“Two approaches to transformation of the South African fishery industry were adopted after the advent of democracy:
the broadening of access rights to new rights holders (individuals and companies) through state intervention (external
transformation); and market-led change within state black economic empowerment policy (internal transformation). The
government has largely missed its opportunity to ensure the restructuring of the industry was managed in such a way as to
achieve broader societal goals such as the alleviation of poverty and upliftment of fishing communities. While some progress
has been made in terms of the reallocation of quotas to previously disadvantaged individuals and groups, real problems
remain. Much ‘transformation’ within established fishing companies in terms of advancing historically disadvantaged
individuals and groups is cosmetic. Not all bona fide fishers were able to secure quotas. Many quota allocations were too small
to be financially viable. New entrants to the industry do not have sufficient access to capital, infrastructure, equipment and
technical know-how to establish viable businesses. Certain rights holders are quota holders on paper only. The state should
intervene more vigorously to support new entrants by providing access to capital, business and management skills, providing
institutional support, protecting bona fide fishing communities, and setting up an effective watchdog to monitor real progress
towards transformation of the industry linked to granting long-term fishing rights.”
