The South African Gunowners' Association (SAGA) is a non-profit, non-discriminatory organization, whose sole purpose is to represent the interests of all people who embrace the principles of safe and responsible ownership and usage of firearms for sport, recreation, hunting and self-defence.

SAGA is the watchdog that endeavours to safeguard the rights of the South African public by engaging government in discussion regarding firearm related issues and to provide technical assistance and expertise where needed. This is achieved by collecting and disseminating information regarding all aspects of the legitimate use of firearms. This is to enable responsible, non-discriminatory and enforceable legislation that would benefit all South Africans, irrespective of race, colour or creed.

WHO OR WHAT IS SAGA?

SAGA is an acronym for the SOUTH AFRICAN GUNOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

 SAGA   is the voice of South Africa’s law-abiding firearm owners.

SAGA   is a non-party political, independent, non-profit association.

SAGA   was formed to protect the right of decent citizens to own and use firearms for sport, self-defence, recreation or other legitimate purposes.

SAGA   believes that over-restrictive legislation and regulations are unfair to the responsible citizen.

SAGA   negotiates with government and other bodies, and presses for practical and logical reforms.

SAGA   actively promotes the safe handling and safe storage of firearms and is unequivocally opposed to their misuse.

SAGA   does not interfere with the activities of other firearm related associations, but actively seeks their support and assistance for the benefit of all.

SAGA   works to improve the negative image of firearms by taking positive action.

SAGA   has credibility and international acceptance as representative of South African firearm owners with other large national associations such as: The National Rifle Association of America; the National Firearms Association of Canada; the Sport Shooting Association of Australia and the Sporting Shooters Association of New Zealand.

SAGA   is an active member of The World Forum on the Future of Sportshooting Activities.

 WHAT HAS SAGA DONE?

Established in 1985, after firearm owners had been shocked out of their lethargy by limitations on the number of firearms they could own, SAGA has worked unceasingly for better practical legislation and regulations.

SAGA’s views have been broadcast on TV, national and regional radio and presented in press reports.

SAGA has addressed a number of organisations to promote members’ interests and the safe keeping and handling of firearms.

SAGA has given evidence before the Goldstone Commission and its policies have been quoted in Parliament.

SAGA’s sane and sensible approach has won credibility and high regard in circles previously anti- or ignorant about firearms.

SAGA has protested strongly against bureaucratic actions and has been instrumental in the successful 

• withdrawal of import restrictions on certain popular firearms
• moderation of the “automatically unfit to possess” declaration
• establishment of an Appeal system
• acknowledgement that the PERSON is more important than the firearm

SAGA is actively involved in:

• top-level negotiations with government and police officials
• working for improvements to the Firearms Control Act
• an ongoing and growing relationship with similar associations around the world

Although SAGA is not involved in training people in shooting skills, it assists the police in drafting guidelines and regulations. SAGA has enjoyed major successes. With a stronger membership base these successes could have been notable victories.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

First and foremost -  A FAR BETTER CHANCE OF RETAINING YOUR FIREARM plus

•  R1,000,000 FREE Public Liability Insurance Cover
• Informative email messages to keep you up-to-date on developments concerning firearm ownership and legislation
• Insignia to display, showing you align yourself with and are amongst those responsible firearm owners who are actively doing something to promote and protect responsible firearm ownership
•  Participation at meetings of firearm owners. These are opportunities where your problems can be discussed, your questions answered and your representative councillors elected.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 

SAGA’s main aim is to ensure that laws and regulations are sensible and provide for:

• adequate protection of society-at-large and
• sufficient enforceable penalties to deter the criminal and negligent use of firearms without unnecessarily restricting legitimate and responsible firearm owners.

There are already more than enough laws and regulations to control the possession of firearms by private citizens. Fewer and less complex laws reasonably, yet properly applied, could achieve the required objective.

SAGA, which spends a considerable portion of its income on promoting safety and responsibility, is not against sensible and practical controls. Education and not regulation, is the only sure way of retaining and improving firearm owners’ rights.

A misinformed public fears firearms because they do not understand either them or their legitimate use. This public is increasingly exposed to sensational media coverage of the misuse of firearms and the false claim that gun control equals crime control. As violent crime increases, more people arm themselves for protection. As the number of firearms in circulation increases, so too does the number of ‘incidents’ – thefts accidents, shootings …

As more incidents are reported, this uninvolved, well-intentioned and concerned public grows even more fearful of firearms, bringing more pressure to bear on the State for tighter controls. Unchecked this pressure can become a serious threat not only to YOUR FREEDOM TO CHOOSE your sport or hobby, but to a viable means of protecting yourself, your family and property against unlawful attacks and violence.

JOIN TODAY

Help SAGA change these perceptions. JOIN US today. Make YOUR voice heard. YOUR support will enable US to bring reason to bear.

SAGA needs YOU as part of a strong and committed membership. Let SAGA speak for YOU! Remember the quote, which says that all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing! Silent majorities will LOSE! SERIOUSLY CONSIDER the implications of losing your firearms!

SAGA does not advocate firearm ownership, ONLY THE FREEDOM TO MAKE THAT CHOICE PRIVATELY AND WITHOUT OBLIGATION.

SAGA is the only organisation specifically established to fight on your behalf. Only with the strength of numbers of a vigorous growing membership can SAGA succeed in ensuring a fair and proper deal for all decent law-abiding citizens; citizens who should be fully entitled to enjoy RESPONSIBLE firearm ownership.

SAGA membership forms are available from the office: PO Box 35203, Northway, 4065, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa or click on this Join SAGA online link.

Telephone (031) 562-9951 Fax (086) 553-9615  Email: saga@saga.org.za 

WHAT CAN I DO? 

After having joined, YOU can play a most important part in helping both us and yourself by:

• Setting an example to others of how a responsible and law abiding firearm owner behaves in the way you handle, carry and store your firearm.

• Supporting current SAGA Corporate members who display their emblems on their premises, in advertising, on letterheads, etc with your purchasing power.

• Supporting your local regional councillors, e.g. by informing them of any relevant events that come to your attention, attending meetings, etc.

• Offering what you have in talent, skills, time, ideas, etc to assist where you can.

• Making the effort to recruit one new member per month.

• Making SAGA known to members of your family, those with whom you work and participate in sport.

• Staying informed.