Walvis Bay – Fisheries Minister Derek Klazen has warned residents of Walvis Bay about what he calls a right syndrome.

Klazen, who was speaking to new entrants to the fishing industry, says he noted with concern that some residents feel they have more rights than others because some of their relatives worked in the industry. .

“I even got stuck this morning and said people of color started the fishing industry, saying their fathers were from South Africa and started the fishing industry but today ‘ “Our families have nothing. I am also colored, but we must understand that the resource is a national resource,” Klazen said.

The minister, who is from Walvis Bay, added that he understands that Walvis Bay should benefit from the resources as well, but people in other regions should also benefit.

“It is not for the people of Walvis Bay only. You cannot say that only Khomas benefited from it when you did not even apply,” he said. At least 5,176 applicants applied for fishing rights in 2018, while 862 applicants were disqualified and 85 existing players in the sector had their rights renewed.

A total of 213 new candidates were selected, or 298 successful candidates.

The Khomas region tops the list of beneficiaries with 11% followed by Erongo with 9.9%, Omusati (5.9%), Otjozondjupa (5.8%), Oshikoto (5.5%), Ohangwena ( 5.1%), Hardap (4.4%), // Kharas (4.4%), Kunene (3.6%), Oshana (3.2%), Omaheke (1.4%), Zambezi ( 1.3%), Kavango East (0.6%) and Kavango West with 0.4%.