Farming of mussels in Saldanha Bay took on a new dimension recently with a financing deal of nearly R1 million for the first successful black mussel farmers. Mussels are grown on ropes attached to rafts and these rafts are full production units. All harvesting, cleaning and grading of mussels is done at sea, so there is no land base and associated overhead cost.

Mussel Raft

The establishing of mussel farming on rafts was done through an unique partnership between the farmers, Blue Bay Aquafarm (Pty) Ltd, as mentor and the financial services group, Absa. Believing that better living conditions can be created for former employees and having faith that the expansion of mussel farming in Saldanha could occur at the hands of small farmers, Blue Bay Aquafarm embarked on a road of mentorship and partnership with them.

Zwelitsha Mhlungwini, Lindela Makotyana, Mhangabezi Mbudula, Michael Tinzi, Mpumelelo Yamile and Vincent Lelaletsi became shareholders in Masiza Mussel Farm (Pty) Ltd, using finance obtained through Absa Business Banking Services, while Jan Booysen, Clinton Mithell and Kobus Adams, used alternative finance to become shareholders. These gentlemen are not only farmers and raft owners, but captains of their own ship, making their own decisions in their own businesses in an informed way. Each group operates it’s own invoice book and bank account. Most importantly, they have created a better quality of life for their families. Profits in the not so distant future can lead to home ownership and opportunities to expand their business.

The future holds even more potential. Masiza Mussel Farm (Pty) Ltd has applied to the National Ports Authority for additional water rights. If successful, the project will expand to 42 rafts and result in 21 mussel farmers in total plus another 50 jobs in the processing factory!

Successful black economic empowerment is dependant on intensive mentorship and skills transfer. Blue Bay Aquafarm is responsible for support services and management advice. Blue Bay will maintain its vital contribution until the project reaches proper maturity to ensure that mussel farming techniques, cash flow and cost management, seamanship skills and the effective use of support elements have been established.

Ropes Of Mussels Hanging From The Raft

Harvesting The Mussel Ropes