How quickly does everything change in the world we live in and in our day to day experiences. Two weeks ago on 16 March, I sent out the first special newsletter on the Corona Virus and the possible impact thereof. At that stage, the first three cases tested positively. This morning we are on 1 326 cases. Today, only 14 days later, South Africa is in lockdown with only essential services and businesses operating. The country is quiet. Nobody knows what the future holds and it is difficult to live with the uncertainty. That is our new reality.
When we look back at history then there a few highlights that give us hope. In South Africa and the world, events with a massive impact (e.g. two world wars, the Spanish Flu in 1918, and the depression from 1930 – 1933) left us with scars, but they made us stronger and better than before. The same will happen with the Corona Virus. We will get through it, stronger and better.
- SA Hunters and Corona Virus (COVID 19)
We have the choice to communicate the bad news only, or to support our members with useful information. I choose the latter. We might be able to assist one small business or give hope to one member during this difficult time.
Message from the State President
In his message to the nation on Monday 30 March, the State President remained grateful and hopeful about the way in which citizens supported his call to isolation and lockdown. Thank you to our members for their contribution. A copy of the State President’s full message is available here. The President also announced measures towards assisting individuals and businesses. Some of these measures are referred to below.
Unemployment Insurance Fund
Special unemployment insurance benefits are available for employers that had to send their employees home or had to lay off their workers, and for employees that cannot work and will not be paid in full or at all during the lockdown. Basic guidelines about these benefits are available here.
Tax relief
Employee Tax Incentives for employers have been broadened. Previously, it was only applicable to employees between 18 and 29 years, but they been extended to allow you to claim the previous amount too (if you have not claimed it already).
For the next four months from April 2020, employers may claim back R500 per employee that earns less than R6 500 per month, by means of a deduction in PAYE system.
20% of the PAYE that is payable before or on the seventh day of the following month, has been postponed for the next four months to improve companies’ cash flow.
An arrangement has been made for provisional tax payers to pay contributions at a more favourable rate of only 15% in August 2020, 50% in February 2021 and 35% in September 2021.
Some guidelines in tax relief measures are available here.
Debt relief for small enterprises
The President confirmed that a solidarity fund had been established to which several large businesses contributed. Full detail on the conditions for accessing these funds are not yet available, but some guidelines have been published. Earlier reports that the fund would only be available to businesses that complied with certain BBBEE conditions, were false. All small enterprises that comply with certain conditions, qualify for assistance. Read more here.
- Firearms amnesty
The firearms amnesty is old news. With the implementation of lockdown the SAPS informed us that the amnesty has been suspended for the duration of lockdown. No more information is available. We assume that the amnesty period will be extended.
Enquiries: Petrus Swart on (012) 8089300 or to petrus@sahunt.co.za
- Firearm licence applications
The Police confirmed that they cannot receive any applications for new licences or the renewal of firearm licences during the lockdown period because all police personnel have been assigned to other tasks. If your licence expires during this period and you have not yet applied for a renewal, we advise you to do so immediately after the lockdown has been lifted.
- Hunting Affairs
For some of us the restrictions of Covid-19 creates an opportunity to pay attention to other tasks that are often neglected, such as servicing your reloading equipment and reload ammunition. The rest of your hunting gear also deserves attention.
Use a soft brush or lens cleaner to clean your scope. Hold the scope upside down to allow dust particles to be released. Start cleaning the lens from the centre and work towards the outside in small circles. Once all the dust has been removed, wipe the lens with a clean microfibre cloth.
Check all your leather equipment such as your belt, knife sheath, ammo holder, hunting boots etc. for visible signs of drying out that can lead to cracks in the leather. There are many products on the market to treat leather goods. Ordinary baby oil also works well. It softens the leather and makes it water proof. Also sharpen your hunting knife.
Hunting opportunities sponsored by Archers Rock Safaris
Archers Rock Safaris offered a hunting opportunity to the value of R50 000 that members can win with a lottery ticket of R50. The hunting package is available for either rifle, bow or a combination of both. It includes:
One kudu bull up to 52 inch, one blue wildebeest bull up to 29 inches, two impala rams up to 22 inches, and one warthog with up to 12 inch tusks; free accommodation in five star lodge for two hunters or one hunter and one guest for four nights and five hunting days; and a free spa treatment. All meals, transport, cool room facilities and guides are included.
The hunting destination is in the Gravelotte region and available between 1 July and 30 October 2020. Read more about this offer from Archers Rock Safaris.
To stand a chance to win this prize:
- Transfer R50 or multiple amounts of R50 (for more chances to win) electronically to the bank account of SA Hunters at ABSA, account number 01443990077.
- Use your mobile phone number and Archers as reference.
Entries close on 15 June 2020. SA Hunter will use your mobile phone number for the lucky draw.
Direct any queries to Boetie Kirchner at boetiek@sahunt.co.za
Buffalo hunt
SA Hunters managed to obtain a few buffalo (cows) hunting opportunities. Because of the popularity last year, the Board agreed that interested parties could add their names on a waiting list at R500 per person. Transfer R500 to the bank account of SA Hunters at ABSA, account number 01443990077. Use Buffelkoei as reference.
More information is available from Boetie Kirchner by boetiek@sahunt.co.za
- Shooting affairs
All activities have been suspended for now.
Invitation to Australia
The Sport Shooters Association of Australia informed us that they postponed the Big Game Rifle Shoot. The shooting committee will monitor the situation, and keep members informed of any further developments.
- Conservation
SAHGCA’s Namakwa branch decided to get actively involved in curbing the poaching of rare and threatened plants. The illegal trade in rare plants and reptiles increased tremendously over the past decade, especially in semi-arid areas such as Namaqua land and the Richtersveld where there is a huge diversity of succulents and unique plants that adapted to the arid environment. Although South Africa only covers 2% of the world’s surface, we boast 46% of the worlds succulents of which the majority occur in these regions. More than 900 of these plant species are threatened. It is estimated that the illegal trade in these plants is a much bigger problem than the illegal trade in rhino horn. Between April and December 2019, there were approximately 29 court cases in which 48 people have been arrested and fines of more than R4 million have been issued for the theft and illegal trade in rare and threatened plants and reptiles.
In March 2020, the manager conservation, Lizanne Nel, joined the Namakwa Branch at a workshop at Sendelingsdrif in the Richtersveld where the conservation departments of the Western and northern Cape, SANParks, SANBI, the Green Scorpions, police members of stock theft units and other interested parties identified priorities to curb the poaching. They also discussed ways in which SA Hunters and its members can work with other organisations to promote conservation initiatives.
Namakwa Branch made R100 000 available for essential conservation equipment for three provincial parks. Funds have also been pledged to erect a building at the nursery in the Richtersveld National Park where confiscated threatened plants and other examples of threatened species can be kept. This will also serves as one of the gene banks of plant species that provides detailed information of the habitat to enable cultivation of plants for possible reintroduction in the wild. A more detailed article about this initiative will be published in a forthcoming edition of SA Hunter magazine.
Panel of experts
A call for comments on matters related to the management, handling, breeding, hunting and trade of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros has been gazetted by the Minister of Environmental Affairs (DEFF) on 27 March. Written submissions, scientific information, socio-economic information or any other relevant information that will enable evaluation and assessment of current practices, regulatory measures and policy positions can be submitted to the Minister’s high level panel of experts within 60 days of publication of the notice. For more detail, a copy of the gazette has been placed here on the SA Hunters website.
Submissions can be mailed to: submission2HLP@environment.gov.za
Enquiries: Ms Pamela Singh at 012 3998740 or prsingh@environment.gov.za
- Magazines
The delivery of both SA Hunter and Magnum magazines has been affected by the lockdown conditions, and will only resume after the restriction has been lifted. The delivery of the magazines that was expected at the end of April, will now only be delivered in mid-May, if the lockdown ends by 20 April.
Media 24 offered SA Hunters’ members that are subscribers to the print version free access to the electronic magazine editions through a coupon system. Members that chose to have the paper copy delivered at their homes and wish to receive the electronic copy, can contact Michel Schoeman at michel@sahunt.co.za
- Training
SA Hunters, in collaboration with the Wildlife College, offers training in the hunting of dangerous game. Only members with dedicated hunter status qualify. Each course can accommodate six persons to allow personal attention to each trainee. The course costs R4 000 per person and includes training in two species. The first two people that enrol, will determine which species are covered, e.g. Elephant and Buffalo. Training is available for Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Hippopotamus and Crocodile.
The Wildlife College provides the following equipment: a camp kitchen, camping chairs, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery and a grill. Safe storage facilities for groceries are available to keep out the baboons. Other facilities include a water tank, toilet, shower and solar power lanterns. NB: trainees must bring along their own firewood, ice, fridge, food and beverages.
In some instances, accommodation is available, while trainees of other courses will have to provide their own accommodation. Course type 1: Six trainees live in three tents, each equipped with two camping beds and mattresses. Course type 2: Six trainees provide their own tents, mattresses, camping beds or mobile accommodation.
For more information, contact Liesel at (012) 808 9325 or liesel@sahunt.co.za
A letter with more information is available here.
NB: Interested persons much have dedicated hunter status. Please take note that all courses scheduled for April 2020, have been cancelled due to the lockdown.
Course dates for 2020
28 – 31 May (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
4 – 7 June (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
25 – 28 June (x 4 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
2 – 5 July (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
6 – 9 July (x 6 places open) (Monday 12h00 to Thursday 12h00) (Type 1)
9 – 12 July (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
13 – 16 July (x 6 places open) (Monday 12h00 to Thursday 12h00) (Type 1)
16 – 19 July (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
20 – 23 July (x 6 places open) (Monday 12h00 to Thursday 12h00) (Type 1)
23 – 26 July (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
27 – 30 July (x 6 places open) (Monday 12h00 to Thursday 12h00) (Type 1)
30 Jul – 2 Aug (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
6 – 9 Aug (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
27 – 30 Aug (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
3 – 6 Sep (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
24 – 27 Sep (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
Supply the following information with your booking and payment of the course fee:
- Name and surname
- Member number
- Number of dedicated hunter status
- Phone number
- Preferred date for booking
See the short video that gives an idea of what to expect during this training.
- Membership
Recruiting members for commission
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 wish to receive the same material, can enquire with Dorothy Ras by dorothy@sahunt.co.za
- Ivory project
The Doctari ivory knife project is back on track after we fell behind with orders and deliveries. This project entails the production of knives with ivory handles from the Nico van Rooyen ivory stock. Only 150 knives will be made. Place your order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 100 knives have already been ordered.
Transfer R5 500 in the bank account of SA Hunters at Absa, account number 01443990077; branch code 632005. Use Knife and your mobile number as reference. Please send the proof of payment to admin@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. See the links below for information about the discounts.
In April the following special offers are available. Please note that deliver of items will only resume after suspension of the lockdown period.
Any Lothar Walther barrel 10%+5% = 15% discount
Any Bartlein and Broughton barrel 5%+5% = 10% discount
All Hornady shells nod points for reloading 5%+5% = 10% discount
All Lapua shells and point for reloading 5%+5% = 10% discount
- Visit the following websites for more information:
- humkoop.co.za
- co.za
- 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 ore -mail addresses:
- Telephone numbers
- (042) 2910431
- (042) 2951501
- Telephone numbers
- iii. (042) 2951082
- E-mail addresses
Your order will be dispatched by courier or other delivery method as soon as the money has been received and after the suspension of the lockdown period.
The complete list of service providers that offer special discount to members of SA Hunters, are available below. Please note that the majority of these suppliers are closed during lockdown.
- Humansdorp Koöperasie
- Toyota SA
- Westvaal Nelspruit
- Wildman Hunting and Outdoor
- Hokaai Slaghuis
- Die Wildshoekie Vleismark
- LAVA Vakuumverpakking
- Selftrack
- MAINSU Kragopwekkers
- Cens Digital Gehoorbeskerming
- Uitlaatstelle van De Graaf Autosentrum in Van der Hoffweg Pretoria
- Helle-messe
- Nitecore Flitse
- Fitch and Leedes
- Otterskloof
- Cassie Nienaber – Ladingontwikkeling en Herlaai
- Archers Rock Safaris
- Dovetail Wooden Boxes
Click here for more information about any of the above-mentioned benefits.
- HuntEx 2020
With the implementation of lockdown in South Africa, the dates for HuntEx 2020 was postponed to 28 – 30 August 2020. Diarise the new date and make a plan to attend. The show will be open from 08:00 to 18:00 on all three show days. Members can buy tickets online at www.huntex.net
- Memorial publication
The lockdown also delayed the printing of our book. The final book is with the printers and work will continue once lockdown has been suspended.
The book is in A4 format and available in two versions: one with an ordinary cover at R300 per copy, and 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.
- Photography competition
We remind members to participate in our annual photography competition. The February and March finalists’ photographs can be viewed here on our website. These members will receive their certificates on their online profile.
At the end of each month, we will choose photographs to add to our portfolio and publish them on www.cw.co.za Gold, silver and bronze certificates will be awarded to the best photographs.
Our sponsor donated a new camera for the winner of the best photograph. The prize will be handed over to the winner during the congress gala evening at the end of the year. We are also trying to obtain more prizes for different categories.
Our categories for the 2020 competition are:
- Our Heritage. Any landscape, plant or animal life (including birds and insects) that represents our country and neighbouring countries natural heritage.
- Hunting field. Photos depicting people or animals’ hunting experiences and actions. Please remember that this category does not include photos of hunted animals. Send those photos to the magazine’s Bokspog.
- Man in Nature. Any photos where people interact with nature.
Read here how to enter.
Kind regards
Fred Camphor
SA Hunters: CEO
