The Riches of the Sea. Where there is Will there is a Way

“We may be poor and appear disorganised, but we are not victims, and when things get tough, people here do what they’ve always done – find a way to adapt and survive.” – Zakir Kibria,  policy analyst

It is definitely dicey and dangerous, it is 30 metres plus, the currents are strong and the swell could suddenly break upon you. Not the place to dive. Where Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet there is a rare species of cowrie which we have nicknamed “Carinakus”. It is so coveted by the shell collector that he is prepared to pay top dollar for it.

It took four trips to successfully find the first one and after using the microwave oven and baby oil to clean it, eventually the sale was concluded. The earnings from this will tide “Steven” over for at least six months and the happiness shows because it will keep hunger and the moneylenders away. He can now also pay for his children’s school books, uniforms and fees.

The message

There is a message embedded in this remarkable success story: South African waters are a magnificent source of riches for the poverty-stricken fisher people.