Fishing rights allocation process extended

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The department advised the applicants to submit completed application forms timeously. Application forms must not be faxed, posted or emailed. "South African persons wishing to submit their completed application forms are required to bring the original identity document [for individuals], company registration document [for entities] and/or a letter authorising the individual submitting the application on behalf of the interested party to one of the receipting centres.

"In case of a company or close corporation, the authorisation letter must be signed by the managing director or managing member. Where the authorised representative nominated in terms of a resolution signs the authorisation letter to appoint a representative, a copy of the resolution must be produced," the department explained. Furthermore, the authorisation letter must be printed on the company's or close corporation's letter head.

"Applicants are advised that subsequent to receipting process, the department will appoint a firm of independent auditors to verify the correctness and accuracy of information provided by applicants to the department when applying for rights. Applicants are therefore advised to have all copies of their documents readily available for the intended verification process."

The department also warned that the information provided by applicants that is not true or complete, which may have influenced the decision of the delegated authority in granting such a right, shall be considered as a violation of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998) and may result in the initiation of legal proceedings.