If your Global Positioning System (GPS) has been playing up or your internet has been a bit patchy, don't panic.

Spotters for abalone poachers in the small tourist town of Hermanus on South Africa's southernmost coast spot the police from afar and often mock them as they try to clamp down on the burgeoning illegal trade. "Afternoon inspector -- there are perlemoen (abalone) poachers down there inspector, you must go look," one of the men says mockingly.

South African politicans involved in negotiating an end to the apartheid era began a three-day meeting outside Cape Town on Sunday to share their experience with leaders and academics involved in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict between Israeli and Palestinians.

Kasrils travelled to Hermanus last Friday and criticised the Hermanus councillors for their "lack of energy and dedication".