Key Takeaways
- Logan C’lowa, also known as SowetoFishLady, has been selling raw freshwater fish from her vehicle in Protea Glen, Soweto, for nearly five years.
- She sources her stock from local fishermen and resells it directly to residents, with prices ranging from R50 to R250.
- Questions about food safety have surfaced on social media, but C’lowa claims to keep the fish on ice and only displays them without ice for marketing purposes.
- Z2B Aquaponics Farm, founded by Banele Rewo, is a community-based farming initiative that uses aquaponics technology to produce freshwater fish.
- The project operates through a collective ownership model, where members contribute monthly and share in the proceeds from fish sales, and also receive training in aquaponics systems and fish production.
Introduction to Informal Fish Trade
At a stop sign in Protea Glen, Soweto, motorists slow down for more than just traffic. On weekends and public holidays, Logan C’lowa, known on TikTok as SowetoFishLady, sells raw freshwater fish from her vehicle. This informal trade has been going on for nearly five years, with C’lowa sourcing her stock from local fishermen and reselling it directly to residents. The business began as a survival strategy after she found herself unable to afford the costs of a formal trading space. As a single mother, C’lowa saw this as the easiest way to start something and provide for her family.
The Business Model
C’lowa’s customers are mainly Protea Glen residents, although she has attracted buyers from as far as Randfontein and Johannesburg through social media. The prices of the fish range from about R50 for smaller fish to R250 for larger ones weighing up to 10kg. While the business is not always consistent, it helps supplement her income alongside other work. C’lowa acknowledged operating outside formal regulations, describing her trade as informal and small-scale. She tries to find her way around the regulations, selling in small batches to avoid any potential issues.
Food Safety Concerns
Questions about food safety have surfaced on social media, particularly after videos showed fish displayed without visible ice. C’lowa claims that the footage is taken for marketing purposes and that she does keep the fish on ice. When customers arrive, they see the real setup, which includes the fish being stored on ice. This has raised concerns among some potential customers, who are wary of buying fish from an informal vendor. However, C’lowa’s customers seem to trust her, and she has built a loyal following in the community.
A Community-Based Alternative
A few kilometers away, a very different fish-related enterprise is taking shape. Founded by Banele Rewo in 2023, Z2B Aquaponics Farm operates in Protea Glen as a structured, community-based farming initiative focused on freshwater fish production using aquaponics technology. The project was born from township realities, including food insecurity, limited land, and high barriers to entering agriculture. Rewo saw an opportunity to use aquaponics to farm efficiently in small spaces, making it suitable for township environments. The project combines aquaculture, raising fish such as catfish, tilapia, and carp, with hydroponics, where plants are grown using nutrient-rich water from fish tanks.
The Community Ownership Model
Z2B operates through a collective ownership model funded by a stokvel managed by national sportsman in fishing, Lufuno Mamathuntsha. The project involves about 100 members who contribute monthly and share in the proceeds from fish sales. Members also receive training in aquaponics systems, fish production, and basic agribusiness skills. This model allows the community to build the asset together, spreading the risk and cost. According to Rewo, "This is not only a fish farm; it is a community-owned operation that spreads risk and cost. Instead of one person carrying everything, the community builds the asset together."
The Benefits of Aquaponics
Freshwater fish, Rewo said, offer a viable protein alternative for township households facing rising food prices. They require less land, less water, and lower production costs compared to red meat. The use of aquaponics technology also allows for efficient farming in small spaces, making it suitable for township environments. The project has the potential to provide a sustainable source of protein for the community, while also creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth. As the project continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the community and the informal fish trade in the area.