JOHANNESBURG, Oct 1 (The African Portal) – South Africa’s forestry and fisheries sectors are emerging as key drivers of rural and coastal development, according to the country’s environment minister.
Dr Dion George said on Wednesday the industries were creating jobs, supporting families and boosting growth in communities often overlooked in the wider economy.
“Forestry and fisheries are not small, side industries. They are pillars of our economy, supporting families, creating work, and driving transformation in places often left out of the growth story,” he said.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded strong growth in late 2024 and early 2025, helping to lift GDP at a time when other sectors were under pressure.
The Commercial Forestry Master Plan, adopted in 2019, has transferred state-owned plantations to local communities, creating opportunities in timber production and processing while generating rural jobs.
In the fisheries sector, about 10,000 small-scale fishers have been formally recognised and organised into 171 cooperatives across four provinces. With support for abalone ranching, mentorship and co-management, the groups are gaining greater access to resources and income.
The “Fishing for Freedom” campaign is also transforming harbours into hubs for fish processing, boat repair, tourism and hospitality, bringing new activity to coastal towns.
“Every cooperative supported, and every harbour revitalised is proof that environmental stewardship is not in conflict with jobs. It is the foundation of jobs,” George said.
He added that the growth of forestry and fisheries showed how “green industries can deliver prosperity while safeguarding resources for the future.”
