Minister George: Disruption and intimidation will not advance Fishing Community Rights

11 July 2025

• Fishing groups have threatened to block roads and disrupt harbour operations around St Helena Bay from 11pm on 14 July.

• Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George has written to the Police Commissioner to clarify the protest’s legality and ensure public safety is protected.

• The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is making steady progress in revitalising fishing harbours, and this work will continue without disruption.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has expressed serious concern over the threats to disrupt harbour activity and public roads around St Helena Bay on 14 July 2025. Circulated notices suggest that protest organisers intend to block access routes from Paternoster, Vredenburg and Laaiplek from 11:00pm, raising concerns for safety, public order and economic activity.

The Minister has written to the Police Commissioner to request immediate clarity on whether the necessary authorisations for protest action were obtained. The Department has called on law enforcement to monitor the situation closely and act decisively if public infrastructure, harbour activity or the rights of others are threatened.

“Government cannot and will not allow public roads or national infrastructure to be obstructed by individuals acting outside of due process,” said Minister George. “No cause is advanced by disruption, intimidation or unlawful conduct. These tactics harm the very communities they claim to represent.”

The protest appears to centre around the allocation of fishing rights under the previous administration. These allocations are subject to a legally defined appeals process, which is already under way in several cases. Minister George made it clear that political pressure or disruptive action will not influence a process that must remain fair, transparent and lawful.

“This Ministry does not operate according to who makes the most noise,” he said. “We operate within the law and in the public interest.”

The Department will continue to engage openly and constructively with recognised and representative structures, including traditional leaders, registered co-operatives, and civil society organisations.

At the same time, the Department is making steady progress in its programme to revitalise South Africa’s long-neglected fishing harbours. This work is already delivering benefits in local communities and will continue without disruption.

“Real progress is under way, and it will not be derailed by disorder. I remain committed to strengthening the fishing sector and improving the lives of coastal communities but that can only happen through lawful and constructive engagement,” said Minister George.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Thobile Zulu-Molobi
+27 82 513 7154
tmolobi@dffe.gov.za

Chelsey Wilken
074 470 5996
cwilken@dffe.gov.za