Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has expressed his concern over the threats to disrupt harbour activity and public roads around St Helena Bay on Monday, 14 July 2025.

This comes after fishing groups have threatened to block roads and disrupt harbour operations around St Helena Bay, and other coastal areas.

The minister explained that circulated notices suggest that protest organisers intend to block access routes from Paternoster, Vredenburg and Laaiplek, raising concerns for safety, public order and economic activity.

The protest appears to centre around the allocation of fishing rights, which are “subject to a legally defined appeals process, which is already underway in several cases”, the minister said.

One of the posts circulating on social media explained that they are demanding a national intervention, immediate reform of the small-scale and indigenous fisheries framework, an end to token projects while communities starve, and urgent action on economic disempowerment.

George has written to the Police Commissioner to request immediate clarity on whether the necessary authorisations for protest action were obtained. The department has also 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 George. “No cause is advanced by disruption, intimidation or unlawful conduct. These tactics harm the very communities they claim to represent.”

Saldanha Municipality has urged residents in the St Helena Bay and Langebaan area to be aware of a public demonstration.

“The following roads will be affected: Stompneus Bay and St Helena Bay Main Road, and Oostewal Street and Bree Street, Langebaan.

“The South African Police Services and Law Enforcement officials will be present to monitor the situation and to ensure the safety of the community,” the municipality said.

George added 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.”

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

He said that the revitalisation of South Africa’s Proclaimed Fishing Harbours is delivering results, with upgrades completed at 15 sites that support the country’s coastal communities and the broader fishing economy.

“These harbours are more than physical structures. They are the engine rooms of local economies, supporting fishers, small businesses and the communities that depend on them. We are now seeing the impact of steady, focused work to restore and secure these public assets,” said George.

In the 2024 to 2025 financial year, the 12 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours handled more than 1,000 vessels. Thirty-three vessels have already been serviced this financial year, and more than 300 currently make use of mooring facilities. This reflects the critical role these harbours play in enabling sustainable fisheries and coastal livelihoods.

Completed work includes full signage installation at 15 sites to improve access and navigation, 24-hour security measures at high-risk locations such as Saldanha and Paarden Eiland, and progress in addressing sunken and abandoned vessels that create safety and environmental hazards.

A marine notice issued to vessel owners expired on 16 June 2025 with no response.

He added that the department has initiated processes with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) in terms of the Wreck and Salvage Act, in which SAMSA is required to remove the wrecks and recover costs from the responsible parties.

The department is also considering further options, including issuing directives, engaging the navy for vessels of military interest, and unlocking the maritime fund.

Signage upgrades were completed between April and June 2025 at all 12 proclaimed harbours, along with Elands Bay, Doringbaai and Yzerfontein. Additional signage was added at St Helena Bay on 19 June.

He said that these improvements help users navigate sites more easily and reflect the department’s commitment to restoring visibility and functionality.

“We are investing in the future of coastal communities by ensuring these harbours are safe, accessible and fit for purpose. This is meaningful progress, and it will continue,” said George.

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za

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