The chairman of South African fishing industry body SADSTIA, Innocent Dwayi, has extended his congratulations to Dion George, the country’s newly appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and assured him of the Association’s intention to work constructively with government to strengthen the fishing industry in South Africa.
‘We welcome the appointment of Dr Dion George as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and trust that we can work with him in making a stable and thriving fishing industry a vehicle for the creation of quality jobs, whilst ensuring the ocean continues to provide resources for future generations of South Africans,’ Innocent Dwayi said.
Minister George was sworn in as a Minister in the Government of National Unity on 3rd July. Prior to his appointment as Minister, Dr George served as a Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance.
‘We commit to accelerate the support to all small-scale fisheries cooperatives in the four coastal provinces. We need to connect and re-connect our coastal communities to the ocean economy and encourage entrepreneurship,’ Dion George stated as he took over his new role.
‘The Working for Fisheries Programme has supported eight significant, job generating projects and anti-poaching measures continue to be a priority for the Fisheries Management branch and the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF), to ensure sustainable management of South Africa’s marine resources.’
Supporting Dion George in his new role are two deputy ministers, Narend Singh of the IFP and Bernice Swarts of the ANC.
Over the course of a long career in Parliament, Narend Singh has served on several key committees including those responsible for public accounts, finance and environmental affairs. Bernice Swarts’ career is rooted in public service and community activism. In Parliament she has served on committees related to social development, education and health.
