Parliament, Tuesday, 10 February 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment today was briefed by representatives from the small-scale fisheries on their demands, where they call for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment to review the 2026/27 allocation of the total applied effort to the traditional line fish sector. This follows the decision announced on 2 February 2026, which reduces vessel allocations for small-scale fishers from 565 to 77, threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities across the country.
Historically, traditional fishers have been marginalised. They have fought for recognition and rights both during the apartheid and democracy eras, yet they continue to face systemic injustices. The 2007 Kenneth George court order and the 2012 Small-Scale Fisheries Policy aimed to protect their socio-economic rights, however, the committee heard that the recent decision undermines these efforts.
The Small-scale fishers handed over the letter of demand to the Director General of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Ms Nomfundo Shabalala. The department undertook to provide a written response within five days to the committee and the small-scale fishers, said the Acting Chairperson of the committee, Ms Noluthando Makasi.
The small-scale fishers said that the allocation cuts violate their constitutional rights to food, livelihood, culture and dignity, jeopardising the survival of thousands of fishers, particularly women and youth. The Committee supports the arguments in the letter, particularly that an interim exemption should be granted to small-scale fishers while their appeal is being considered. The small-scale fishers and the department should work together to advance and strengthen the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and avoid any decision that will undermine the achievement of the objectives of small-scale fisheries, said the acting chairperson.
The committee further concurs that an immediate review of the allocation decision, should follow a meaningful and transparent consultative process that balances both livelihoods and sustainable fishing practices that will benefit current and future generations.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT, MS NOLUTHANDO MAKASI.
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