|
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
A meeting took place between SAGA
representatives and the Minister for Safety and Security at the Minister's
office in Cape Town on Thursday 19 August 2004.
This meeting followed from the television debate between Martin Hood and
the Minister on Interface at the beginning of July.
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 1st 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
1st 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
Back
to Top
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.
Back
to Top
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.
Firearms
Control Act Information Workshops
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
Back
to Top
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.
Back
to Top
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.
Back
to Top
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
Back
to Top
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
Back
to Top
|