• AIM Show 16-18 March 2007 (23 February 2007)
• Firearm Licence Renewal Imbizos (28 Aug 2006)
• AIM Show 24-26 March 2006 (7 April 2006)
• Year End Message (20 December 2005)
• Twenty-Year Knife (15 April 2005)
• AIM Show 2006 (10 March 2005)
• Gunsmith Details Request (4 November 2004)
• Symposium (1 October 2004)
• School Shooting Info  (1 April 2003)
• Firearm Licence Fees (10 January 2002)
• Deregulation of Airguns (10 January 2002)
• Prize Winners (23 November 2001)
• Recruit and Win Competition

You will be able to sign up as a SAGA member or renew your SAGA membership at the stand - memberships will be processed on the spot! We will have insignia for sale; leaflets on the Amendment Bill and Firearm Licence Renewals; Safety Education leaflets for parents; etc.

The annual raffle is a must. Generous sponsors means amazing prizes and this year we have no less than FIVE superb prizes. Tickets will only be available to current SAGA members at the show - so make sure your membership is paid-up or join at the show. Despite the substantial increase in the number and value of the prizes, the cost of the tickets remains at just R40 each - for the third year in a row. The draw will take place at 3pm on Sunday 18 March and the winners will be notified by telephone. (This raffle is an AIM Show initiative, no tickets will be sold elsewhere.)

FIRST prize is a one-of-a-kind handmade skinning knife made by Steven Mackrill using Sandvik 12C27 steel hardened to 60RC and given a satin finish. The handle is Rhodesian teak and giraffe bone. The knife comes in an imbuia case and with a hand-tooled leather sheath. Valued at over R1,500 this beautiful knife is something really special. (This knife will be revealed at the show.)

SECOND prize is a Leatherman Nehalem lock-back folder. This sturdy knife, which comes with a Realtree Camo pouch, is part of the new range from Awesome Tools and is valued at R1,000. It is 11.5cm long, delivers 154CM (Crucible metal) cutting performance, comes with a retractable gut hook and a detachable diamond sharpener in the handle. The blade has been specially engraved with "SAGA 2007 AIM SHOW".

THIRD prize is a pair of Buffalo River 8x32 binoculars from African Hunting Supplies. The Guide series are medium size binoculars, large enough to use all day, yet not too bulky. Made with a BaK4 prism system, fully multicoated, is waterproof and is supplied with an attractive deluxe case. This really useful prize is valued at over R600.

FOURTH prize is a 4-Cell LED Maglite from Ramrod Manufacturing. This Maglite has all the usual quality one has come to expect from Maglite but features an LED globe that has a rated life of 10,000 hours. This cutting edge technology has an intelligent management system that will extend your battery life and a focusable beam. Valued at over R550 this is a must-have prize.

FIFTH prize is an Iwatani Camping Stove with three butane canisters also from African Hunting Supplies. This portable gas stove can be taken anywhere and is quick and easy to use. Iwatani is renowned for their safety, quality and reliability. This handy prize is valued at R400.

Don't miss out - see you at the show! Stand number 15B.

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) together with the Safety and Security Sector Education Training Authority (SASSETA), Security Industry Alliance (SIA) and Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) invite all interested stakeholders such as security service providers, training providers, theatrical-, film- and television production companies, game ranchers, persons who conduct business in hunting, and public museums who must apply for the renewal of their existing firearm licences, permits or authorisations in terms of the provisions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) to attend imbizo's that will be held in all provinces as scheduled per table below.

The imbizo's will be facilitated by the South African Police Service, SASSETA, PSIRA and SIA. The following topics will be addressed:
- The renewal of firearm licences, permits or authorisations of businesses
- The competency certification process both for the responsible person and all persons who will utilize firearms from a juristic person (business)

There is no cost involved to attend the imbizo's but booking is essential. Kindly RSVP on tel 086 110 2477 or via fax 086 683 6515. All imbizo's start at 09:30 for 10:00. www.saps.gov.za

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The Second Prize was donated by Ramrod, an Ultimate Outdoor / Off Road Vehicle Survival Tool Kit in an Ultra compact bag. This was a popular item and the proud winner, a member from Johannesburg, rushed back to the show after the draw to collect his prize!

The Third Prize was donated by Leatherman, a K502X lockback folder knife and belt sheath. This quality prize was also much sought after. This winner was still at the show and so was able to claim his prize immediately. A member visiting the show all the way from Durban! 

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SAGA is pleased to be able to inform you that the Minister for Safety & Security has issued an important statement about the implementation of the Firearms Control Act and the renewal of firearm licences. The full text follows below but the two most important points are:

1. The deadline for firearm owners born in January, February or March to apply to renew their licences has been extended from 31 December 2005 to 31 March 2006.

2. Firearm licences issued under the (old) Arms & Ammunition Act of 1969 remain valid until 30 June 2009, but if those licences are NOT renewed within the deadlines set according to month of birth, such firearms will have to have been legally disposed of by 1 July 2009 or surrendered to the SAPS.

The statement and the forthcoming Government Gazette demand further study and interpretation. We are also expecting the government to announce other changes to the Act/Regulations and we will advise members in due course. In the meantime, we suggest that those of you to whom the 31 March 2006 deadline now applies – and who wish to retain firearms beyond 30 June 2009 – should take the prescribed test and start preparing all the documentation for your application/motivation. Be ready before the deadline, BUT check our website before handing in your application as there may be a further Ministerial statement that could perhaps radically change the whole convoluted procedure.

Note also that – as we interpret it – if you now have, say, four self-defence handguns and the current law allows you only one, you need to apply to relicence only the one you most want to keep for the duration. The other three licences remain valid, and you may thus keep those firearms, until June 2009.

We will try to keep you properly informed as the drama unfolds, negotiations continue and the facts become clearer.

The past year has been a very busy and somewhat frustrating one for SAGA and we don’t expect 2006 to be much easier. With your support, however, we will continue the battle over firearm ownership rights and for fair and reasonable treatment. We regard the recently announced three month extension as a small victory for common sense and perhaps a sign that practical reality sometimes overcomes political ideology.

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 great success for SAGA and we look forward to seeing you there on 24-26 March next year.

The SAGA administration office will be closed from 15 December 2005 and will reopen on Monday 16 January 2006.

Kind regards and best wishes for a prosperous and safe 2006.

SAGA Trustees

Link here to the Ministerial Statement

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To celebrate, a limited number of Victorinox Biltong Knives have been purchased and engraved with the special twenty-year logo.

These knives are available at R95.00 each (including postage and packing) while stocks last.
Place your order today by contacting the office on telephone (031) 562-9951 (mornings only).
First come first served!

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The Mike Skellern knife was won by J Harmse from Gauteng - and boy was he a happy winner!

As part of our twenty-year celebrations we also launched the Victorinox Biltong Knife which has been engraved with a special logo to celebrate 20-years of SAGA. Some of these knives are still available and the price with postage and packing is now R95. Order from the office if you would like one. (Picture above.)

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The SAGA office has been receiving a number of queries for gunsmiths throughout South Africa. At present we have no comprehensive list of gunsmiths and so we are now attempting to compile such a list.

* If you are a gunsmith please let us have your details.

* If you know of a gunsmith in your area please send us the contact information and we will get hold of them.

Details Required:
Name
Postal Address
Street Address (where workshop is located)
Telephone, Cell and Fax numbers

Please email information to saga@saga.org.za or fax to (031) 562-0530.

Please see the Gunsmiths page for the first entries that have come in.

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CFR Takes the Dias
By Gail Osborne

The Firearms Control Act Symposium, organized by the Hibiscus Chamber of Commerce & Industry on 1 September 2004, was a great success. Final attendance on the day was 232 people all interested to learn something more about the Act and how they would be affected by its implementation. The audience consisted of ordinary citizens, farmers, businessmen, as well as those with special interests in the Act, like security companies, firearm dealers, gunsmiths and training providers. These various interested parties came from as far afield as Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and the Midlands as well as the Hibiscus Coast. The Symposium was opened by Chamber President Diane van Dyk who proved to be an excellent Chairperson and controlled the sometimes heated debate most effectively.

Director Jaco Bothma of the Central Firearms Register, the first of the official speakers, used a slide presentation to provide an overview of the Act and Regulations.

He was followed by Senior Superintendent Lucky Lekgotla, also from the CFR, who spoke about accreditation of training providers but focused more on the accreditation of associations. He also announced that Theta Seta (Tourism, Hospitality and Sport) would now manage the unit standards and accreditation for the hunting and sport shooting associations. This decision was only made on 31 August.

Hennie Richards, director of the Poslec Seta (Policing, Correctional Services, Justice, Legal, Private Security), then gave a slide presentation about training providers and their accreditation requirements. He confirmed that the Poslec's "Certificate of Learnership" which is to be issued to all who successfully undergo a training course, will be available from the middle of September. The certificate incorporates a 'counterfeit-proof' SAQA hologram - especially produced in India, it shatters like a windscreen if tampered with. At present there are 68 Poslec accredited training providers with another 180 in the pipeline. [At time of writing only 25 of these have full SAPS accreditation.] The cost of training courses are set by the market (i.e. the trainers) and do vary considerably. Those requiring training would be well-advised to shop around. Poslec is very concerned about the dearth of accredited shooting ranges and is encouraging as many range owners and trainers as possible to apply for the necessary approval. The requirements are not unduly onerous.

The differences between the training needed to qualify for a new licence, and that necessary for renewing an existing licence was explained: New licence applicants have to undergo training on both theory and practical handling and shooting before being assessed. To renew a licence, you need only to pass the test on the theory of safe, legal use of your firearm/s - the assumption is that your RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) is sufficient for you to bypass the hands-on, practical training and testing. The curriculum for licence renewals, which has been stipulated by the Commissioner, will soon be distributed to training providers.

Paul Preston, a local legal man, gave a short talk on his impression of the Act and its implications. Some of the examples he presented provided much food for thought.
John Mowat from KwaZulu-Natal Hunting & Conservation Association made a good presentation with the focus on hunting and the FCA.

Umzimkulu SAPS Area Commissioner Holloway gave an impromptu speech about the Act. He felt the new Act would prevent the proliferation of firearms in the area and that gun owners would now be more accountable. He called for those present to support the Act and its objectives.
Local DFO, Superintendent Reggy Pillay, discussed what procedures are in place locally. He named the eight police stations in the area which can handle firearms matters, and stated that they were ready with trained staff, computers and sufficient vehicles.

The final speaker was SAGA representative Gail Osborne who directed some of the most frequently asked questions to the panel for immediate answers. Matters that were covered include inherited firearms; storage of firearms in a family safe; lack of Appeals Board and the resultant backlog of appeals; lack of answers to e-mails sent to the SAPS e-mail address; lack of assistance to calls placed to the call centre; lack of availability of printed copies of the Act and Regulations; lack of a form to apply to be in possession of more than 200 cartridges, etc.

Questions were taken from the floor after each speaker. Although firm answers were supplied to a numbr of questions, many more remained unanswered or unclear - why perfectly good licence applications are refused; why the reasons given for licence refusals are all the same; why applications take so long; why the Appeals Board situation was not predicted and dealt with in good time; how licence applicants are going to prove a "need" for a firearm; why implementation of the Act was not stalled until the SAPS and other bodies were properly ready for its implementation, etc. When pressed on the safe-keeping issue, Director Bothma could only refer to the Regulations (section 86(11)(b)) which state "exclusive access" to the safe/keys is required. He would not go out on a limb and say you are a criminal whose licence renewal would be refused if your wife/husband/son/daughter (whether a licensed firearm owner or not) shared access to the "family safe".

Director Bothma confirmed that no action would be taken against licensed firearm owners who are presently in possession of more than 200 rounds of ammunition (per licensed calibre), but suggested that you shoot off, or sell (to a dealer - if you can find one who wants to buy it) "surplus" ammunition before you have to renew existing licences.

This symposium must be counted as a success, and its organizers complimented for their initiative. However, the fact that unambiguous answers could still not be supplied to so many practical questions seems to be adequate proof that the Act and its implementation is like the curate's reply to the famous 'egg question' - "It's good in parts." By which the ever polite curate means, "It's bad."

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Notice in terms of section 1(2) of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No. 75 of 1969)

By virtue of the powers vested in me by section 1(2) of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No. 75 of 1969), I, Stephen Vukile Tshwete, Minister of Safety and Security, hereby amend paragraph (a) of the definition "arm" in section 1 of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No. 75 of 1969), by excluding from the said paragraph the class of instruments mentioned in the Schedule attached hereto.

Schedule
1. Any rifle, pistol or revolver manufactured to discharge a bullet or any other projectile - 
     (1) of a calibre of less than 5,6mm (.22 calibre); or
     (2) at a muzzle energy of 8 joules (6 ft-lbs) or less,
by means of compressed gas and not by means of burning propellant; and
2. a paintball gun.

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For details on how to win read below....

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We have been promised lots of lovely prizes to give, by lucky draw, to those of you who recruit new members for us. For every 200 full members recruited, we will draw ten prizes; you have a one in twenty chance of winning a valuable prize, but ALL gunowners WIN by having a stronger SAGA to look after all their interests.

• Sharp Edge is donating two lockback folders by CRKT;

• Pertinax is donating a Gold Medal sleeping bag; and

• a Casco expandable baton;

• Bbobb is donating firearm/hunting books and Cold Steel knives;

• Charl van Wyk is donating 5 copies of his new book "Shooting Back: the right and duty of self-defence"

• Magnum is donating subscriptions and binders ...

And that’s not all ...
If your response warrants it, it should be easy for us to find more sponsors willing to support our cause by giving more great prizes.

DO IT NOW – the sooner the first 200 are in, the sooner we’ll have the FIRST draw, with a higher than average prize value!

      Please read the fine print:

• You may recruit yourself if you are a lapsed member!

• Only paid-up SAGA members  may enter.

• You get one chance for every new paid-up full member recruited.

• Make sure that your name and membership number appears on the application form of everyone you recruit.

• Prizes may not be exchanged for cash or other goods.

• The winners’ names will be published in Magnum and in SAGA’s Newsletter asap after each draw.

All an entry will ‘cost’ you is a little bit of gumption – go out there and recruit your friends and colleagues. If they do not appreciate the necessity of belonging to a strong and active association – the October Bulletin should ‘prove’ how SAGA is beavering away in their interests.  

Please contact the office with any enquiries or to offer extra prizes!

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