W Cape Fishing Harbours Get Visual Makeover as Govt Drives Coastal Revitalisation

In a visible display of commitment to revitalising South Africa’s coastal infrastructure and supporting fishing communities, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has announced the completion of high-visibility signage installations across nine of the Western Cape’s proclaimed fishing harbours. These improvements are part of a broader national effort to restore dignity, pride, and functionality to working harbours, reinforcing their role as economic and cultural lifelines for coastal communities.

Transforming Working Harbours: More Than Just Signage

Although overall harbour infrastructure management falls under other departments, the DFFE is playing a critical role in enhancing the operational environment of these harbours. The recently unveiled signage is both symbolic and functional—serving not only to improve navigation and safety but also to reflect a clear intent to elevate the status and efficiency of these essential marine assets.

“These signage upgrades are more than cosmetic. They are a statement of intent,” said Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, during a media briefing. “They reflect our department’s commitment to restore dignity, pride, and functionality to communities who rely on our working harbours.”

The initiative aligns with broader governmental goals to stimulate local economies, preserve marine heritage, and ensure that coastal areas are managed with professionalism and foresight.

Signage Installation: Harbours That Now Shine

As of mid-June 2025, new high-quality signage has been successfully installed at the following nine harbours:

• Kalk Bay – Installation completed on 18 June 2025

• Hout Bay – Completed on 18 June 2025

• Elands Bay – Completed on 16 June 2025

• Doring Bay – Completed on 16 June 2025

• Saldanha Bay (Pepperbay) – Completed on 16 June 2025

• Lamberts Bay – Completed on 14 June 2025

• St Helena Bay (Sandy Point) – Completed on 12 June 2025

• Laaiplek – Completed on 12 June 2025

• Yzerfontein – Initial signage installed on 25 April 2025, with enhancements pending

These updates are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a functional purpose in guiding fishing vessels, improving visibility for visitors, and presenting a professional image to potential investors and tourists.

What's Next: Remaining Harbours in the Pipeline

The Department confirmed that site visits have been conducted for the remaining six proclaimed fishing harbours in the Western Cape:

• Arniston

• Stilbay

• Struisbay

• Hermanus

• Gansbaai

• Gordons Bay

With signage now prepared and ready for deployment, final installation dates for these locations will be announced in the coming weeks. The department emphasized that collaboration with local teams is key to ensuring seamless implementation and ongoing maintenance.

Revitalising Coastal Communities Through Sustainable Development

Beyond the physical upgrades, this initiative represents a much broader agenda to rejuvenate fishing communities and enhance the socio-economic potential of harbour towns. According to Minister George, “We are determined to uplift and improve our harbours to unlock their economic potential. Our teams are working tirelessly to finalise the remaining installations, and we look forward to celebrating the full revitalisation of these harbours.”

The signage project is being positioned as a cornerstone of the DFFE’s commitment to:

• Promote sustainable fishing practices

• Strengthen community-based marine resource management

• Enhance coastal tourism and heritage preservation

• Improve the working environment for fishers and harbour personnel

A Model for Future Infrastructure Interventions

This initiative is seen as a model for how government departments can deliver practical, cost-effective upgrades that have high visibility and community impact. By focusing on smaller, targeted improvements—such as signage, waste management, safety, and lighting—the DFFE aims to complement larger infrastructure initiatives overseen by other branches of government.

Residents and fisherfolk in several upgraded harbours have already expressed appreciation for the cleaner, more organised appearance of their working environments, which many say adds to their sense of pride and optimism about the future.

As the DFFE pushes forward with the completion of signage at the remaining harbours, the broader mission remains clear: to restore South Africa’s working harbours as vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive spaces that anchor both livelihoods and culture. With more visible progress on the horizon, these revitalised harbours are poised to play an even greater role in the prosperity and resilience of coastal communities.