Industry at a virtual standstill
LEONARD NEILL
NAMIBIA’S OYSTER export market is in chaos following a decision by the South African government to stop importing them. It has brought the country’s oyster industry to a virtual standstill and raised concerns about its future.
Namibia has been exporting about 80 000 oysters a week to South Africa, mainly to the Western Cape. This comprised the bulk of its output. Now the South African authorities have invoked a regulation dating back to 1998 requiring exporters and importers to obtain permits.
The Namibian government has not taken the decision lightly. It has written to its South African counterpart complaining that this is not in the spirit of SADC co-operation.
Fears are now rife that the South African government will decide to close its borders to oyster imports.
