In the quaint fishing village of Steenberg’s Cove on South Africa’s West Coast, a cooperative known as Weskusmandjie, guided by the astute leadership of Hilda Adams, is making waves in both economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
Founded in the early 2000s, Weskusmandjie emerged from a pressing need for economic stability and communal solidarity. The village, like many coastal communities in South Africa, grapples with a complicated fishing permit system that hinders local fishers’ access to vital resources. The bureaucratic, and mostly corrupt, maze of permits and regulations often limits their fishing opportunities and exacerbates financial strain on small-scale operators, compounding the difficulties faced in this crucial industry.
Under Hilda Adams’ guidance, the cooperative has not only navigated these systemic challenges but has thrived despite them. “Our objective transcends economic success,” Adams explains. “We aim to empower our community by fostering a sense of ownership and pride. By combining traditional skills with innovative practices, we’ve built a sustainable enterprise that stands resilient against adversity.”
Weskusmandjie primarily focuses on processing and marketing seafood, producing high-quality pickled and smoked seafood products, bokkom biltong and sea lettuce salt. Their products, which reflect the rich maritime heritage of the West Coast, have found a market both locally and beyond. This success has been pivotal in providing economic stability and showcasing the unique flavours of their region. The cooperative also embraces sustainability by repurposing discarded fishing nets into eco-friendly tote bags and other products.
Their partnership with Abalobi, a platform that connects small-scale fishers with consumers, further amplifies their reach and impact. Abalobi, meaning “the people” in isiXhosa, provides a digital marketplace that promotes fair trade and sustainable practices, helping Weskusmandjie to access broader markets and gain recognition.
In the quaint fishing village of Steenberg’s Cove on South Africa’s West Coast, a cooperative known as Weskusmandjie, guided by the astute leadership of Hilda Adams, is making waves in both economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
Founded in the early 2000s, Weskusmandjie emerged from a pressing need for economic stability and communal solidarity. The village, like many coastal communities in South Africa, grapples with a complicated fishing permit system that hinders local fishers’ access to vital resources. The bureaucratic, and mostly corrupt, maze of permits and regulations often limits their fishing opportunities and exacerbates financial strain on small-scale operators, compounding the difficulties faced in this crucial industry.
Under Hilda Adams’ guidance, the cooperative has not only navigated these systemic challenges but has thrived despite them. “Our objective transcends economic success,” Adams explains. “We aim to empower our community by fostering a sense of ownership and pride. By combining traditional skills with innovative practices, we’ve built a sustainable enterprise that stands resilient against adversity.”
Weskusmandjie primarily focuses on processing and marketing seafood, producing high-quality pickled and smoked seafood products, bokkom biltong and sea lettuce salt. Their products, which reflect the rich maritime heritage of the West Coast, have found a market both locally and beyond. This success has been pivotal in providing economic stability and showcasing the unique flavours of their region. The cooperative also embraces sustainability by repurposing discarded fishing nets into eco-friendly tote bags and other products.
Their partnership with Abalobi, a platform that connects small-scale fishers with consumers, further amplifies their reach and impact. Abalobi, meaning “the people” in isiXhosa, provides a digital marketplace that promotes fair trade and sustainable practices, helping Weskusmandjie to access broader markets and gain recognition.
In the quaint fishing village of Steenberg’s Cove on South Africa’s West Coast, a cooperative known as Weskusmandjie, guided by the astute leadership of Hilda Adams, is making waves in both economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
Founded in the early 2000s, Weskusmandjie emerged from a pressing need for economic stability and communal solidarity. The village, like many coastal communities in South Africa, grapples with a complicated fishing permit system that hinders local fishers’ access to vital resources. The bureaucratic, and mostly corrupt, maze of permits and regulations often limits their fishing opportunities and exacerbates financial strain on small-scale operators, compounding the difficulties faced in this crucial industry.
Under Hilda Adams’ guidance, the cooperative has not only navigated these systemic challenges but has thrived despite them. “Our objective transcends economic success,” Adams explains. “We aim to empower our community by fostering a sense of ownership and pride. By combining traditional skills with innovative practices, we’ve built a sustainable enterprise that stands resilient against adversity.”
Weskusmandjie primarily focuses on processing and marketing seafood, producing high-quality pickled and smoked seafood products, bokkom biltong and sea lettuce salt. Their products, which reflect the rich maritime heritage of the West Coast, have found a market both locally and beyond. This success has been pivotal in providing economic stability and showcasing the unique flavours of their region. The cooperative also embraces sustainability by repurposing discarded fishing nets into eco-friendly tote bags and other products.
Their partnership with Abalobi, a platform that connects small-scale fishers with consumers, further amplifies their reach and impact. Abalobi, meaning “the people” in isiXhosa, provides a digital marketplace that promotes fair trade and sustainable practices, helping Weskusmandjie to access broader markets and gain recognition.
