Govt to wind down fishing employment programme in 2027

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has confirmed that the fishing sector’s Employment Redress Programme is set to conclude in April 2027, marking the end of its planned seven-year duration.

She made the remarks last Thursday during her closing address at a two-day fishing industry engagement in Walvis Bay.

“The labour hire model, which has become more apparent as an unintended consequence of the redress programme – where entities allocated fishing quotas were not the same entities with operational capacity – should cease to exist.”

Nandi-Ndaitwah explained that the Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP) was scheduled to end in April 2027, as originally planned.

“This serves as a reminder that companies, workers and ministers must now begin working towards winding up the programme,” she added.

Work together

During her address, the president conceded that the fisheries industry is “unstable due to a number of factors”.

She said some factors are within government control, while others, especially climate-related ones, are beyond it. “What is clear is that we are progressing into an industry transition.”

Nandi-Ndaitwah further emphasised a lack of trust within the industry.

She said responsibility for sustainability and reform does not rest with one group alone.

“Government has a responsibility to create an enabling environment and to regulate as appropriate. Employers have a responsibility to lead with fairness and foresight. Employees, too, have a responsibility to contribute with commitment, discipline and professionalism and to see themselves not only as recipients but as partners in building solutions.”

Manage well

She called on unions, saying their role must also extend to strengthening partnerships, building bridges and contributing to sustainable solutions for the future of the sector.

“The ocean will not continue to give indefinitely if we do not manage it responsibly. So, the conversation about jobs must go hand in hand with the conversation about sustainability.”

She said recommendations from the three-day engagement last week will be considered by Cabinet, adding that the industry should accept science-based sustainability measures. With respect to pilchards, she said government will continue with an evidence-based approach and that modalities will be worked out at ministerial level.

Furthermore, she said Cabinet will support transparent and performance-based allocation, co-invest in value addition and diversification, and support the National Fisheries Indaba.