Renthia Kaimbi
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has renewed the board of directors of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) in Maputo, Mozambique, as the region strengthens efforts to combat illegal fishing and improve fisheries management.
The decision was approved on 29 May during the Joint Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Agriculture and Food Security and Fisheries and Aquaculture in Victoria Falls.
The renewal keeps Namibia’s Fisheries Observer Agency chief executive officer, Stanley Ndara, as chairperson of the MCSCC board for a second term.
Other board members are Antonio Francisco Jaime of Angola, Kagisanyo Bedi of Botswana, Boy Ronald Mavuso of Eswatini, Rijasoa Fanazava of Madagascar, Simeao Lopes of Mozambique, Alban Pulaizi of Malawi as a stakeholder representative, Bokang Makututsa of Lesotho as a stakeholder representative, Sakwimba Constance Mwanza of Zambia as a finance expert, Ndapanda Kanime and a nominee from the SADC Secretariat.
Ndara said the board remains committed to implementing all resolutions with accountability and transparency.
He said the board’s priorities include strengthening the sustainability of the centre, reducing reliance on donor funding and building capacity through the appointment of key personnel.
Ndara said the board will also focus on rolling out the Regional Register of Fishing Vessels to improve governance and safety across the region.
“The MCSCC is indeed a beacon of hope for the SADC region and an active catalyst in coordinating intelligence-led information to the rest of the Member States. With continued leadership as Chairperson of the SADC MCSCC Board, the ministers have shown trust in my leadership and the rest of the Board. The region is in capable hands and Namibia should be proud of their own! We will keep stakeholders informed and hold ourselves accountable to deliver on our commitments,” said Ndara.
The board renewal was carried out under Article 14 of the Charter Establishing the MCSCC.
SADC said the move reflects its commitment to sustainable fisheries management and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Ministers also approved the appointment of a candidate from Zambia as the new executive director of the centre for a four-year term.
They reached an agreement on a contingency plan that would enable the appointment of a candidate from Mozambique if the Zambian nominee becomes unavailable.
SADC believes the appointment will strengthen the centre’s operations and improve regional coordination.
The meeting also called on member states to pay outstanding contributions and take part in programmes such as the regional register of fishing vessels.
Member states were encouraged to support efforts to phase out illegal monofilament nets and other destructive fishing gear that threaten fish stocks and aquatic ecosystems.
Ministers commended countries that have already signed the charter establishing the MCSCC and urged those that have not yet done so to sign it.
Mozambique received recognition for signing the Host Country Agreement and registering the MCSCC as a diplomatic organisation, a step expected to support the centre’s full operation.
The meeting also recognised the support of international and regional partners, including the African Development Bank, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union, GIZ, Oceans 5, Stop Illegal Fishing, Trygg Matt Tracking, the United States Government and the World Wide Fund for Nature.
SADC encouraged partners to continue supporting programmes that strengthen fisheries management and the centre’s long-term sustainability.
The renewed leadership comes as illegal fishing continues to cost African countries billions of dollars in lost revenue and declining fish stocks, placing pressure on communities that depend on fisheries for food and income.
