The South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association celebrated its 50th anniversary at an intimate dinner for members and stakeholders in April 2024. Also in attendance were representatives of key partner organisations including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the South African Maritime Safety Authority and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications.
Welcoming guests to the dinner, Chairman Innocent Dwayi highlighted the transformation of the deep-sea trawling industry and its role as a major employer and economic driver. He reported that the industry had witnessed a remarkable transformation since the early 1990s when there was no black representation in the fishery. Currently, 86% of the industry is black-owned.
Recognising individuals and companies
At the anniversary dinner, SADSTIA recognised the contribution of past and present members, partners and associates, to the success of the Association.
Sue Middleton, Deputy Director General in the DFFE was recognised and honoured for her outstanding efforts to bring stability to the fishing industry following a period of great uncertainty between 2015 and 2019. According to the citation, delivered by SADSTIA Secretary Johann Augustyn, Middleton’s leadership and dedication were instrumental in steering the industry towards prosperity and stability.
Mike Bergh was honoured for his role as a scientific consultant to SADSTIA over a period of more than 30 years. Bergh was described by Augustyn as “a long-time friend of SADSTIA” who has played an important role in annual stock assessments and the certification of the trawl fishery for hake by the Marine Stewardship Council.
Vice-Chairman of SADSTIA, Madoda Khumalo, recognised the two founding members of the Association who remain key rights holders in the deep-sea trawl fishery: I&J and Sea Harvest.
Khumalo also acknowledged the contribution of Tim Reddell, who served 14 terms as SADSTIA chairman, devoting time, patience and passion to the Association. With the award, SADSTIA recognised the depth of Reddell’s knowledge about fishing and his willingness to share it
Also honoured at the anniversary dinner was the late Roy Bross who filled the position of SADSTIA Secretary from 1983 to 2014.
The evening ended with a keynote address by political analyst Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, who provided insight into potential outcomes of the national elections which were scheduled to take place on 29 May 2024. Following the address, guests took the opportunity to ask probing questions of Dr Mpofu-Walsh in a lively question and answer session.
SADSTIA Chairman, Innocent Dwayi, addresses the gathering of members and stakeholders
Photo: Maritime Review Africa
Sue Middleton, Deputy Director-General in the DFFE was recognised by SADSTIA for bringing stability to the fishing industry. Picture courtesy of Maritime Review Africa
Brendon Lucke (left) and Felix Ratheb (right) received awards on behalf of SADSTIA’s founders, I&J and Sea Harvest. They are pictured with SADSTIA Vice-Chairman, Madoda Khumalo, and Tim Reddell, who was honoured for his contribution to SADSTIA and the fishing industry
Mike Bergh, was honoured for his role as a scientific consultant to SADSTIA over a period of more than 30 years
Photo: Maritime Review Africa
Guest speaker, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, is pictured with SADSTIA Vice-Chairman, Madoda Khumalo and FishSA Chairman, Loyiso Phantshwa
