Inyathi Park News September 2021

This newsletter is later than usual, because we were preparing for our first virtual Congress and getting all the documents ready for distribution to delegates.

I address a few new matters but have decided to share the President’s annual report with members as part of this newsletter.

Conservation

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment requested input on quotas for the hunting and export of hunting trophies of black rhinoceros, elephant and leopard for 2021. Members may submit heir comments, together with substantiated motivation and data, for inclusion in the Association’s submission by the end of October, to the Manager Conservation, Lizanne Nel at Lizanne@sahunt.co.za Comment can also be sent directly to cites@environment.gov.za. Enquiries: Mpho Tjiane on 012 399 9596/083 980 6409 or MTjiane@environment.gov.za. The ministerial notice is available here.

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

SA Hunters Congress

SA Hunters’ Congress and Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 6 November 2021. The Congress will in the form of a virtual meeting via Zoom and will be streamed live to all branches and representatives. More detail will follow soon.

Photography Club

The photography club enjoys wide support and the membership grows daily.

Read more about it the club, training opportunities and competitions here.

Retaining Dedicated Status

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, 2021 was yet again an unusual year. Although there were more opportunities for shooting and hunting, many members stayed home. Therefore, the Board decided that members will all retain their dedicated status even if they were unable to register the required activities. However, we call on members to participate if and when possible and to register their activities on the online member administration system. It is in the interest of us all.

Financial Statements

The financial statements of SA Hunters for 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 are available for perusal form branch chairpersons. Both sets of financial statements will be tabled for approval at the Congress.

President’s Report

Although the President’s Report has not yet been provided to Congress, it has been made available to Branch chairpersons and congress delegates. The report provides an overview of the activities of the Association.

SA HUNTERS AND GAME CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT – 2020/2021

Who would have thought that the South African Hunters and Game Conservation would be unable to host its annual Congress and dinner to celebrate the traditional highlight of the year? Or that a virus called Covid 19 would disrupt our lives in so many ways?

In March 2020, almost everything came to a screeching halt. We had to adjust our lives in unimaginable ways. Office blocks stood empty as employees started working from their homes. We had to make do with impersonal virtual meetings on Zoom. However, I am proud to say that SAHGCA adjusted well, and did not fall short on service delivery. Compliments to our management structures at branches, regional coordinators, management, staff and Board members that kept the Association on track. Although all our regular activities were suspended during this period, the management maintained their business relationships with government and other role-players, which resulted in our members resuming shooting and hunting activities.

Matters improved slightly in 2021, and with careful planning, our sport shooting and hunting activities returned to almost normal. Although the 2021 Congress will be a virtual event, we can enjoy seeing each other on screen, honour our top performers, and discuss and debate the business of the Association. Many of us lost loved-ones, family members, friends, or acquaintances during the past 21 months due to Covid or other causes. My heartfelt condolences to each one of you. May you find comfort through faith. SAHGCA keeps on going. The vision of the Association at its inception in 1949 – to conserve wildlife for sustainable hunting – remains unwavering. Thank you to our members that are dedicated to support and fulfil SA Hunters’ vision.

Our membership grows steadily. Thanks to the nearly 44 300 members that have chosen SAHGCA to follow their passion for hunting, shooting, conservation, game farming, and photography. SA Hunters is, and always will be, a member organisation. Your membership is important to us. I also acknowledge the important role of our Branch chairpersons and their management committees to ensure that members receive the best possible service. Our sincere appreciation to the regional coordinators for supporting the branches in their regions. Likewise, we acknowledge the input from regional coordinators to the Extended Board, which speaks on behalf of our members.

Our good standing at national and international level is growing, thanks to the management team and staff for their exemplary representation at various platforms. More about this later.

Thank you to my colleagues on the Board for their outstanding strategic leadership and effort to establish trust, provide guidance and camaraderie that took the Association to new heights and ensured that the pandemic could not defeat us.

HUNTING AFFAIRS

Our Manager Hunting Affairs represents SA Hunters at various forums and organisations at national and international level to promote the hunting sector and to assist our members in meeting the legal requirements, such as providing the online wild pig transport permit registration system for landowners and game farmers; and selling annual hunting licences.

SA Hunters participates in the Game Meat Industry Forum that aims to provide safe game meat commercially, without jeopardising own use hunters. SA Hunters is the convenor of the Wildlife Forum’s proclamation task team responsible for issuing special hunting permits and provincial hunting proclamations for each hunting season. The Association also serves on the government’s lead task team responsible for investigating possible sources of lead poisoning in the environment, and to guard against prejudiced decisions on the use of lead.

To date, 147 active professional hunters have registered with SA Hunters, which is also an accredited professional hunters’ association. SA Hunters is represented in the IPPHC (inter provincial hunting committee) where the hunting regulations are debated, and officially joined OPHAA (Operators and Professional Hunters’ Association of Africa) that promotes conservation to its member countries in Africa.

The Covid pandemic took its toll on our trophy measurement activities, especially with regard to training. We are very proud of the first four junior trophy measurers that will be doing their internship until they are 18-years old when they qualify as full-fledged trophy measurers. The Association received a fair amount of trophy entries in 2020 and 2021. These trophies will be assessed for awards that are usually presented during Congress.

The Top 100 shotgun shottists of 2019 that were scheduled to participate in the National Championship on 28 March 2020, could only compete on 6 March 2021. Congratulations to André Pienaar, member no. 010991, who won the veteran class and the national championship. Exceptional scores were achieved at the 2020/21 National Championship held a Hippo Creek shooting range on Saturday 18 September 2021, which was also the first national shooting event where participants could qualify for national SA Hunters colours.

CONSERVATION

SA Hunters’ members are distributed all over the country where they spend ample time outdoors in a variety of natural habitats. Their feedback on the status and species found in those areas contribute continuously to data on the distribution of rare and rarely seen species.

One example of the excellent conservation work done by SA Hunters’ members, is the Namakwa Branch that started the Save our Succulents (SOS) initiative to curb the large-scale poaching of unique succulents in Namaqualand. Another example is SA Hunters’ Vulture Heritage Programme that includes various initiatives for vulture conservation and awareness projects.

Branches routinely contribute to conservation through financial and other donations to reserves and parks. Young people all also included in these projects and trained to be custodians for conservation. Who can forget the contribution by the Overberg Branch that organised drought relief to farmers and communities in Fraserburg and Sutherland that are still severely affected by a drawn-out drought in that region?

SA Hunters participates in various national specialist groups and task teams that focus on wildlife conservation on lion, vultures, cycads, sungazer lizard (ouvolk), and wildlife certification. A study was completed among landowners in the Eastern Cape to assess the viability of wildlife certification. Other national initiatives include participation in national strategies for conservation and management of elephant, leopards and rhinoceros; the National Wildlife Poison Working Group; and the national lead task team.

INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES

SAHGCA is the only OPHAA member in South Africa that is also a member of the IUCN with a proven record of significant conservation initiatives.

The African Wildlife Consultative Forum (AWCF) is ŉ organisation comprising like-minded hunting organisations in Africa, Europe, and America that share a common interest on measures to curb the impact of Covid on the wildlife sector; positioning with regard to CITES and other international agreements; export of wildlife products and hunting trophies; promoting responsible hunting and conservation; the impact of hunting on rural communities in Africa; and better cooperation between hunting and conservation organisations in Africa.

SA Hunters is a member of the IUCN and contributed to international opinions on conservation by voting on more than a hundred motions that affected conservation and sustainable use in South Africa and other countries across the world.

During 2021, the Association started with the production of a documentary video about its activities to demonstrate to the world that SA Hunters takes the lead in South Africa on responsible hunting, conservation, sport shooting, and firearm ownership. This is a joint initiative between SA Hunters and The Conservation Imperative towards making a positive contribution to sustainable use, including hunting, conservation, and livelihoods.

To prove its life-long commitment to promote responsible and sustainable use in conservation and socio-economic development the Association has been involved in numerous initiatives and presented at public forums, such as:

The Wildlife and Environmental Society’s symposium on Conservation of Biodiversity and Landscapes: Is sustainable use an option?;
A discussion series on the recommendations of the High-level Panel presented by the African Wildlife Economy Institute in partnership with Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation;
the Tourism summit in Limpopo Province, explaining the contribution of hunting to stimulate tourism; and the importance of grading hunting facilities for the Tourism Grading Council.

The Association’s experience of the accelerated growth of the wildlife economy was also presented at workshops of the Department for the Environment (DFFE) on the repositioning of reserves, national parks and conservation areas as core conservation areas with the potential to be the driving force behind rural economic development and the growth and transformation of the wildlife sector. Input was also provided to the curriculum development of the Southern African Wildlife College to ensure that training material remains relevant and equips students from across Africa to tackle the challenges of conservation and resource management.

TRAINING

Early in 2020, SA Hunters had to deal with the challenges of creating contactless training sessions. The Association investigated and implemented online training and assessment as alternative platforms. This required changes in the IT system to accommodate the new format. The content was reworked to match the new presentation format. Face-to-face training is still available as an alternative training option to members.

SPORT SHOOTING

Our participation in the IGRF world championship, which we had won, was a highlight in 2019. In 2020 our sport shooting activities were suspended until changes in lockdown restrictions allowed us to resume our activities. SA Hunters could not host the National Championships in 2020, but with the lifting of some restrictions in 2021, our shooting activities returned to near normal, and we could present championships.

MDS (Multidisciplinary sport shooting)

The MDS sport shooting discipline showed positive growth as more branches included this unique and challenging shooting exercise on a regular basis.

Limited Bolt Action

The IGRF approved the Limited Bolt Action discipline for international participation. Branches and regions introduced this discipline which was well supported and led to its own and first national championship event in 2021.

Pistol Postal League

The pistol shooting disciplines enjoy the biggest participation and has become one of the key disciplines of the national sport shooting championship.

Precision Disciplines

The 25/50m precision shooting exercise is a developing discipline of the IGRF that is also used for shooting development among juniors, and it will be added to the shooting disciplines for the National Sport Shooting Championship in 2021.

Junior shooting activities

Continuing development and commitment to junior shooting activities ensure a growth area that will result in the hosting of the National Junior Sport Shooting Championship in 2021.

SA Hunters regional colours

In 2021, SA Hunters awarded its own regional sport shooting colours, which is an additional acknowledgement that raised the bar for participation in shooting events where top shottsts can earn SA Hunters’ national colours.

Shooting development

Liaison with other shooting organisations yielded positive results. An agreement was signed with SAPRF that gives members the opportunity to participate in a new shooting discipline. This reciprocal agreement also gives SAPRF scope to expand its national footprint.

Industry challenge

The rimfire challenge sponsored by Normark is well-supported. It is popular at Branch level and many competitions were held successfully. The final round of the competition has been postponed to 2022 to give branches that experienced difficulties with shooting range access during 2021, the chance to catch up.

Thank you to all that contributed to the success of our shooting activities despite various challenges.

BRANCH AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS

Branch affairs

By the end of March 2020, Covid 19 forced most branch activities to a halt. During the year, the Association sent guidelines to branches on adhering to Covid 19 restrictions. Although some activities could be resumed over time, activities were still restricted. Regional meetings were held as virtual events.

For the best part of 2020, shooting activities were suspended and the Board decided not to host the National Branch Championships. During the second half of 2020, activities resumed slowly.

The satellite branch, Mahem (no 82) in Memel in the Free State commenced its activities in November 2020. The branch qualified for full branch status on 21 August 2021 after meeting the minimum requirements in less than a year.

Regions

During March, April and May 2021, virtual regional meetings were held with 13 of the 15 regions. The Board will submit its proposals to expand the authority of regional coordinators for approval at the 2021 Congress. This change will facilitate more effective communication among the Board, branches and regions.

Hunting related shooting affairs

From January to June 2021, Covid 19 still had a significant impact on regional shooting competitions, but attendance and participation improved considerably. Some of the national shooting events were postponed until later in the year. The format of the competition was revised to accommodate Covid-19 conditions.

FIREARM HELPDESK

In 2020 and early 2021, the volume of queries about the renewal of firearm licences and amnesty applications increased drastically, which put enormous pressure om the division that still had its regular administrative duties to fulfil. Petrus Swart and Tommy Liversage understood the need for assistance among members and realised that they could not close for the holiday period. They and their staff worked during the December holidays from their home offices.

In January 2021, pressure escalated for licence renewals while time was running out for anyone that still wanted to make use of amnesty that was scheduled to end on 31 January 2021. Branches commended the good service received from the firearms help desk to assist members during this period.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, SA Hunters exempted members with dedicated hunter and sport shooting status from submitting information on activities for maintaining their status for both 2020 and 2021. During this time, SA Hunters only reported deaths and non-payment among members as reasons for not complying with requirements to retain dedicated status.

FINANCES

The 2019/2020 financial year was a difficult one for the Association. We budgeted for normal activities but lost the last three months of the financial year after Covid restrictions had been implemented. We end this year with a bigger shortfall than budgeted, but it is reasonable under the circumstances.

The 2020/2021 financial year was much better. Although Covid 19 still had a considerable impact on the Association and its members, we did surprisingly well. We ended the year with 2 000 more members than what we had started with, which is clearly visible on the income statement. We had no income from HuntEx and the annual golf day, while income from SA Hunt Publishing was less than expected. However, expenses were manageable. We end this year with a small profit for the Group.

The CEO will report in more detail on the finances.

RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

SA Hunters’ members are the core of the Association. Thank you for your participation and faith in the Association.

Thank you to the branch management committees for their leadership and service to members. The Board appreciates your time and effort.

Thank you to the regional coordinators that also serve as members on the Extended Board. Your achievements in coordinating activities in your regions are appreciated. We wish you well with the added responsibilities and challenges as we implement the new reginal model.

To the elected Board members: André van Heerden, Richard Sowry and Danie Momberg, thank you for your positive attitude and dedication. Your leadership and team effort are appreciated.

It is difficult to describe the loyalty shown by Fred Camphor as CEO and ex-officio Board member. The manner in which you manage the workload, demonstrates your dedication for the tasks in hand. Thank you for your calm and collected manner in dealing with daily challenges.

It is an honour to work with a management team of such high calibre. Thank you to Tommy Liversage, André van der Merwe, Nic Roets, Lizanne Nel, Petrus Swart en Boetie Kirchner. You do not hesitate to go the extra mile; you maintain a positive attitude; and complete your tasks with dedication. Thank you!

I want to thank the staff for their services, their support to and patience with members. You uphold the image of the Association to our members and the public.

We should never forget where we came from. We must remember our predecessors that established this Association with a particular vision in mind to build a strong organisation. Thank you to the members of Heritage Council for your expertise and enthusiasm to keep SA Hunters on track.

Thank you to Van Sitterts Auditors, and specifically to Gert van Schalkwyk, for taking care of and finalising SAHGCA’s financial statements.

Thank you to the various committees that assist with research and problem-solving in the Association.

To our business partners, SA Hunt Publishing and SA Hunt Expo and especially Minette Ferreira, who recently left the Board of SA Hunt Publishing (Pty.) Ltd., newly appointed Nerisa Coetzee, Theuns Venter of Media 24, and Adriaan Woudstra of Huntex. It is a privilege and a pleasure to work with you.

Lastly, thank you to our sponsors for your support in difficult economic times.

Thank you very, very much!

Basie Bergh

Repeating messages

Photography Competition

The Association introduced a new adjudication process for its photographic competition for 2021. All entries will be assessed according to a scoring system with technical and visual criteria. Certificates can be achieved for qualified photographs 60-74% Bronze, 75-89% Silver, 90-100% Gold.

The judges will provide feedback to the participants to encourage them to improve their skills.

See instructions to enter and the rules here.

Categories for the 2021 Competition

Conservation in action: Photographs that illustrate conservation and community service by members and branches.

Plants and animals: Photographs of plants and animals, including landscapes, birds, reptiles, and insects. Please remember that this category does not include [photographs of hunted animals.

Our cultural heritage: Photographs that demonstrate our celebration of our culture, country, and all our people.

Photography Workshops

SA Hunters is planning photographic workshops at branches and regions to promote the development of members’ photography skills. The training will comprise three levels, i.e., novice, advanced and master photographer, or a combination of these. Certificates of attendance will be issued.

A special message about the photography club has been sent to members on 5 October. Read it here.

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 Co-op

In September 2021 Humansdorp Koöperasie offers the following products at 10% discount to members:

Zeiss Scopes
Schmidt & Bender Scopes
Zerotech 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.
Berchtesgaden Game Ranch & Lifestyle Farm, in the heart of the Waterberg, has a FREE introductory offer for one weekend for four people as part of a lucky draw. It includes breakfasts. The hunting farm offers hunting (exempted farm) and a lodge with excellent accommodation facilities that includes a spa, gymnasium and horse-riding excursions. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Click here to enter the lucky draw.

Membership

Recruit members and earn commission

SA Hunters membership stands on 44 194, a little less than last month.

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

Kommersiële sake

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