Local fishing communities seek input on Western Cape's fishing harbour renovations

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) released its update on the revitalisation of the Western Cape's fishing harbors. However, local municipalities and residents are still concerned about security boom access and the inclusivity of the fishing community in this initiative.

This week, Minister of DFFE,Dr Dion George released his office’s September 2025 report update on the revitalisation of the Western Cape’s12 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours. The report highlights steady improvements in infrastructure, safety, and operational efficiency, all aimed at supporting coastal economies and sustainable fisheries.

“Our Proclaimed Fishing Harbours are central to coastal livelihoods and the fishing industry. The work being done to enhance their safety and functionality reflects our commitment to both people and the environment,” George said.

DFFE said key updates include: Harbour operations, and that in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, 33 vessels were managed through slipping, side slipping, and launching activities. 

It said more than 300 vessels are currently moored across the 12 harbours and that the second quarter operational report (July–September 2025) was due in October.

Other key updates include salvage of sunken vessels: In Hout Bay, the Edelweiss and African Unity are scheduled for removal by their owners at the next low tide this month. The Department said it was working closely with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to ensure compliance with the Wrecks and Salvage Act.

“Resolving the issue of sunken vessels is essential for safe and sustainable harbour operations,” said George added.

It also cited key security measures and revealed that purchase orders for electronic security installations were issued for Kalk Bay on September 29, with Lamberts Bay, Hermanus, Gansbaai, and Gordon’s Bay to follow this month.

It added that installations are expected to begin this month while re-advertisements for Hout Bay, Laaiplek, and St Helena Bay are underway, while requests for quotations are being processed for Still Bay, Arniston, and Struisbaai. 

Another is that of security at Saldanha Harbour and Paarden Eiland Workshop, already includes 24/7 monitoring and rapid armed response.

"Ensuring the safety of our harbours is paramount, and these upgrades are a significant step forward,” George explained.

“The dedication of our officials and partners is delivering meaningful change. Together we are securing the future of our Proclaimed Fishing Harbours as vital assets for sustainable fisheries and inclusive growth,” he said.

While security monitoring has been assigned at Saldanha Harbour, Mayor Andre Truter said concerning behaviour such as drinking continued to flourish and called for the booms to be closed.

“There is no excess control at the Saldanha (Pepperbaai) and there is still drinking and unruly behaviour,” he told Cape Argus.

“We would like the booms down 24 hours a day with proper access and behaviour control. 

Hout Bay activist, Roscoe Jacobs said while they were pleased with the progress, they called for inclusivity: “ The revitalisation of Hout Bay Harbour, as celebrated in the Minister’s statement, may fit neatly into the MTDP’s developmental narrative, but for the people of Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu, it represents yet another project done to them, not with them. Until local communities are empowered as co-owners and beneficiaries, the promise of inclusive growth remains unfulfilled.”

In June, George said nine of the 12 proclaimed harbours now feature new, high-quality signage, with the remaining three nearing completion.

The signage project is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate fishing communities, promote sustainable development, and enhance economic and cultural activity in the Western Cape's harbours.

In the 2024 to 2025 financial year, the 12 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours handled more than 1,000 vessels.

DFFE earlier said it is also considering further options, including issuing directives, engaging the Navy for vessels of military interest, and unlocking the Maritime Fund.

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Macpherson and Truter also shared their commitments to redevelop the St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay small harbours after an oversight visit revealed their neglected state.

Macpherson emphasized that these harbours should become economic drivers, creating jobs, similar to the V&A Waterfront. He plans to instruct officials to develop a master plan focusing on fishing and tourism. Mayor Truter welcomed the commitment, praising Macpherson's clear focus on action and timelines.

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Cape Argus