Inyathi Park News June 2022

It is official! The second half of the year has started. We are also in the middle of the hunting season.

Structure of newsletter

We start with the new, essential 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

International Gallery Rifle World Championship

A shooting team from SA Hunters participated in the International Gallery Rifle World Championship at Bisley in England as the defending champions. They thoroughly enjoyed it and performed very well. The team included a few new members.

Congratulations to the team for doing so well and for being true ambassadors for SA Hunters and the country. A special word of congratulations to the following members:

Annemarie van Tonder is the new women’s World Champion in the general small calibre and the centrefire divisions.
Stoffel Bester came overall fourth in the small calibre division and first in the X-class with a new range record in the Phoenix event.
Flippie van Tonder came fifth in the general small calibre division and took second place in two disciplines.

More results here.

SAHGCA Congress

The Board of SA Hunters approved the implementation of the budget for the financial year of 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. It was also decided to host the 2022 Congress as a virtual meeting with Zoom to save costs for members and the Association.

The Congress is scheduled for 5 November 2022 at 08:00, and will be held as a virtual meeting from the national office in Nyathi Park, Pretoria. All branch delegates will be invited to participate in the Congress 2022 in terms of the Internal rules.

Budget and membership fees

The Board of SA Hunters agreed to increase the membership fees for the following year with 5% for all members (in some instances less and in other instances more than 5%) See the new table with membership fees here.

Members still have the option to pay the membership fee only, or to pay more to include subscription to one or both magazines (SA Hunter en Magnum)

Hunting affairs

4.1 Foot and mouth disease

The regulations for the control of foot and mouth disease are still applicable in Limpopo ad KZN, which restricts the transportation of any products of cloven-hooved animals in, to and through the control region. We included the protocol in last month’s newsletter, but it is still available here.

Meanwhile, foot and mouth disease spread to North West Province. Positive diagnoses were found on 14 farms in the Potchefstroom region. These farms and adjacent farms have been put under quarantine.

Members are advised to check the status of the farms where they plan to hunt for any foot and mouth restrictions. Where applicable, apply for the necessary permits to transport meat products to, from and through controlled areas.

Send permit applications to:

KwaZulu/Natal	Limpopo
Dr CC Meintjes at 083 273 5797	Dr JJ Mentz at 083 302 1850
fmdpermitskzn@gmail.com	fmdpermitslimpopo@gmail.com

4.2 Electronic permits to transport wild pig meat and carcasses

Paid-up members of SA Hunters that are landowners qualify for free registration to issue electronic permits to authorise the transport of wild pig meat and carcasses in terms of the Animal Health Act, Act 35 of 1984. These permits are a legal requirement for the transport of wild pig meat and carcasses from or through Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and parts of KwaZulu/Natal.

Landowners can register in two simple steps to issue these permits. The only requirement is paid-up membership of SA Hunters, and access to a computer, printer, and internet access. More information is available here.

4.3 National Game Meat Strategy

Cabinet agreed to publish the draft game meat strategy for public comment. SA Hunters contributed towards the development of the strategy aimed at formalising and transforming the game meat sector. The strategy includes an implementation plan to strengthen the sector as a contributor to food security and economic growth. SA Hunters will inform members as soon as the white paper is published for comment.

4.4 Dedicated hunter and sport shooter

Members with dedicated hunter and/or sport shooter status, have four months left to register relevant activities on the online administration system towards complying with the status conditions.

SA Hunters has 16 862 dedicated hunters of which only 7 030 have registered sufficient activities. There are 13 935 dedicates sport shooters of which only 4 064 registered sufficient activities to retain their status.

Members can use the App customised for this purpose to keep track of their activities for registration by 31 October every year.

Members that for whatever reason cannot comply by 31 October 2022, (e.g., practising at a shooting range or attending other activities) can phone the national office for assistance and advice.

On request from members, the Board agreed that a visit to HuntEx qualifies as an activity to retain dedicated status.

4.5 Transport of firearms

SA Hunters is receiving more complaints about concerning practices with the transport of firearms, e.g.:

Firstly, the police or traffic officials pull off motorist at road-blocks and enquire about firearm ownership and licences. These officials then state that firearms may not be used for self defence (section 13 licence) if the licence was issued in terms of hunting and sport shooting (section 15 and 16 licence).

They are wrong! Licence issued in terms of section 13 (self-defence), section 15 (occasional hunting and sport shooting, and section 16 (dedicated hunting and sport shooting) allow the owner to use the firearm where it is safe and for a legal purpose.

The Firearms Control Act does not restrict the use of a firearm solely for the purpose of a particular licence.

Secondly, police and traffic officials also question motorists about the method of transport of their firearms (especially handguns). The claim that a firearm owner must carry the firearm on his person, and not in a bag, holster or in any other part of the vehicle. Motorists are being threatened and forced to pay bribes before they may leave.

This conduct is also wrong!

Section 84 of the Firearms Control Act is explicit about the transport of firearms and makes provision for a person to carry a handgun in a holster or similar holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the purpose, or in a rucksack or similar holder. The firearm must be covered completely, and the carrier must have effective control over the firearm.

These conditions of Section 84 apply with regard to the carrying of a firearm in a public place. The interior of your vehicle is private space. Outside the vehicle, is public space.

Section 84 of the Act reads as follows:

Firearms control Act 60 of 2000

Section 84. Carrying of firearm in public place

(1) No person may carry a firearm in a public place unless the firearm is carried –

(a) in the case of a handgun –

(i) in a holster or similar holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the carrying of a handgun and attached to his or her person; or

(ii) in a rucksack or similar holder; or

(b) in the case of any other firearm, in a holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the carrying of the firearm.

(2) A firearm contemplated in subsection (1) must be completely covered and the person carrying the firearm must be able to exercise effective control over such firearm.

We advise members to be cautious should they ever be in such a situation. Ensure that you handle the firearm according the legal requirements. No own needs to pay a bribe when threatened. Keep a copy of this regulation of the Act nearby.

Conservation news

Save our Succulents conservation initiative (SOS)

The SOS initiative of Namakwa Branch donated 100 seed trays to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for planting of confiscated threatened succulents from the Namaqualand area. These plants have been seized from poachers caught in illegal possession of protected flora. According to Adam Harrower, the Senior Botanical Horticulturist – Xerophytic plant collections of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the poaching of threatened plants is escalating to the level where certain species in Namaqualand have already been driven to extinction in the wild. These planting trays serve as a critical part in keeping these plants alive, and the species still in existence.

If members of the public want to assist us in supporting this initiative, please feel free to contact the conservation manager at Lizanne@sahunt.co.za

Riemland branch conserves Sungazers

Sungazers (Ouvolk) are threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection from the wild. Recently, the Riemland Branch saved on specimen and returned it to the wild. Within a few days she found a den. Two juveniles that remained behind in the den after poachers closed the opening when removing the mother, were rescued and placed with another female which adopted them. Good job Riemland Branch!

Please report any illegal activities immediately. Landowners can become part of our Natural Heritage project by contacting our conservation manager, Lizanne Nel on Lizanne@sahunt.co.za.

SA Hunters serves on the national sungazer working group with other conservation organisations to discuss strategies for the conservation of this species.

New editor for SA Hunter

Johan van Wyk, editor of SA Hunter magazine decided to emigrate to Australia. He will leave the country with his family soon. Thank you to Johan for his excellent work as editor of SA Hunter.

Francois van Emmenes was appointed to take over from Johan. Francois is known to us all as a member of the Pretoria East Branch. We wish him well for this new task and we look forward to seeing his plans to grow the magazine.

Municipal rates on agricultural land

Recently, we reported on the a development where some municipalities implemented rates on agricultural land by taxing farms as commercial properties, and not farm land. Some of our members who are land-owners might have been affected by this change.

One of our members, Prof. Bernard Bekink, completed is doctoral thesis on the restructuring of local governments. He is an expert on municipal management, including municipal taxes.

Bernard offered to assist any of our members that are experiencing the implications of this tax. A first consultation is free, after which Bernard and the member can discuss further assistance and the price thereof.

Direct queries to Prof. Bernard Bekink at bernard.bekink@up.ac.za

Special offer by Humansdorp Koöperasie

During July 2022, Humansdorp Koöperasie offers 10% discount to members of SA Hunters on the purchase of all Walther barrels.

Repeated messages

Photography Club

The photography club is still gaining popularity. Read more about the club, training opportunities and monthly competitions and prizes here. It also provides information about the Photographer of the Year competition.

Special offers

Doctari-knives

The Doctari ivory knife project will end soon. A limited quantity of knives was made with handles from ivory from the Nico van Rooyen collection. There are only 20 knives left. Place your order now for that special Christmas gift, to avoid disappointment.

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

Only copies of the memorial books with the hard covers are still available at R300 per copy.

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 59 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

Support to members

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

Quality, dry bushveld firewood available at reasonable price in Pretoria area. More information here.

Membership

Recruit members for commission

SA Hunters has 43 243 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

The Board also agreed that branches that succeed in resigning up lapsed members, will also benefit from the commission. More information has been sent to Branch chairpersons.