Investing in our community, investing in our business

Investing in our community, investing in our business

Tuesday the 19th of May was a feast day for the Emmanuel Day Care Centre in Atlantis. This was when this special centre received over R70 000 of donations generously supplied by Khanyisile Fishing.

Emmanuel Day Care Centre has been in operation for 21 years and looks after 72 children, all with various disabilities. Each child is provided with three meals a day and cared for by 18 staff members, who themselves were previously unemployed. Centre Manager, Joyce Anderson, says, “The government grant only covers the staff wages, so we rely on the goodwill of others, which is why we are very grateful for the fish and this donation.” 

The donation included an industrial catering oven valued at R14 500, R10 000 in cash and frozen hake fillets valued at over R47 000. “Food and protein are some of our greatest concerns,” says Joyce. “These skinless and boneless hake fillets will enable us to feed 72 children two to three times a day for one year.” 

Khanyisile Fishing

Based in Atlantis, Khanyisile Fishing is the third-largest seafood crumbing and value-adding factory in South Africa, producing over 3 000 tons of crumbed, battered and coated seafood per year. Employing over 110 workers, the company is 100% black-owned and 87% black-woman-owned. 

Trevor Christian, director at Khanyisile Fishing, says “The company has always contributed to worthwhile causes on a national scale but now our primary focus is the disadvantaged community of Atlantis, which requires significant upliftment and investment.

“It is very important that these disabled children are fed the right type of proteins so the they can gain weight while enjoying a tasty meal which is why we are honoured to be in a position to help out with this donation,” says Trevor.

“At Khanyisile Fishing, we’re proud to be one of the biggest seafood suppliers and manufacturers of quality crumbed seafood. We want to push the boundaries, banish bland mealtimes and get more people eating fish in exciting new ways,” he says. 

Our exciting fish products can be found at the top four retailers in South Africa under their house brands namely Spar, Checkers, Pick ’n Pay and the Food Lover’s Market. These products include crumbed and battered natural fish fillets, portions, and a household favourite, fish fingers.  We also produce crumbed formed products such as fish cakes, crispy bakes and other crumbed products.

In 2019, Khanyisile Fishing was sold to an Employee Empowerment Trust with 70 historically disadvantaged beneficiaries who directly profit from, and contribute to, the company’s successes. This contributes to the economic development, empowerment and upliftment of the local economy of Atlantis.

Investment

Trevor says, “We embrace bold innovation as a foundation for sustainable growth and development, which is why we continue to invest in our business. In 2021 we intend to grow local commercial fishing through the potential of deep sea and other quota in the upcoming fishing rights allocation process. This direct access to hake and other seafood products will greatly improve the lives of the beneficiaries for the next 15 years, which is the duration of the Fishing Rights,” he says.

Investment made into the plant and machinery has been a significant. In 2021, the factory was expanded to include an additional high-tech production line, value-adding packing and a new refrigeration plant.

“The most important asset of our company remains our people. With their loyalty we can progress into new global markets with adaptable and sustainable strategies that enhance stable resource procurement, and technological innovation to the vast benefit of all concerned,” says Trevor.