Recreational fishers no longer have to drive from post office to post office in search of fishing-permit application forms; they can simply visit the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)’s website to apply for their Monthly and Annual Recreational Fishing Permits.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said: “The online permitting system will enable enthusiastic recreational fishers and members of the public to access a recreational permit easily, without having to travel distances to find a post office. Applicants will be able to choose the type of permit they require, select the period of validity, process payments and download the permit.”
Given the closure of a number of South African post offices the department embarked on a process to develop an in-house online platform to ensure accessibility for the public to purchase the recreational fishing permits electronically.
The solution provides applicants with functional options to register, apply and obtain permits for recreational fishing in South African waters. Visit www.fishing.dffe.gov.za to apply for the permit. A detailed user guide explaining how to go navigate the platform is accessible on the DFFE website.
The department pointed out that members of the public who have no internet access can still use the nearest post office to apply for their recreational fishing permit.
