Inyathi Park News July 2021

During the past two months, SA Hunters inundated you with messages that dealt mostly with the proposed amendments to the Firearms Control Act. The deadline for submitting comment, was 2 August. SA Hunters submitted its comment in two documents. The one document deals in detail with the proposed amendments, which is available here. The second document provides our comment from a legal perspective, which is available here. The petitions and other comments that we submitted are available at Firearms Amendment Bill 2021

Before moving on to other matters, I want to thank all our members that shared our messages, supported the petitions and submitted comment, some of which have been included in our official comment on the draft amendment bill. Thank you for your support. I also appreciate the effort by those that sent voice messages and video clips to assist us in conveying our message. We sincerely appreciate every contribution made.

I continue with other matters of interest.

Structure of newsletter

We start with the new and important information first, followed by the regular news.

Therefore, members can get up to date with fresh news first and read other information later.

New messages

SASSCo Court Application

On 29 July 2021, a mutual agreement has been reached between the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association’s and SASSCo. The agreement was accepted as a judgement of the Gauteng North High Court.

In his judgement, Judge Malindi order that:

The South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association is a legitimate member of SASSCO that enjoys all the rights and benefits provided by the SASSCo constitution.
SASSCo’s decision to suspend SA Hunters’ membership, be set aside.
The South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association is entitled to host national and international competitions where animal targets, including the Roe Buck and European fox may be used.
The South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association is entitled to use hunting rifles in the Sporting Rifle 586 and the Sporting Rifle Limited Bolt Action disciplines at national and international competitions, subject to the application rules for hosting international competitions.
The Hunting Rifle Association withdraws its case against SA Hunters unconditionally.
SA Hunters will not apply for membership of the International Field Shooting Association.
SASSCo be held responsible for the legal costs incurred by the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association.

The South African Hunters is relieved that a settlement was reached, but regrets the fact that this matter, which could have been resolved by rational discussion among mature individuals, ended in this matter at great costs for SASSCO.

Covid 19 at SA Hunters national office

Although the effect of the third wave of Covid 19 seems to be declining, SA Hunters is still working with only 50% of staff at the office. Staff take turns to work from home to reduce the risk of infection. This situation might affect service delivery to members, and we ask for your indulgence in this regard.

Protection of Personal Information Act

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI) came into effect on 1 July 2021. The personal information that members provide is only used for administrative purposes to update membership profiles and registration of activities. We also provide information to Media 24 of subscribers of one or both the magazines in order to arrange for deliveries, and to MyBonus (that provides the membership cards). SA Hunters is also legally obliged by the Firearms Control Act to provide details of members that no longer comply with the requirements of dedicated status to the Central Firearms Registry.

Personal information is not provided to any third parties. However, members that do not wish their information to be used in the above manner, must inform us in writing. Members voluntarily complete and sign the shooting range attendance register and indemnity forms as required by the POPI Act.

Conservation

Draft Policy on the Management, Breeding, Hunting, Trade and Handling of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros

SA Hunters submitted a letter to the Minister of DFFE, Minister Creecy, raising concerns regarding the approach and changed nuances in the draft policy on the iconic species published for public comment, compared to the recommendations and approach advocated in the High-Level Panel report.

SA Hunters publicly expressed support for the majority of the outcomes of the HLP report and its intent, as well as the Minister’s commitment towards a responsible and just process for implementation. Her commitment to responsible hunting and sound conservation approaches were also expressed in the meeting between the Minister, SA Hunters and Custodians of Professional Hunting and Conservation, where we engaged with the Minister on the HLP report and the process going forward.

The published draft policy however is poorly framed and written, with misrepresentation of facts, and instead of being inspirational and creating an enabling framework that would move the sector as a whole into positive action to achieve a “new deal” for people and nature, it was written in a very negative tone.

Recognition is not given to the conservation successes to which private sector contributed and the emphasis of the draft policy, differs significantly from the intent and recommendations of the HLP report in certain areas.

Ecotourism is emphasized as the preferred landuse option and the entire section on promotion of responsible hunting is omitted. Sufficient attention has not been given to the challenges the country, smaller reserves and private landowners face with increasing elephant numbers, and the absence of clear policy direction on rhino horn trade is concerning, especially given the lack of incentives to private sector and communities that make a significant contribution in the conservation of rhino. SA Hunters also submitted comments as part of the public consultation process.

Nicholas Yale passes

SA Hunters wishes to express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of firearm legend, Nicholas Yale who recently passed away at the age of 97 years. He established the Nicholas Yale Firearm dealership and was well-known in the firearms industry.

Repeat messages

Photography competition

The association’s amateur photo competition takes place on a monthly basis with overall winners and category winners being announced at the end of the year. Read here for more information on how to participate.

A social photography club has been set up on Facebook where members can share their photos. The group presents monthly photo challenges and shares regular photo tips.

Follow the link here to join the photography club on Facebook.

A monthly photography newsletter is also sent out to members. Please read the previous months’ news here and look out for the dates for the association’s online photography training sessions.

Please send any photography inquiries to sahuntphoto@gmail.com

Special offers

Doctari Knives

The Doctari knife project with its ivory handle and logo has resumed. The ivory is from the Nico van Rooyen trophy stock. Place your order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. There are only 50 knives available.

Pay R5 500 in SA Hunters bank account no 01443990077; branch code 632005 and use the reference Mes and your mobile number. Send proof of payment to admin@sahunt.co.za

Memorial publication

The memorial publication is available to order in two options:

The book is in A4 format and available with an ordinary cover at R300 per copy, or a luxury version bound in buffalo leather at R1000 a copy of which only 100 copies will be available.

To order your copy:

Transfer the correct amount (R300 for the ordinary version or R1 000 for leather bound version) in SA Hunters’ bank account at Absa, account number 01443990077.
Use your member number and Book as reference. Check that you enter your member number correctly to ensure that we can process your order.

Buck knives

There are only 220 items left in this limited series of 500 Buck knives at R1 000 each. These knives have ivory inlays on the handle with the SA Hunters logo engraved. Transfer R1 000 by EFT into SA Hunters back account at ABSA, account number 01443990077. Use your member number and Knipmes as reference. Send proof of payment, your member number and contact details to Realda Goosen at realda@sahunt.co.za

Sale at SA Hunters Shop

SA Hunters decided to reduce the clothing stock in its store and to change its product range. Various items are available at discounted prices. Enquiries: Rene at (012) 808 9300 of rene@sahunt.co.za

Humansdorp Koöperasie

In August 2021, Humansdorp Koöperasie offers the following products at 10% discount to members of SA Hunters:

Zeiss scopes
Schmidt & Bender scopes

Support to members

Many people are still suffering from the economic effects of Covid 19 circumstances. Herewith information about opportunities by members to members.

Good quality, dry bushveld firewood available at reasonable price in Pretoria area. More information here.
One of our members, Dawie Staruss of Clocolan, is a farmer and a writer. He published a book to commemorate his hunting experiences of the past 50 years. `n Leeftyd se Bekruip is available at Naledi publishers, naledi.online at discounted SA huntesr member price of R200 a copy. Order online or contact Tertia Swart on 078 648 8616. More information is available here.
Membership

Recruit members and earn commission

SA Hunters has 44 207 members.

The Board agreed that a member or a branch that recruits ten or more members per year, can earn commission of between R100 to R150 per member. More information is available here.

SA Hunters distributed membership application forms at various dealers. Any member that wants to receive the same material, can enquire with Dorothy Ras by dorothy@sahunt.co.za

Commercial affairs

In November 2019, SA Hunters signed an agreement with Humansdorp Koöperasie that gives 5% discount on the regular prize of a range hunting and shooting products to members of SA Hunters. See the links below for information about the discounts.

Please note that delivery could take longer than usual.

Visit the following websites for more information:
1. humkoop.co.za
2. co.za
3. co.za
Place orders telephonically or with e-mail.
You must be a paid-up member and provide your member number to enable Humansdorp Koöperasie to check your status.
Place your orders with Eduan du Toit, Cheryl Coetzee or Riaan Vermaak at any of the following numbers or e-mail addresses:
1. Telephone numbers
  1. (042) 2910431
  2. (042) 2951501