Peaceful protest-gathering at Die Plaat - but with urgent demands

-Overstrand Angling Association-

After approaching Cape Nature 20+ months ago, and reaching a dead end, the Overstrand Angling Association (Overberg Hengel Vereniging) decided to call on the DFFE to resolve the matter through a peaceful demonstration on Saturday, 5 August 2023 at Die Plaat. A Memorandum of Demands was handed over to Desmond Stevens, Chief Director: Cape Nature, with the heading: ‘Re: Cape Nature’s closure of the access roads to the beaches’ - ‘As a matter of urgency, we need positive feedback within 7 days from the date of this memorandum’. The Memorandum was signed by Pieter du Toit, Representative of the Overstrand Angling Association and Desmond Stevens, Chief Director of Stakeholder Engagement & Director of Permit Regulations, on behalf of the Minister of Environmental Department.

Pieter du Toit, who represented the fishermen, said about 120 or more fishermen attended the gathering and there were 40+ vehicles at the gate to the Cape Nature’s Nature Reserve at Die Plaat. “Today, Desmond Stevens received a Memorandum of Demands on behalf of the DFFE Minister Barbara Creezy,” Sammy Brett said. “When you want to see change, then all you have to do is get together in an orderly manner and demonstrate your unhappiness through the knowledge of the subject that you want to get changed.” Also, in attendance to support the local community, was Overstrand Executive Mayor, Alderlady (Dr) Annalie Rabie, Alderlady Riana de Coning (Ward 14) and Councillor Steven Fourie (Ward 11).

The resilient team of representatives who never stopped negotiating during the past 20 months, are Goebels Geldenhuys, Pieter Du Toit, Oubaas Lesch, Ferdi Joubert, Chris Geldenhuys, Eben Swanepoel, Sammy Brett, and a few others, should be applauded for their determination to succeed to resolve the matter.

The demands under discussion:

(1) Cape Nature’s closure of (including access control) historical access roads to angling spots (beaches) be reviewed transparently and fairly. Re-plant access signs where it was agreed to be placed.

(2) The Angling Association / the community should beforehand be advised by Cape Nature and the Environmental Department of their proposed actions in the closure of the access roads to the beaches.

(3) Cape Nature’s failure to take negative economic consequences on the community to be addressed urgently.

(4) Cape Nature and Environmental Department be compelled to furnish scientific evidence justifying their proposed closure of the access roads and any other changes to angling areas, especially since access was permitted for decades.

(5) Fair co-operating between all Inspectorate Divisions working on the same laws, and not just issuing fines to anglers obeying what was agreed on.

(The following two demands were emphasised by the Overstrand Angling Association)

(6) Environmental Department to stop all Inspectorate from issuing fines to anglers who cannot obtain angling permits, because of the incompetence of the Post Office. “In this regard, we mentioned that no fine since 5 August 2023 will be accepted,” said Pieter.

(7) The anglers also demand a Beach Driving Permit System on certain beaches, because of the safety and security issues regarding our vehicles, and equipment, as previously discussed with Cape Nature.

Sammy mentioned that a meeting with the said Minister of DFFE, CEO and delegates from Cape Nature, and the above-mentioned Representatives will be held soon. “A date was confirmed to me but will be officially announced in the coming week,” Sammy said. “I want to thank all who were in attendance to show their support.” 

(Pictures: Sammy Brett)

Hardus Botha

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