A plaque in honour of Tsitsikamma anglers, who passed away during a period in which efforts were made to access fishing rights in a Marine Protected Area, was unveiled in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park on Saturday.
It honours John (Johny) William Pedro (1951- 2009) and Christiaan Jacobus Langisa (1945 – 2018).
The plaque was erected in the Park’s prime spot en route to the famous suspension bridge.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tsitsikamma Angling Forum Chairperson, Henrico Bruiners, said he was overcome by emotion when he thought about the process leading to the partial opening of the sea.
"The plaque serves as a memoir for the Tsitsikamma angling community and signifies the struggle encountered leading to the opening of the sea", he said.
The Mayor of Koukamma, Sam Vuso, who unveiled the plaque, has been part of negotiations with the Department of Environmental Affairs and SANParks, and said most anglers in Tsitsikamma used to fish in the sea prior to the complete closing of the Marine Protected Area in 2000.
Park Manager, Victor Mokoena says although tighter control was put in place to manage the three zones, it is important for the Park to have a healthy relationship with communities living in and around it.
Marine ecologists and scientists also continue with monitoring fish stocks in the no-take areas and the 20% controlled take-zones.
The Park works closely with communities in Tsitsikamma as well as with various environmental organizations.
