Statement from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on the World Organisation for Animal Health issue

16 September 2013

Annette Steyn is creating a storm in a teacup. There have never been any secrets nor denials about the existence of the OIE report , and in fact, Ms Steyn has been informed of this personally. Instead, the DA has chosen to make this a red herring when it should ensure that the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) is passed. Once the Act is adopted into a Bill, it will give way for the implementation of the small scale fisheries policy and, for the first time in the history of the fishing industry in South Africa, give recognition to small scale fishers.

The purpose of theMarine Living Resources Bill is to provide a legal framework for the implementation of the Small Scale Fisheries Policy. The Bill further seeks to transform the inequalities in the measures that it introduces.

To date, the DA has not given any backing to the amendment despite the fact one of the hardest hit communities is located within the West Coast of the Western Cape. This policy would bring relief to fishing communities while also enabling them to make a sustainable living. It would also put food on the table for the thousands who are food insecure.

The DA has remained mum on its support of the policy, opting to rather focus its energy on issues that only benefit a minory of the population.

A parliamentary answer to the questionon the OIE made it clear that the Department was in discussion with the OIE and that the report would be made after evaluations had been completed.

Ms Steyn and her DA counterparts, who are paid legislators in Parliament, must explain why they are so focused on the OIE report which only refers to a handful of people instead of investing her energy on the MLRA which will reduce poverty in coastal communities. The DA's constituency has never been the poorest of the poor.

People of the Western Coast, especially those residing in the West Coast, should know that the DA government that purports to the support them is only interested on issues that represent the minority and not poor fishermen and women.

Statement issued by Palesa Mokomele, Spokesperson for the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, September 16 2013

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