19 Apr 2023

A total of 770 fishing licences have been issued for the 2023/2026 fishing season in five zones of Ngamiland and Okavango.

Zone one, which covers Mohembo, Shakawe, Samuchima to Ikgoga and  Zone two from Seronga to Jao were issued with 190 fishing permits each.

Zone three along the Thamalakane River from Boro, Sexaxa into the Okavango Delta in Ditshiping, Daunara, Xhaxhaba to Nxaraga was issued 190 permits.

Zone four being Lake Ngami was not included in this year’s quota due to it being dry.

Zone five and six in Khwai, Mababe and Sankoyo were issued 10 permits whereas Zone 7 in Dikgatlhong, Samedupi, Chanoga, Motopi to Mopipi was allotted 190.

In an interview, the Fish raffle board Chairperson Mr Ratjitavi Kandjii said a total of 4806 applications for permits had been tendered.

However, he said, the quota could only allow 770 in order to protect the natural resources by only allowing limited numbers out in the water sources.

He indicated that most of the applications were from Zone two in Seronga and Jao because the water basin was larger in that area.

Mr Kandjii implored licence holders to abide by the regulations and catch fish in zones where they were certified to do so, cautioning that failure to do so would result in their licences being revoked.

The chairperson said it was imperative for those who catch fish to keep proper records and submit them to the board so that they would be able to assess and record the quantity of fish caught.

He highlighted that the fishing season commenced on March 1 and ended on December 31 every year to allow fish to breed.

He said the board worked closely with fisher’s associations in villages and zones to raise awareness on good practices of fishing and further ensure they applied safety measures on the waters.

Ms Mercy Muzawazi expressed her elation for winning a permit  ito catch fish in Zone 2 noting that this licence was an opportunity to change her life through fishing.

She highlighted that her intention was to employ two people who would catch fish and two more workers to assist in washing and preserving the fish.

Furthermore she indicated that she would supply shops in Maun and sell some to other places across the country. ENDS