Key Takeaways
- A commercial fisherman, Kaas Versteijnen, has been forced to launch his boat from Salt Rock beach after being displaced from his usual spot at Tinley Manor due to the construction of the R2bn Club Med resort.
- Locals have complained about the safety risks of launching commercial boats in a busy swimming area, with some calling for Versteijnen’s permit to be revoked.
- The permit was issued by the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment (DFFE) and allows Versteijnen to launch his boat from Salt Rock beach until July 2027.
- The construction of the Club Med resort has closed public access to Tinley Manor beach, and Versteijnen’s family business, which supports 11 families, is struggling to stay afloat.
- The KwaDukuza municipality and the DFFE have stated that Salt Rock beach is big enough to accommodate Versteijnen’s vessel and that safety protocols are in place to protect the public during peak periods.
Introduction to the Issue
Beachgoers at Salt Rock, north of Durban, have been expressing concerns about a commercial fisherman operating from their "busy swimming area" after he was displaced from his usual spot to make way for the construction of the R2bn Club Med resort. Kaas Versteijnen, the fisherman in question, can no longer launch his boat Judah 2 from Tinley Manor, where the luxury resort will open in July. As a result, he has been forced to launch his boat from Salt Rock beach, which has raised safety concerns among locals.
The Permit and Safety Concerns
Versteijnen’s permit to launch his boat from Salt Rock beach was issued by the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment (DFFE) after Club Med developers closed public access to Tinley Manor beach when construction began. However, locals have complained that launching commercial boats in a busy swimming area is not safe, with some calling for Versteijnen’s permit to be revoked. Wayne Duncan, one of the complainants, stated that "launching commercial boats in bathing areas is not safe" and that "there are no safety protocols in place" to protect bathers and surfers. Versteijnen’s son, Inus, who is the boat’s skipper, has assured that safety protocols are in place and that the public should listen to the lifeguards and his father while he is navigating to get the boat safely on the beach.
The Impact on Versteijnen’s Business
The construction of the Club Med resort has had a significant impact on Versteijnen’s business, which supports 11 families and involves the feeding of 56 people. Inus Versteijnen stated that the business cannot afford to have more months of no fishing and that they are trying to keep their livelihood afloat. The family has been stressed for five months, not knowing what was coming, and has been watching their debt get bigger. The temporary solution of launching their boat from Salt Rock beach is necessary until they can figure out what will happen with Tinley Manor.
Response from the Developer and Authorities
The developer of the Club Med resort has stated that they have no involvement in the operations, permissions, or decision-making related to the launching of boats at Salt Rock beach. The KwaDukuza municipality spokesperson, Sifiso Zulu, stated that an exemption granted to Versteijnen by the then minister of forestry, fisheries, and environment Dion George was signed on July 30, 2025, and expires on July 31, 2027. The DFFE spokesperson, Thobile Zulu-Molobi, stated that the exemption specifically addresses peak times through temporal restrictions to protect public safety during the periods of highest beach use. During peak periods, all launching activities are prohibited, regardless of fishing needs or weather conditions.
Conclusion
The issue of commercial fishing at Salt Rock beach has raised concerns among locals, who are calling for Versteijnen’s permit to be revoked due to safety risks. However, Versteijnen’s family business is struggling to stay afloat, and the temporary solution of launching their boat from Salt Rock beach is necessary until they can figure out what will happen with Tinley Manor. The authorities have stated that safety protocols are in place to protect the public during peak periods, and the exemption granted to Versteijnen allows him to launch his boat from Salt Rock beach until July 2027. The situation highlights the need for a balance between the needs of commercial fishermen and the safety concerns of beachgoers.