KZN Legislators to Conduct Oversight Visit at The Fish Processing Facility in Kosi Bay

Media Advisory

18 March 2025

KZN LEGISLATORS TO CONDUCT OVERSIGHT VISIT AT THE FISH PROCESSING FACILITY IN KOSI BAY

The gigantic Kosi Bay Lake, at the coastal border of KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique, is known for its abundance of fish species which have not only been a source of food for locals for hundreds of years but also attract fishermen from all over the globe.

The lake has four intertwined segments that form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Here, communities use various customary fishing practices to harvest fish in sustainable way including utshwayelo or fish kraals.

The provincial government recently allocated R4 million for Utshwayelo Fish Processing and Aquaculture plant which incorporates a fish processing facility as well as fishponds to enable fishermen to generate meaningful revenue for their catch.

Commenting ahead of the oversight visit, the Chairperson of the Economic Development and Tourism Portfolio Committee, Mr Mafika Mndebele described the project as having massive potential to ignite change in the local economy.

“The project was initiated after fishermen faced several challenges, including transportation options, difficulties in selling or marketing their catch, and the lack of equipment for preservation and storage. My portfolio committee is visiting the project to monitor its progress and to ensure that the taxpayers’ funds which has been allocated to the project are used appropriately,” added Mndebele.

The visit will take place as follows:

Date   : 19 March 2025

Venue: Utshwayelo Fish Processing and Aquaculture, Umhlabuyalingana Municipality

Time   : 9 am

ISSUED BY THE KZN LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE, MR MAFIKA MNDEBELE

For media interviews: Mr Mafika Mndebele 0837835164

For media enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600