A group of Hout Bay locals say they will continue earning a living by feeding and taming a seal, allowing visitors to the harbour to take photographs with the wild animal in exchange for a small fee.
Last week, the High Court convicted two members of the group, imposing an R80 000 fine or direct imprisonment. The sentence was suspended on condition that they do not commit the same or similar offences again.
However, when Radio 786 visited the group over the weekend, they vowed they would rather go to jail than stop what they are doing.
I have two sons whom I’m raising. What must I tell them? That I can’t do this or that to provide for them? They can then take me to prison. Then I can eat every day; I don’t have to look all the time for something for myself. They will give me food during my time in prison. So I’m fine with whatever. I do my thing. How must I make a living? I’m going to do my thing [with the seals] until I go to prison. We have families to look after.”
The group who wants to remain anonymous argue that their actions are no different from national parks and animal attractions that profit from wildlife tourism, insisting that they pose no danger or harm to the seal.
They also spoke passionately about unemployment and the lack of opportunities in Hout Bay, saying an entire generation is being pushed deeper into poverty, leaving many vulnerable to drugs, gangsterism, and violence.
According to the group, millions of rand are generated through animal parks and boat tours centred around the very same species of wildlife.
