The Black Excellence Network RSA rejects Minister Dion George’s arrogant dismissal of community outreach work.

For him to call genuine engagement with people a “waste” is an insult to the very fishing communities government is meant to serve. Outreach is not optional – it is essential. Our people cannot be reduced to Zoom calls. That may have worked during COVID, but today it is nothing more than a cold, cost-cutting excuse to avoid facing the reality of struggling families. Many of our coastal communities don’t even have reliable internet access – so who exactly does the Minister think he is consulting?

How can waste in communities be assessed through Zoom? How do you understand the struggles of ordinary fishers through a screen? How do you address environmental conditions without setting foot in those communities? These are real-life issues that cannot be solved virtually.

While the Minister boasts about penguins and international recognition, our fishing communities continue to suffer. How do you get more worried about penguins that are not on the minds of ordinary black people in downtrodden communities? Conservation is important, but it cannot come before the livelihoods of small-scale fishers who, even with 15-year permits, cannot export their catch or sustain their families.

Black Excellence Network RSA calls on Minister George to stop governing from behind a desk and start walking with the people. Issue the full fishing rights now. Respect the outreach work that brings government closer to the ground. And stop hiding behind fiscal jargon while poor communities are left behind.

We will not stand by while a Minister celebrates penguins but sidelines people. Our communities demand dignity, justice, and the rights that are long overdue.

Issued by: Black Excellence Network RSA

Communications head 

Azile Mbhele