A plaque in honour of Tsitsikamma anglers, who passed away while fighting for fishing rights in a Marine Protected Area, was unveiled in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park on Saturday.
It honours John (Johny) William Pedro (1951- 2009) and Christiaan Jacobus Langisa (1945 – 2018).
The plaque was erected in the Park’s prime spot en route to the famous suspension bridge.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tsitsikamma Angling Forum Chairperson, Henrico Bruiners, said he was overcome by emotion when he thought about the process leading to the partial opening of the sea.
“The plaque serves as a memoir for the Tsitsikamma angling community and signifies the struggle encountered leading to the opening of the sea,” he said.
Former Angling Forum Chairperson, Shane Cunningham, also reflected on the 25-year journey to the rezoning and the debates and discussions between scientists and anglers.
Koukamma Mayor, Sam Vuso, who unveiled the plaque, had been part of negotiations with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and SANParks, and said most anglers in Tsitsikamma used to fish in the sea prior to the complete closing of the MPA in 2000.
“The restoration of rights to fish in three zones is a restoration of dignity, which is part of Government’s agenda. We cannot stop there; we need to continue to work closely with SANParks,” he said.
Park Manager, Victor Mokoena, says, “Although tighter control was put in place to manage the three zones, it is important for the Park to have a healthy relationship with communities living in and around it.”
Controls include that any person who wishes to register must apply to the management authority (SANParks) for registration and submit proof of the following as part of the application: That they live in a Tsitsikamma community, a copy of their SA ID, a copy of a valid recreation angling or bait permit issued according to the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998.
Some 360 anglers have fished in the three zones since its rezoning three years ago. Marine ecologists and scientists continue to monitor fish stocks in the no-take areas and the 20% controlled take-zones.
The Park works closely with communities in Tsitsikamma and with various environmental organisations.
