Kalmakaar: A life changing ingenuity

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Idah Basimane

Location : Oliphants Drift

Event : Dinokeng Fish festival

Since November 2024, the communities of Oliphants Drift and Ramotlabaki in the Kgatleng District have demonstrated remarkable progress in self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods through their collective fishing efforts. Their initiative has culminated in the formation of the Kalmakaar Fishing Group, now the leading fish supplier in the southern region.
The group primarily utilises the Limpopo-Madikwe River to earn a living, and their success has fueled ambitious plans for expansion into a competitive commercial enterprise. The growth aims to boost sales and improve the livelihoods not only of the fishermen but also of their wider communities.
Thabang Molefe, a fisherman from Oliphants’ Drift, highlighted the importance of fishing as a livelihood solution for reducing unemployment in his village.
“We have been trained to fish by the Wildlife and National Parks department and encouraged to use treated water to wash the fish, rather than river water,” Molefe explained.
Retail giant Spar is among the major buyers that source fish from Kalmakaar, ensuring that the fish sold is nutritious and of good quality. Molefe emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating,
“This improves our job and ensures the fish remains nutritious for our consumers.”
At the recent Dinokeng Fish Festival, Poloko Mojalemotho, Chairperson of the Kgatleng District Council, expressed support for the initiative.
He outlined plans to assist Kalmakaar with accessing both local and international markets, reiterating that the project aligned with the sustainable livelihoods approach, building on existing strengths to enhance community well-being while safeguarding the environment.
Mr Mojalemotho acknowledged challenges faced by the communities, including capacity limitations and bureaucratic hurdles that have hindered their progress. “Empowering the river villages to manage their own fishing resources can lead to more sustainable and equitable outcomes,” he said.
He added that a thriving fisheries sector could contribute to the overall economic and social development of river villages.
Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa described Dinokeng Fish Festival as community power, innovation and sustainable development.
The event, he indicated, was a shining example of how local ingenuity, cultural heritage and environmental stewardship could be woven into a strategy for sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic empowerment.
“The launch is an initiative, beacon of hope and reflects our sharedcommitment to diversifying the rural economy and reducing poverty through sustainable agriculture,” he noted.
Mr Motshegwa said the event was not just about fishing, but food security, income generation and community resilience.
He noted that his ministry recognised the crucial role played by the aquaculture sector in fostering local economic empowerment amongst the river villages communities.
Mr Motshegwa said fish farming was multifaceted initiative, which created opportunities and value chain for the benefit of both formal and informal sector to thrive in the form of job creation.
He called upon stakeholders and development partners to give the business the mileage and extensive coverage in order to grow the two communities. ENDS