the news that they could go back fishing. He promised that the first fish he would catch will be given to Hon Hendricks and he would also invite President Ramaphosa to join him on the rocks.
For further details contact:
Ganief Hendricks
Cell: 082 780 2573