South Africa’s decision to invoke a six-year rule requiring exporters and importers of live animal products to get permits has left the Namibian oyster industry at a virtual standstill.

Namibia was exporting about 80,000 oysters a week to South Africa, which is the bulk of its weekly output. The Namibian government, which has written to the South African authorities, feels the decision is not in the spirit of SADC cooperation.

Producers feared that the Namibian industry would be paralysed until both sides got permits – and longer if they did not get them. The move has oyster growers concerned about the longterm future of their industry and has jolted them to accelerate the search for alternative markets. (Independent Foreign Service) .