Cape Town: As part of efforts to revitalise South Africa’s proclaimed fishing harbours, government has installed new, high-visibility signage at nine key sites across the Western Cape. While harbour infrastructure falls under the mandate of other departments, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment remains committed to doing everything within its scope to promote operational efficiency and a welcoming, well-managed environment across all proclaimed fishing harbours.
According to South African Government News Agency, these signage upgrades are more than cosmetic. They reflect the department’s commitment to restore dignity, pride, and functionality to communities who rely on working harbours. “These signage upgrades are more than cosmetic. They are a statement of intent. They reflect our department’s commitment to restore dignity, pride and functionality to communities who rely on our working harbours,” the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Wednesday
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Nine of the Western Cape’s 12 proclaimed fishing harbours now sport newly installed, high-quality signage. The upgrades reflect government’s visible commitment to revitalising coastal communities. The following harbours now have new signage in place: Kalk Bay, Hout Bay, Elands Bay, Doring Bay, Saldanha Bay (Pepperbay), Lamberts Bay, St Helena Bay (Sandy Point), Laaiplek, and Yzerfontein, with the latter having further enhancements planned.
For the remaining harbours-Arniston, Stilbay, Struisbay, Hermanus, Gansbaai, and Gordons Bay-site visits have been completed, and signage is prepared for transportation and installation. Final installation dates will be announced soon. The department said close collaboration with local teams is key to ensuring that all remaining harbours soon reflect the same level of visible progress.
The signage project underscores the department’s broader commitment to rejuvenating fishing communities, promoting sustainable development, and restoring the Western Cape’s harbours as v
ibrant centres of economic and cultural activity. “We are determined to uplift and improve our harbours to unlock their economic potential. Our teams are working tirelessly to finalise the remaining installations, and we look forward to celebrating the full revitalisation of these harbours,” the Minister said.