BUTTERWORTH- The Amathole District Municipality(ADM) has set its sights on transforming the Eastern Cape’s extensive coastline into a catalyst for jobs and inclusive economic growth, with renewed focus on fishing, aquaculture, tourism, maritime services and environmental conservation.
The commitment was reinforced during a two-day Ocean Economy Indaba held at Zovuyo Hotel in Ndabakazi from 24th to 25th June under the theme ‘Unlocking Coastal Opportunities: Partnerships for Community Growth.’
The gathering brought together government leaders, development agencies, small business operators, cooperatives and coastal communities to chart a practical path towards unlocking the region’s ocean economy potential.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singhled the engagement, joined by ADM Executive Mayor Cllr Anele Ntsangani, local municipal mayors, government departments and sector stakeholders.
Discussions centred on moving beyond policy conversations and developing implementable programmes that place coastal communities at the forefront of economic development.
Addressing delegates, Ntsangani said the timing of the Indaba was crucial given the urgent need to create sustainable livelihoods in coastal areas.
“The objective of this sitting is to fast-track the exploration of the ocean economy and emerge from this indaba with clear resolutions and outcomes that will serve as a guiding framework for local municipalities and communities. We want our people to benefit from the economic opportunities available within our oceans,” he said.
He emphasised that communities should be active participants and beneficiaries of coastal development rather than merely serving as tourism backdrops.
Eastern Cape Office of the Premier Deputy Director-General Mahlubandile Qwase challenged stakeholders to avoid turning the gathering into another “talk shop”, urging decisive action to unlock the value of marine resources.
“We need to utilise the full capacity of the ocean. We are blessed with this resource in abundance but we have not yet fully packaged and positioned it to unlock its true value. We must align all interested stakeholders behind a common vision and move beyond theory towards practical implementation,” said Qwase.
In his keynote address, Singh stressed that issuing licences alone would not guarantee the success of small enterprises operating within the ocean economy.
“We need to marshal our energies to get positive outcomes. Trade and participation need to be key,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration among sector departments and greater support through equipment provision, trading infrastructure and skills development initiatives.
In addition ADM Executive Mayor Cllr. Ntsangani also clarified ADM’s approach to funding ocean economy projects, noting that the district municipality itself does not have direct coastal access.
“As ADM has no coastline, all funds allocated for ocean economy projects will be transferred to the four local municipalities with coastal access Mnquma, Great Kei, Mbhashe and Ngqushwa as they are directly positioned to implement and benefit from these initiatives,” he said.
With unemployment and economic stagnation continuing to affect many rural communities, ADM believes the indaba has laid the groundwork for a coordinated and action-oriented strategy to unlock coastal opportunities.
If partnerships are strengthened, investment mobilised and communities actively involved, officials believe Amathole’s coastline could become a powerful engine for sustainable livelihoods, economic diversification and long-term prosperity.
Photograph: ADM/Supplied
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