In the heart of Naledi, Fana Sibisi has transformed his love for fishing into a thriving business. Fishing at the Ext 1 dam, commonly known as Edamini, Sibisi’s journey began at the tender age of 13.
Introduced to the craft by a friend, he quickly mastered the skills and never looked back. Today, fishing not only puts food on his table but has become a lucrative venture that supports his livelihood.
Sibisi shared his story with Orange Farm News: “We used to use curtains to catch fish, but over time we invested in proper nets. On a good day, I can catch up to 800 fish. After cleaning them, we sell them outside malls or busy areas where there’s high demand. The prices vary depending on the size of the fish.”
However, the business is not without its challenges. Pollution is a persistent problem at Edamini. “People throw rubbish into the water and sometimes we even find bodies dumped here. It’s not only bad for business but also harmful to nature-it kills the aquatic species,” Sibisi lamented.
Adding to the woes are sewer spills contaminating the water. “The government needs to address the sewer pipes that spill into the dam. We can only fish here after the rain because it washes away some of the dirt. Otherwise, we are forced to look for cleaner waters in neighbouring rivers,” he explained.
Despite these obstacles, Sibisi remains optimistic. “Fishing is life for me,” he said with pride. His story is a testament to resilience and innovation, as he continues to turn the tides in his favour, inspiring others in the community to see opportunity even in the face of adversity.
