Tribute to JD Kotze, fervent supporter of the MCSCC
The MCSCC is saddened to announce the passing away of Stop Illegal Fishing’s colleague Johannes Dirk Kotze, known as “JD”, on 15 September 2024 in Cape Town. Until his last day, JD showed dedication and commitment to support the MCSCC in fighting illegal fishing and environmental crimes. For many fisheries and environmental officers in the SADC region and beyond, he has been a valued coach and mentor. His passing will leave a great void in our professional community.
JD was an Investigator in the South African Police Service and The Directorate of Special Operations, commonly known as the Scorpions, a specialised unit of the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa for many years before becoming an Investigator and Trainer in the fight against illegal fishing and environmental crimes.
In the past decade, as part of Stop Illegal Fishing, he has worked and committed much of his time to training enforcement officers, particularly amongst the SADC region, with regular travel to countries including Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania.
For many frontline fisheries and environmental officers across the African continent, he was a valued mentor and brother, always on the end of his phone to provide support when needed. He showed strong dedication to help build the capacity of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) to fight IUU fishing.
JD was a key person in the 2016 Animal Planet series “Ocean Warriors”, where his operational work tackling blast fishing with the Multi Agency Task Team in Tanzania is featured. He also had the chance to share his skills while on board the Sea Shepherd’s civilian patrol vessel “Ocean Warrior” during Operation Jodari. His practical thinking was always at the forefront and following the Covid Pandemic, he pioneered the ingenious use of body work cameras for fisheries officers, a tool that has now become commonly used to help build capacity, grow confidence and protect against abuse.
JD was undoubtedly a kind man, whilst having an ‘opinionated yet humble’ character that helped people to feel appreciated and welcome, as his team at Stop Illegal Fishing (SIF) describes him (In Memory of JD Kotze – An African Champion in the Fight Against Illegal Fishing and Environmental Crime 30 January 1961 to 15 September 2024 – Stop Illegal Fishing).
He always showed great effort to guide our officers, sharing the skills and knowledge that was needed to make their work meaningful. We thank him for the impact his tireless work has had both at national and regional level through the MCSCC. The MCSCC will build on JD’s valuable learnings and remember his mentorship in advancing the fight against IUU fishing.
