Co-op members smell something fishy

Disgruntled members of Hlanganani Co-operative, a Langa-based fishing forum, have written to the Barbara Creecy, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, complain about the state of affairs in their organisation.

In a report back meeting attended by 16 aggrieved members last Thursday, May 9, the forum learnt that there was little movement regarding their plight. The forum has tabled a list of grievances against their board and they want government to intervene. They say some of their members have not accessed their share of fishing quota “ whilst the board is fishing”.

“We as the concerned Langa fishers forum have been finding challenges to access our rights,” said the secretary Noxolo Matshalilanga.

She said they contacted the department in January and were told that they would meet the department’s official in February but the meeting was cancelled at a late hour.

Attempts to giving Langa Co-Operative Board chairman a chance to reply drew a blank as he did not respond to questions sent to him last week.

An email sent to Nokuthula Hlekani-Ndamase of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DEFF) in early May got no response.

The forum has vowed to take more steps to have this matter resolved amicably.