Minister sets deadline for appeals
Pressure on to deliver clarity to linefish sector
SOUTH AFRICA: With allocations due to expire at the end of the month and the deadline for appeals set for the 2nd of March, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has announced that all appeals from small scale fishers relating to the traditional linefish sector will be prioritised for finalisation no later than 5 March.
Minister Willie Aucamp issued a statement today to address clarity in the sector. “I understand the frustration and uncertainty that these decisions have created for Small-Scale Fishers,” said Minister Aucamp. “I want to assure them that their concerns are being approached with empathy and seriousness. Yet good governance requires careful, lawful decision-making. We will stay true to that obligation while working as swiftly as possible to resolve the issue.”
Aucamp, has directed that all appeals received from Small-Scale Fishers concerning decisions issued by the Delegated Authority on the allocation of the Total Applied Effort in the Traditional Linefish sector, be prioritised for finalisation by no later than this coming Thursday.
This was in response to the high volume of appeals received also noting the urgency and seriousness of these matters, with the current allocations expiring on 28 February 2026. This timeline takes into consideration that the 30-day prescribed period for the submission of appeals against the decisions of the Delegated Authority on the Traditional Line Fish TAE lapses on 2 March 2026.
The Minister’s directive also aims to ensure that each appeal is considered thoroughly, lawfully, and in a manner that reflects the Department’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and the sustainable use of South Africa’s marine resources.
The announcement follows the recent presentation made by Andre Cloete, chairperson of Coastal Links to the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment calling for urgent action from the Department and threatening further legal action.
Although not at the committee meeting himself, Aucamp’s statement recognises the importance of bringing the matter to a close.
“The Minister acknowledges the pressures faced by Small-Scale Fishers and the importance of certainty for coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on responsible access to marine resources. While the appeal process must follow due administrative procedure, the Department is committed to concluding the assessments as efficiently as possible,” reads the statement, which also calls for stakeholders to “remain patient”.
211