The coastal village of Hondeklip Bay in Namaqualand is extremely remote, with no supermarket, high school, or gas station, and the nearest commercial center, Springbok, two hours away. Known for its natural harbor, the village was once central to copper shipping and commercial fishing. However, economic downturns have left limited job opportunities, with small-scale fishing being the primary employment source. The annual pike season brings an influx of traveling fishermen who make the village their temporary home.
Local residents earn by cleaning fish, working as boat crew, or renting accommodations to visiting fishermen. However, the village’s reliance on fishing raises concerns over potential risks from proposed oil and gas extraction, which could devastate the local environment.
Boy Adams, a seasoned fisherman with a rich family history in the trade, struggles with the uncertainties of his profession and the lack of stable fishing permits. The village also faces challenges with the suspension of funding for the Small Vessel Safety Monitoring Center, further straining its fragile economy.
Original Source: Daily Maverick
Date: 2024-05-14 19:00:03
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