Network messages:

TV Alert - Tuesday 11 September 2007
6 September 2007

The tv programme "Rights & Recourse" will be doing a show on guns which will be screened as follows: Date: Tuesday 11 September 2007 Time: 12:00 Channel: SABC3

SAGA representative, Martin Hood, will be doing a pre-recorded interview on what training is required for licence applications (new and renewals) which will be included. Other guests will appear on the show, and may include Director Bothma from the Central Firearms Register.

Please watch if you can as there should be a phone-in.

TV Coverage of FITASC Grand Prix
2 November 2006

TV coverage of the recent FITASC Grand Prix in Universal Trench and Sporting will be screened on SABC 2 (Sport on 2) at 11am on Saturday 4th November 2006. FITASC is the French Federation that governs the Clay Target shooting disciplines including FITASC Sporting and FITASC Universal Trench.

This event was held on 20-22 October 2006 at the Riva Valley Gun Club, KwaZulu-Natal, and was part of the World Cup Series for next year. Apart from South Africa, entries came from as far afield as Latvia, Russia, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

Cliffie Bartman won the Sporting Grand Prix and Dave Cohen won the Trench Grand Prix. Young celebrities Helgardt van Biljon (Junior and Senior Protea colours for 2006) and Ben da Silva were interviewed about their interest in shooting sports and their achievements.

For more information about Clay Target shooting in South Africa see www.ctsasa.co.za  For more information on FITASC see www.fitasc.com La Fédération Internationale de Tir Aux Armes Sportives de Chasse (FITASC) as it is known, gathers together 27 national organizations.

Support sport shooting today!

Legislation Progress
31 October 2006

Here is a brief summary of the legislation progress:
11 & 16 August 2006: Presentations on the Firearms Control Amendment Bill were made to the Portfolio Committee on Safety & Security by various associations and groups. (House of Assembly)
25 August 2006: The Portfolio Committee on Safety & Security deliberated on the Bill and some changes were made. (House of Assembly)
29 August 2006: The Portfolio Committee on Safety & Security formally adopted the revised Bill. (House of Assembly)
18 October 2006: A briefing on the Bill was presented by the Department of Safety and Security to the Security and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee. (National Council of Provinces)
1 November 2006: The Security and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee will deliberate on the Bill. (National Council of Provinces)

The Bill still needs to be signed by the President. Only once it is signed will the Bill become the Firearms Control Amendment Act, 2006, and a date from which it will come into effect will be published in a Government Gazette.

The Regulations, which govern how the Amendment Act will be put into effect/administered, still need to be written. Work has started on the Regulations and SAGA is involved in the process.

The Presentations and the final Bill are available from links on the home page of the SAGA website at www.saga.org.za

Radio Alert Today
7 January 2005
Martin Hood will be speaking on The Vuyo Mbuli show on SAfm 104-107 this morning at 09:30. Please listen if you can.

Radio Alert Tonight
6 January 2005
We have just been advised that Martin Hood of SAGA and Andrew Soutar of the Arms and Ammunition Dealer's Association will be speaking on Radio 702 at 17:40 tonight. Please listen if you can.
Note: This information was received by the office at 16:00 on 6 Jan 2005.

Year End Message for 2004
15 December 2004

We really do appreciate your commitment to ‘the cause’ evidenced by your support as a paid-up member of SAGA during a very trying 2004. We trust that you had a reasonably good 2004 -- despite the difficulties imposed on the firearm fraternity by the new Firearms Control Act -- and that you are still determined to assist SAGA to continue its leading role in the fight for fair treatment during the coming year.

SAGA will continue to lobby for changes to the excessively restrictive Act and Regulations, but our main focus for 2005 must be on the practical problems posed by the implementation of the Act and the first year of the licence renewal/competency/proficiency system.

Given the current situation (and our limited resources), we can make no grand ‘political promises’, but we can promise to make the best possible use of our human and financial resources in the battle for fair and reasonable treatment for law-abiding firearm owners.

Please do your best to recruit new members. The income received from membership fees is what allows SAGA to function and the number of paid-up members is what gives us credibility and ‘weight’ in meetings and negotiations. Application forms are available from the office or
online.

This year’s AIM show at Kyalami was again a success for SAGA and we look forward to seeing you there on 4-6 March next year.

The SAGA administration office is now closed and will reopen on Monday 10 January 2005.

Kind regards and best wishes for a prosperous and safe 2005.

Licence Renewals - Poslec SETA & SAQA Update
15 December 2004

In terms of the Firearms Control Act all firearm owners will have to renew their firearm licences over a five-year period based on month of birth as follows:
January-March in 2005 / April-June in 2006 / July-September in 2007 / October-December in 2008

These renewals will involve two steps (1) a Competency Certificate and (2) the actual Licence Renewal.
Both applications will be done at your nearest enabled police station i.e. a police station with a Designated Firearms Officer (DFO).

One of the requirements for a competency certificate application is a proficiency certificate from Poslec SETA. This is obtained after successful completion of the required training course at a SAPS accredited training provider. The training is based on the approved unit standards for handgun, rifle and shotgun. The training required for the renewal of licences is NOT the same as that required for new licences. For licence renewals you are only required to successfully complete the prescribed test on knowledge of the Act.

Act Chapter 5 Section 9(2)(q) states:
“has successfully completed the prescribed test on knowledge of this Act”

At present the training providers only have unit standards that are designed for new firearm licence applications as they have both theoretical and practical aspects. But, a new unit standard is being developed for firearm licence renewal purposes and work on it is moving as fast as possible. A draft has been drawn up and is now available for public comment. The comments submitted are then analysed and processed, and the unit standard then moves through the normal SAQA processes.

The draft unit standard has just been made public and is available from the link on the home page of our website at www.saga.org.za or from the SAQA website at www.saqa.org.za

Please note that the closing date for submission of comments is 9 January 2005. SAGA will be making a written submission before that date.

The new unit standard is not expected to be in place in time for the first renewals which are due to start from January 2005. We suggest that members who are due to renew their firearm licences in 2005 are advised to wait until the unit standard is in place before starting their renewal process.

TV Alert for Tuesday 23 November 2004
22 November 2004

SABC2 has scheduled the programme "Guns Under Fire" for Tuesday 23 November at 10pm. It is a foreign documentary (American), and will deal with the role guns play in society.

NOTE: The SABC changed their schedule without any advance notice. We are in contact with their scheduling department and once we know, will advise when this programme will be screened. (24 November 2004)

TV Reminder: Carte Blanche on MNet this Sunday 17 October at 19:00

Issues affecting all gunowners will be uncovered in Carte Blanche on Sunday. Please also note that there will be an sms vote. The question for the vote will be asked immediately after the insert on gun control, which is the first story of the show.

The vote number is: 33692.

The following leader is taken from the Carte Blanche website (15/10/04):

Guns and Rogues:
New Firearm Legislation is in place but is it improving the system? If so, why are people with criminal records being granted gun licences sooner than people with legitimate reasons? Carte Blanche uncovers astonishing information as a result of our six-week investigation into the Central Firearm Register.

TV Alert - Sunday 17 October 2004
14 October 2004

The Firearms Contol Act will be the topic of the programme Carte Blanche on MNet this Sunday, 17 October 2004 at 19:00.

Radio 702 Today
21 September 2004

Martin Hood has just been invited to represent SAGA on Radio 702 TODAY at 14:30. The topic is International Gun Destruction Day, which was yesterday. Please listen in if you can.

SAFM Radio Today
23 August 2004

Just Announced! On SAFM Radio (104-107) today at 15:00, Abios Khoele of the Black Gunowners Association will be speaking.

Meeting with Minister
20 August 2004

The intended purpose of the meeting was to advise the Minister of the numerous problems, both big and small, that have arisen from the implementation of the Firearms Control Act and to provide suggested solutions.

The Minister received our representatives in a cordial fashion and the meeting took place in an atmosphere of openness and frankness.

It was decided that the Minister will form the Consultative Committee referred to in Section 132 of the Act as a matter of urgency. This committee will involve all stakeholders to identify problems and to formulate proposed solutions.

The Minister regarded the situation as urgent and we expect more developments shortly.

TV Alert & Other
11 August 2004

TONIGHT
Wednesday 11 August 2004 at 19:30 on ETV News
Martin Hood will represent SAGA in a ten-minute insert on firearms education.

LEGISLATION
Request for information:
If anyone has specific examples of: ignorance of; lack of understanding of; and/or misapplication of the new Act by the SAPS please send through the information by email to saga@saga.org.za including where possible, details of the police station, the date, the name of the police officer and the force number of the officer. Please use the words “Act example” as your subject line.

PRINTED COPIES OF THE LEGISLATION
Repeat of message on Act & Regulations Page CLICK HERE

TV & Radio Alerts
14 July 2004

Sunday 18 July 2004 at 19:30
Fokus met Freek on SABC 2
Martin Hood will represent SAGA in a programme on the Firearms Control Act.

Monday 19 July 2004 at 19:00
A Word on Legal Matters on Radio 702
Martin Hood will speak on the new Act in this weekly programme on different legal issues.

For those who missed it, Special Assignment on Tuesday 13/7/04 was titled “Last Stand” and was about the Transvaal Agricultural Union and farmers, with particular focus on self-defence training. This programme will be rebroadcast on Sunday 18 July on SABC 3 at 22:30.

Other:
The SAGA website is being updated with information as it becomes available. Subjects include: the legislation, shooting ranges, training, etc.

SAGA is a non-profit, non-political association of law-abiding citizens who believe in the right to choose to own firearms for legitimate purposes. Income received from membership fees is what allows SAGA to function. If you are not a member JOIN TODAY, if you are already a member SIGN UP a friend or colleague TODAY. Application form available online or from the office.

Firearms Control Act
30 June 2004 16:30

The Pretoria High Court today dismissed our application for an urgent interdict to halt the implementation of the Firearms Control Act. It will thus be in force from midnight tonight. 

Although the firearm fraternity can take some comfort from certain verbal and written assurances from the SAPS, such as the attached Press Release from Senior Superintendent Andrew Lesch, those who have ammunition in excess of the new limits and those in possession of firearm parts that now have to be licensed, should take steps to protect themselves from prosecution by applying, in writing, for the necessary exemption and/or licence.

We are considering our options and strategies and will try to issue a more comprehensive statement in the near future.

MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE SAPS DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER, CRIME PREVENTION : DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER WILSON MAKHUBELA : 27 June 2004

STATEMENT REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIREARMS CONTROL ACT, 2000 - ACT 60 OF 2000

The Minister for Safety and Security has announced that the Firearms Control legislation will be implemented on 1 July 2004. Since the announcement, many rumours have surfaced regarding the implementation of the Firearms Control legislation. These rumours have led to false and misleading information being published in the media.

The South African Police Service has been preparing for the implementation of the Firearms Control Act and Regulations and I am convinced that we are able and ready to implement the Act. The preparation for the implementation included the establishment of a structure for Designated Firearms Officers, the appointment and training of theses officers and equipping the offices with technology and other resources to deal with all aspects relating to the licencing of firearms. We have started with the accreditation of training institutions and shooting ranges, hunting associations, official institutions, and other businesses.

I want to set the record straight by providing the correct information on the implementation of the Firearms Control legislation.

*     All licences, permits and authorisations issued to possess a firearm in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act that are valid on 30 June 2004 will remain valid until they are renewed in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 unless they are withdrawn for any legal reason.
*     All applications for a firearm licence and all appeals received up to 30 June 2004 in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act will still be processed.
*     Persons who are in possession of more that 200 rounds of ammunition on 30 June do not have to fear prosecution, as this limitation is only applicable to firearms licensed in terms of the Firearms Control Act. It does not apply to firearms that are licensed in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act. However, we do recommend that firearm owners start to prepare to be in line with the provisions of the Act.

From 1 July this year all new applications for a firearm licence will be evaluated in terms of the provisions of the Firearms Control Act and Regulations. Every person who applies for a firearm licence will have to obtain a competency certificate, the person must first complete a basic training course at an accredited training institution, after which the SAPS will complete a background assessment and issue a competency certificate to a successful applicant. A competency certificate will be valid for a period of five years from the date of issue.

In terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, all existing firearm licences will have to be renewed. The South African Police Service will call up persons to renew their firearm licences that were issued in terms of the

Arms and Ammunition Act by end of 2004. Individuals will have to renew their current firearm licences according to schedule, which is linked to a person's month of birth as indicated below;

Date of birth Renewal period 
1 January to 31 March              1 January 2005 to 31 December 2005
1 April to 30 June                 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2006     
1 July to 30 September                    1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007      
1 October to 31 December            1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008     

All institutions that own firearms, including security service providers, will be called up to renew their firearm licences from 1 July 2006 to 31 December 2006. It is important to take note that companies may continue to issue company firearms to employees who do not have a competency certificate under the following conditions;

*     As long as the firearms are licenced in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act
*     When the company obtains a firearm licence in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 or when the current firearms are renewed in terms of the Firearms Control Act, the firearm may only be issued to an employee who is in possession of a competency certificate.
*     The renewal process will be preceded by a comprehensive communication drive. Firearm owners are encouraged to obtain the correct information from the SAPS.
*     I want to ensure all that the South African Police Service is fully capable to implement the Firearms Control Act, 2000 and that we aim to provide the best service possible.
*     Anyone who needs more information on the Act is invited to contact the appointed Designated Firearms Officer or direct the inquiry to our firearms call centre during office hours at Tel (012) 353-6111 or e-mail firearms@saps.org.za

Enquiries : Snr. Supt. Andrew Lesch, 082 779 8710

RADIO & TV ALERT
29 June 2004

Safm radio now! 104-107fm.

TV Alert Thursday 1 July 2004
Interface on SABC 3 on Thursday 1 July 2004 at 21:30
Martin Hood will appear on this interactive discussion programme focusing on current affairs of the week. Hosted by Redi Direko, Interface aims to allow people of South Africa a platform to view their opinions. Viewers can e-mail to interface@sabc.co.za or call (011) 714-6649 into the show with their opinions.

Please note that SAGA is aware that various radio stations are airing discussions and
interviews on the firearm situation. Most of these are arranged just before they go on air which does not allow us time to notify members.

JOINT PRESS RELEASE - 25 JUNE 2004

THE SOUTH AFRICAN GUNOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARMS & AMMUNITION DEALERS ASSOCIATION & OTHERS

Earlier today an urgent High Court application was served upon the State President and the Minister of Safety and Security requesting the Pretoria High Court to grant an order suspending the implementation of the Firearms Control Act on the 1^st July 2004.

The South African Gunowners’ Association and the South African Arms & Ammunition Dealers Association joined forces with the Security Industry, Professional Hunting Industry, Sport shooters, hunters, and collectors to approach the High Court to suspend the implementation of the Act, because SAGA, SAAADA and related organizations have attempted since March 2004 to engage Government with queries and concerns arising out of the manner of the implementation of the Act. Unfortunately none of these concerns have either been acknowledged or addressed in a meaningful manner.

As a consequence of this breakdown in communication, SAGA and SAAADA concluded that there was no option but to approach the High Court for the appropriate legal relief to prevent what we believe will result in a shutdown of the Security, Arms Dealers and Professional Hunting Industries and the criminalisation of ten of thousands of firearms owners as from the 1^st July 2004.

Radio and TV Alerts
8 June 2004

Tonight – Tuesday 8 June 2004 at 19:30-20:00
Vaal Community Radio “Gun Talk” on FM Stereo 90.6 and which can be heard in the Vereeniging area or online at www.vcr.co.za, click on "on air", download "Winamp 5" and listen in. This is a weekly programme on firearms issues.  

Tonight – Tuesday 8 June 2004 at 21:00
The Voice of the Cape on FM 100.4 and 95.8 and which can be heard in the West Cape and Boland.
Tuesday debate: Are we too lax on guns? Ridwan Kenny will discuss gun possession and ask – are we careful enough? Martin Hood will represent SAGA. Number to call (021) 442-3530.

Sunday 13 June 2004 at 12:00
The Big Question on SABC 2
Debate on guns. The question will be: Should guns be banned in South Africa? There will also be discussion on the Firearms Control Act. Neil Jones will represent SAGA. This will be a live show. Please tune in with pen and paper ready as there will be a phone in.

FCA Commencement
2 June 2004

Please be advised that Government Gazette 26374, dated 28 May 2004, has been signed by President Mbeki and states:

Commencement of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000)

In terms of section 154 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), I hereby determine 1 July 2004 as the date on which all the remaining sections of the said Act, which have not yet been put into operation, shall come into operation.

SAfm Radio Alerts
31 May 2004

Firearm issues will be discussed on SAfm 104-107 today and tomorrow. Martin Hood will represent SAGA. Please tune in.

TODAY - Monday 31 May 2004
The Vuyo Mbuli Show
11:00-11:30

TOMORROW - Tuesday 1 June 2004
AM Live with John Perlman
08:00-09:00

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METRO FM Radio Show Tonight
18 May 2004

We have just been advised that radio station METRO FM will be discussing the new Firearms Control Act tonight, Tuesday 18 May 2004, at 20h00. Martin Hood will represent SAGA and Gun Free South Africa will also have a speaker.
Frequencies for METRO FM vary between 87-108FM.

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Firearms Control Act Accreditation Information Workshops
6 April 2004 

POSLEC SETA have advised that workshops, as per those already held, will now take place in the areas listed below. Please see the POSLEC Page on our website for more information about previous workshops.

Firearms proficiency training (known at present as competency training) will be a requirement of the Firearms Control Act when it is fully implemented. All firearms training courses fall under the control of POSLEC SETA who have arranged workshops around the country to inform firearm trainers and organizations about the accreditation requirements and processes they need to follow. While this notice is for general information, please note that ONLY the representatives of organizations, associations and bodies involved in firearms training can attend the workshops. (This includes sport shooting associations, hunting associations, etc). If you are a member of a firearm related organization make sure your representative is attending the workshop in your area and that they report back to their members. SAGA representatives will be attending the workshops in the major centers.

POSLEC SETA, the Sector Education and Training Authority has been designated as the Quality Assurance Body for training courses offered in terms of the above Act.
Instructors, Training Providers, Gun Dealers and Sporting Bodies offering firearms training are invited to attend an Information Workshop on the Accreditation Procedures for Training Providers.

The Workshop will be facilitated by Hennie Richards, CEO of POSLEC SETA and Superintendent Van der Walt of Central Firearms Register (SAPS). 

There is NO CHARGE to attend, but BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.
Please register with Marié Koen at:
E-mail: mkoen@poslecseta.org.za
Fax: 011 805 6630 Tel: 011 805 0084
Rooiberg - Friday, 16 April 2004 - Rooiberg Centre for Change at 12:00
Rooiberg - Saturday, 17 April 2004 - Rooiberg Centre for Change at 09:00
Upington - Wednesday, 28 April 2004 - High School Duineveld Conference Centre at 14:00
Kimberley - Friday, 30 April 2004 - Kimberley Country Club at 14:00

TV Alert - SABC TV3 Wednesday 7 April 2004 17:30
5 April 2004

The TV Talk Show, 3 TALK, with Noeleen Maholwana Sangqu will be discussing “Guns in South Africa” on Wednesday, 7 April 2004 at 17:30.
SAGA will be represented by Martin Hood and other guests will include Charl van Wyk, and an SAPS spokesperson, and a Gun Free SA spokesperson.
You can call in throughout the show on 086 22 33 303 or SMS on 083 601 9932.

Regulations and ICD Update
2 March 2004

Firearms Control Act - Report on the Regulations

The draft regulations to the Firearms Control Act were finalized and accepted by the Portfolio Committee on Safety & Security on 25 February 2004.

This was a culmination of a process that commenced in 1998, through the drafting of the Firearms Control Act and up to the completion of the regulations.

Throughout the whole long drawn out affair SAGA has represented your interests by monitoring progress, pointing out problem areas and offering constructive input (and criticism).

During the regulation drafting process, SAGA made extensive submissions to the Portfolio Committee on legal and practical matters, and in the process, established working relationships with the South African Police Legal Services and various political parties represented on the Committee, including the ruling African National Congress.

SAGA has, at all times, clearly voiced its fundamental objections to the philosophy of the Act, but once the Act was finalized, we concentrated our efforts on ensuring that the regulations were as fair and practical as possible. To this end we again co-operated with various other organizations and constructively engaged government, politicians and the SA Police Services and offered technical and other expert assistance. 

We are pleased to advise that, as a result of this, many of our arguments and submissions were accepted and incorporated into the regulations – which are now substantially different from the first draft (no less than 26 drafts were necessary). Although the regulations should now be more acceptable to firearm owners in general, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. Their implementation will surely reveal flaws and weaknesses in the infrastructure available. SAGA has committed itself to ongoing contact with police services and government in order to facilitate communication and be in a position to assist our members with their problems with the new Act (which now incorporates the Regulations). SAGA is also hoping to be instrumental in the formation of a ministerial committee to advise on matters of mutual interest and a presentation is currently being prepared to give effect to this.

The regulations are due to be published on 17 March 2004 and the proposed date of implementation of the entire Act and regulations is 1 July 2004 – by which time we hope to be able to clarify the ‘transitional arrangements’ and give members guidance on what they must do.

Some of our critics complain that, because we have been co-operating with government, SAGA is a ‘sell-out’ and has ‘surrendered’ in the face of the government’s determination to impose unfair, unconstitutional and draconian controls on firearm ownership. SAGA has not surrendered, we simply decided that a policy of non-cooperation would lead to a dead-end and that our members’ interests would be better served by the policy we chose. We will continue to co-operate, but at the same time, we will continue to fight for a better deal for the whole fraternity of firearm owners.

ICD Meeting

As members might be aware, SAGA lodged an extensive complaint with the Independent Complaints Directorate concerning the conduct of officials at the Central Firearms Registry.

After cordial discussions with the Independent Complaints Directorate, a meeting of interested parties was convened. Present were the CFR’s Director Jaco Bothma, Commissioner Ben Groenewald (in charge of SAPS service delivery), and Commissioner Tertius Geldenhuys (SAPS Legal Services) on the one side and representatives of collectors, SAGA and dealers on the other.

The various complaints relating to slow licensing, administrative delays, lack of administrative justice and improper provision of reasons were all addressed in some detail and a mechanism was established for service delivery complaints to be speedily addressed and recorded.

If you have any serious service delivery complaints, please address them in writing to Commissioner Ben Groenewald, postal address: Private Bag X241, Pretoria, 0001 or fax: (012) 421-8235.

Please always ensure that you send a copy to the SAGA office for our records.

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TV Alert - SABC TV1 Sunday 22 February 10:00
11th February 2004

The topic - Should South Africa be Gun Free? - will be discussed in a pre-recorded screening of the youth talkshow "The Chatroom" on Sunday 22 February at 10:00 on SABC TV1.
SAGA was represented by Martin Hood, as a legal expert, and by Chris Evans, who was on the panel. Neil Jones represented the Bushveld Conservation Bureau.
There will be a vote line so please watch for the number and place your vote.

NEW SHOOTING RANGE
3rd February 2004

MAPSTONE RANGE REPORT BACK

Mapstone Shooting Range in KwaZulu-Natal is being revived and members might be interested to get involved in what is being planned. Various meetings have already been held and the following has been extracted from Peter Glasgow’s report:

The shooting club is official and will be known as the Mapstone Nyala shooting club with its main aim to provide facilities to further the goals of all forms of hunting, be it rifle, shotgun, bow hunting or handgun with further strong emphasis on camaraderie and fellowship.
We wish to reintroduce silhouette shooting as well as practical rifle shooting.
The previously elected committee will stay in place and is now going ahead creating letterheads, bank accounts etc. KZNHACA made an extremely generous donation toward cleaning up the facility and getting it ready for shooting. Membership of SAGA is compulsory in order to have third party liability cover.

A clean up day will be held on Saturday 7 February from 8:00am and we politely request that as many people as possible attend to help us. Bring your old clothes, garden tools and of course the cool box as we intend to end the day with a marvellous family-type bring and braai. If you cannot attend due to the many pressures of work, please send your gardener as your substitute or a generous donation and we will hire one on your behalf. If everyone pitches in we will be able to have a hot shower by the end of the day.

Then on Sunday 22 February from 8:00am we intend to have our first and inaugural shoot. This will be a great day of fun, shooting with .22 as well as centrefire rifles, and airguns. Costs will be low, fun is guaranteed as well as a lot of prizes, followed by a major celebration in the clubhouse. Bring the whole family.

This is also an urgent appeal to each and every shooter out there, young and old, big and small, black and white, if you enjoy shooting we want to meet you and welcome you. Come and visit us for the day, have lots of fun, meet lots of like minded people and lets get Natal reinstated as one of the top provinces amongst the shooting fraternity. Are you up to a challenge? Come and show us how well you can shoot.
Please support this event.
Peter Glasgow
(083) 625-5617

For any details, maps or whatever, please contact:
Peter on 0836255617 or email mailto:peter.glasgow@natalagri.com
or Mike Duffy 0825731219 or mailto:ahe@futurenet.co.za

SAGA wishes Peter and his committee all the best in this venture.

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STATEMENT REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FCA
28 January 2004

Media Statement by the SAPS Divisional Commissioner, Crime Prevention: Wilson Makhubela
Pretoria 2004-01-27

STATEMENT REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIREARMS CONTROL ACT 2000, ACT 60 OF 2000

Recently some media reports were published on the implementation of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, Act no.60 of 2000. Some of these reports are incomplete and may confuse firearm owners.

The correct information is as follows:
* Although the Firearms Control Act, 2000 has been approved, only certain sections of the Act have been implemented;
* The Firearms Control Regulations are currently being finalised and it is expected that they will be approved soon;
* It is expected that the outstanding sections of the Firearms Control Act 2000, will be implemented soon after approval of the Regulations. No specific date can be given in this regard.
* All firearm licence applications are currently considered in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, Act no.75 of 1969 and licences are issued in terms of this Act;
* All firearm licences issued in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, are still valid.
* The Firearms Control Act, 2000 requires that all existing firearm licences must be renewed in terms of this Act. The renewal of existing firearm licences will take place over a period of five years. The renewal process will only start after the approval of the Regulations and during the implementation of the Firearms Control Act. No person can currently apply for renewal of their firearm licences. The perception that firearm licences must be renewed before March 2004 is incorrect.
* During June 2003, the sections in the Firearms Control Act and Regulations pertaining to accreditation were promulgated.
* The SAPS is currently busy with a process to accredit institutions and organizations such as;
* Hunting associations
* Sports shooting organisations
* Collectors associations
* Museums
* Shooting ranges
* Persons who provide training in the use of firearms
* Public collectors of firearms
* Persons who provide firearms for use in theatrical, film or television productions
* Game hunters (Professional Hunters)
* Persons who conduct business in hunting, and
* Persons who use firearms for any other business purpose.
* Institutions (legal entities) that possess firearms
* Institutions that are registered with the Central Firearms Register.

Accreditation of organisations and institutions and the renewal of firearm licences by individual persons are two different processes that must not be confused.

Individual firearm owners and security companies registered with SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Authority), firearm dealers, firearm manufacturers and gunsmiths do not apply for accreditation.

Persons who will apply for a firearm licence in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, will have to undergo training in the use of firearms at an accredited training institution. After successful completion of the training, the institution will issue the person with a training certificate which is a prerequisite to obtain a competency certificate. A competency certificate is issued by the South African Police Service Central Firearms Control Register. The competency certificate will be valid for five years.

As soon as the South African Police Service starts with the renewal of firearm licences in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, we will communicate extensively on the requirements for renewal and include information, such as who must apply for renewal, where the applicant must apply and during which period they must apply. Detailed information will be made available through the electronic and printed media as well as through posters. Information will also be available on the SAPS website at www.saps.gov.za.

The Central Firearms Control Register has established a firearms call centre for all enquiries related to firearm licence applications and information on the firearms legislation. The firearms call centre number during office hours is (012) 353-6111 and the fax number is
(012) 353-6036.

Enquiries : Snr Supt Andrew Lesch, Communication and Liaison Services, (082) 779-8710
firearms@saps.org.za

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Firearms Control Act Accreditation Information Workshop
15 January 2004

Firearms proficiency training (known at present as competency training) will be a requirement of the Firearms Control Act when it is fully implemented. All firearms training courses fall under the control of POSLEC SETA who have arranged workshops around the country to inform firearm trainers and organizations about the accreditation requirements and processes they need to follow. While this notice is for general information, please note that ONLY the representatives of organizations, associations and bodies involved in firearms training can attend the workshops. (This includes sport shooting associations, hunting associations, etc). If you are a member of a firearm related organization make sure your representative is attending the workshop in your area and that they report back to their members. SAGA representatives will be attending the workshops in the major centers.


Firearms Control Act Information Workshop

POSLEC SETA, the Sector Education and Training Authority has been designated as the Quality Assurance Body for training courses offered in terms of the above Act.

Instructors, Training Providers, Gun Dealers and Sporting Bodies offering firearms training are invited to attend an Information Workshop on the Accreditation Procedures for Training Providers.

The Workshop will be facilitated by Hennie Richards, CEO of POSLEC SETA and Senior Superintendent Lekgotla of Central Firearms Register.

There is NO CHARGE to attend, but BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.

Bloemfontein - Wednesday, 21 January 2004 - Venue tbc
Durban - Thursday, 22 January 2004 at the Durban Country Club
Port Elizabeth - Friday, 23 January 2004 at the PE Technikon Conference Centre
Tzaneen - Monday, 2 February 2004 at the Tzaneen Show Grounds
Pietersburg - Tuesday, 3 February 2004 at the Bosveld Jagters Vereeniging Saal
Louis Trichardt - Wednesday, 4 February 2004 at the Ferdie Beyer Saal
Gauteng (JHB/PTA) dates to follow soon.

Please contact Marié Koen at:
E-mail: mkoen@poslecseta.org.za 
Fax: 011 805 6630 Tel: 011 805 0084

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