Fish Not Oil
Campaign Launch, Durban Beach front
On the 19th
of June 2017, at 9 am the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance,
together with the subsistence fisher folk of Durban, launched their campaign
‘FISH NOT OIL’ on the Durban Beach front.
The subsistence
fisher folk gathered with their rods and reels to show who they are and what
they are fighting for. They were given the booklets which will provide
important information regarding their rights as fishermen, their responsibilities
to stand up for their rights when they are infringed on and housekeeping to
ensure they know to keep their fishing areas clean and to practice good fishing
habits.
The launch was
also a gathering to inform the subsistence fishermen of Durban of the various
proposed developments that will take place on our oceans and how they will have
an impact on the marine life and marine environment, thus having an impact on
their livelih
The occasion was
to bring attention of the plight of the Durban poor fisherfolk and how they
were being oppressed and discriminated against by Transnet, port security and
the police as well as the eThekwini Municipality.
Morgan Govender
of the Seine Netters spoke eloquently of his history, since his family arrived
over 150 years ago and fished in the Durban Harbour and in the Indian Ocean. He
stressed the need for all fisherfolk to be united under the KZN fisherfolk
banner to fight for their right to access both the harbour and the ocean.
In attendance as
well was Dr Nnimmo Bassey who is a leading environmental activist in his own
country of Nigeria. Dr Bassey in his address to the fisherfolk stated that a
similar situation prevailed in his country Nigeria where fisherfolk were
suffering from the consequences of the exploring of oil and through the
destruction of the marine life and agriculture.
Contact:
Chadley
Joseph
SDCEA
Project Officer
chadleyjoseph7@gmail.com
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