To: All media

Issued by: Masifundise Development Trust

Date: 7 August 2024

Subject: Masifundise and Coastal Links to Host first Fisher People Tribunal Hearing in Cape Town, South Africa

Masifundise Development Trust and Coastal Links will host the Fisher People Tribunal hearings from 12-14 August 2024 at the Holy Trinity Church in Kalk Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. Masifundise, a civil society organisation, has supported rural small-scale fishing (SSF) communities for the past 20 years, advocating for human rights and food sovereignty.

About the Tribunal:
This tribunal is a pivotal platform dedicated to examining and addressing the pressing issues faced by coastal and inland small-scale fishers in South Africa. The Fisher People Tribunal aims to systematically document and expose instances of ocean grabbing and violations of fishing communities’ rights. It will critically assess the socio-economic conditions and threats faced by these communities, review the implementation of ocean governance policies, and amplify the voices of those directly impacted.

Media Invitation:
We invite media representatives in Cape Town to attend the proceedings. The Fisher People Tribunal will take place over three days, featuring 6 cases presented to a jury of experts in the sector. For each case, the legal team will present a charge sheet, followed by testimonies from small-scale fisher representatives, a Q&A session with the jury, and additional inputs from fishers.

Event Details:
• Date: 12-14 August 2024
• Venue: Holy Trinity Church hall, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
• Time: (see agenda below)

If you are interested in attending one or all three days of this event, please fill out the sign-up form with your details to receive media accreditation. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/2tGTrjPZVo7fgDiEA 

Media are encouraged to cover the event. Interviews with key speakers can be scheduled during or after the event.
Below you will find the agenda, list of the cases and names of the jury members to be present at the tribunal,
Additionally, we have created a Media Updates WhatsApp Group. This platform will serve as a hub for updates regarding the small-scale fishing sector, as well as opportunities for interviews with fishers or Masifundise staff on relevant topics.
To join our media updates WhatsApp group, click on the link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DKhfTCEEFtn1H3cpUckISV

For further queries contact:

Jordan Volmink – Media and Communication officer
jordan@masifundise.org.za
079 145 5281
Nobathembu Ndzengu – Media and Communications intern
nobathembu@masifundise.org,za
078 593 4230
Carmen Mannarino – Co-director/Programme Manager
carmen@masifundise.org.za
071 283 3179

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