Stevens had been in charge of the reallocation of line-fishing rights but the process became mired in controversy. Of the 405 fishing rights granted in 2005, only 105 had been renewed.
Those who lost out questioned the process, demanded to see their score-sheets and threatened legal action against the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. They were later given a two-month grace period during which they could continue to fish.
Previous rights holders took the department to court to invalidate the whole process. Stevens insisted that everything was above board. He blamed the protests on white rights holders.
A fisheries official said the minister, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, had been "unhappy" with the process. "She was under an impression that was not a true reflection of the situation on the ground," said the official.
The minister's spokesman, Palesa Mokomele, said Stevens was on leave after "a very rigorous process" and another official would act in the position.
Source: The Times via I-Net Bridge
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
