02 Mar 2025

The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture will continue supporting Dinokeng Fish Festival through technical support and facilitation of the occurrence of this important event, Minister of Environment and Tourism Mr Wynter Mmolotsi says.

Responding to a question in Parliament recently on behalf of Lands and Agriculture minister, he said the ministry recognised the crucial role played by both fishing and fish farming in fostering local economic empowerment in the Limpopo riverine communities.

Kgatleng East MP, Mr Mabuse Pule had wanted to know if the minister was aware of Dinokeng Fish festival, which was an event created to promote fishing and fish farming amongst other things. 

“It aligns with our strategic goals of enhancing food security, diversifying the economy and strengthening engagement in the sustainable aquaculture and fishing practices,” he said. 

He said the ministry was committed to ensuring the successful organising of the festival, to promoting local tourism, culture and economic development.

The ministry, he said, would therefore assist authorities organising the festival with training local fishers on modern fishing techniques and management, and sustainable fishing practices as a way of capacitating them.

Also, the ministry would conduct on-site demonstrations whereby experienced fishers, fish farmers and technical experts showcased best practices in fish farming and fishing techniques, including proper catch handling and preservation methods Minister Mmolotsi said.

He said the ministry would facilitate the formation of cooperatives or clusters among local fishers in order to improve market access and promote value addition amongst other actions.

Mr Mmolotsi added that Dinokeng Fish Festival represented a strategic initiative that blended cultural celebration with practical capacity building. He noted that the ministry was invited to participate in the preparations for festival by organisers. ENDS