Our Story

A Legacy Built at Sea

From eight squid permits to a diversified multi-sector fishing company the story of Letap Fishing is one of perseverance, community, and the open ocean.

Our Journey

Established in 1998, Letap began with a vision to build a proudly South African, community-rooted fishing company with a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

Over the years, Letap has grown and diversified across key sectors, including Squid, Sardines, Anchovy, and Hake Trawl.

The company has evolved from a fishing-focused operation into a vertically integrated seafood business, expanding into processing, value addition, and marketing.

This integration enables Letap to maintain greater control over quality and efficiency across the value chain from sea to shelf.

Today, Letap continues to build on its strong foundations through strategic investment, operational growth, and a commitment to creating long-term value.

1998

Founded

Letap (Pty) Ltd established in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

2000s

Rights Expansion

Acquisition of additional fishing rights across Pilchards, Anchovy, and Hake Trawl sectors.

2010s

Fleet Investment

Growth to a fleet of 5 vessels: 2 squid jigging vessels and 3 Hake Trawlers operating from South Africa.

2015+

Vertical Integration

Launch of ice plant facility in Port Elizabeth, expanding cold-chain capacity and strengthening vertical integration.

Today

Industry Leader

A 100% black-owned, Level 1 BEE, multi-sector fishing operation with a fleet, processing facilities, and community impact.

Leading Transformation in
South African Fishing

100%
Black Owned

Letap Fishing is 100% black-owned one of the most transformed commercial fishing companies in South Africa.

40%
Black Female Ownership

A significant portion of ownership is held by black women, reflecting our commitment to gender equity in the sector.

L1

Our Level 1 B-BBEE status reflects our dedication to broad-based black economic empowerment across all operations.

26+
Years of Operation

Over two and a half decades of consistent, community-focused operation in the South African fishing industry.

Our Mission &
Core Values

Letap Fishing's purpose is clear: to build a world-class fishing company rooted in South Africa, driven by transformation, and committed to leaving the ocean and our communities better than we found them.

We made a commitment to our members, staff, and the community that we will reinvest into the economy of South Africa, contributing towards economic growth, employment, and community upliftment.

Integrity

We operate with full transparency, regulatory compliance, and ethical business practices across every division.

Long-Term Thinking

Every investment decision from fleet to processing is made with multi-decade sustainability in mind.

Community First

Our success is measured not only in profit, but in the jobs created, lives improved, and communities served.

Excellence

From the quality of our catch to the professionalism of our team we hold ourselves to the highest standards.

Building the
South Africa's Future

Letap Fishing is committed to becoming the owner of the largest fish processing facility in South Africa creating employment within a community that faces high unemployment rates. Our vision goes beyond profit; it's about building a legacy of opportunity for the people of this province.

26+
Years investing in South Africa
100%
Profits reinvested locally
L1
BEE contributor rating