Eveline de Klerk

WALVIS BAY – The fishing industry does not have the capacity to create 645 active jobs in a short period for the fishermen who resigned from the Cavema joint venture in August this year. In fact, climate change, shrinking fishing socks as well as the inability to catch, coupled with other challenges, further hamper employment-creation and lean more towards job losses.

This was revealed during a meeting between the Cavema joint venture directors and a parliamentary select committee which was assigned to undertake a fact-finding mission on the mass resignation of the 'Okapare' fishermen.

Parliamentarians Tjekero Tweya, Elma Dienda, Edson Isaaks and Gotthard Kasuto are expected to compile a detailed report on the burning issue that will be presented to parliament for further recommendation.

The fishermen were employed bythe  Cavema joint venture after a Cabinet resolution was taken to absorb them back into the industry.

Only 245 could take up active employment, based on the hake quota that was granted by the government. However, chairman of the joint venture Robert Shimooshili said during the meeting on Thursday that the fisheries ministry was aware of the situation, and that Cavema tried to assist Government.

“The industry as it is now will not be able to absorb all those fishermen and give them active employment. The current arrangement we have with Government does not work in our favour as we currently only catch 20% of the quota we were given,” he explained.

According to Shimooshili, the impression given is that they are making money from the quota allocated to them, while the reality is different. “Let us for instance say that we as a company in the past received 10 000 metric tonnes of horse mackerel. However, our quota was reduced to 4 000 MT, then the government came back and offered us 6 000 MT to employ the fishermen. This means that nothing has changed,” Shimooshili reasoned.

He added that there was no misrepresentation from their side when they presented their idea to the ministry, and told the ministry about their plan to acquire Gendev fishing that would have been ideal to employ the fishermen in the factory.

“The deal was unsuccessful, but some fishermen were employed in various positions. However, planning long-term for them is also not possible as the quota is not guaranteed. Hence, we don’t mind if the government gives the quota to others”, he added.  Tweya said the fact-finding mission aims to establish the issues at hand. Thereafter, they would compile a report for parliament.

“Our main aim is to consult and hear directly from the parties involved so that we can make recommendations that will be beneficial for all. We do not want this issue to escalate. We want to maintain peace. Furthermore, we also do not know at this stage whether the report will be adopted, but we are hopeful that we will get to the bottom of the matter,” the MP said.

– edeklerk@nepc.com.na