Newsletters

Relevant Covid-19 Level 4 Lockdown Regulations

Date: 2020-05-04
Date: Vol 16-17

NHSA NEWSLETTER

VOL. 16 (17) - 04-05-2020

Relevant Covid-19 Level 4 Lockdown Regulations

Dear member,

As the uncertainty spread amongst members regarding the new regulations of level 4 lockdown, we’ve set-up questions and answers below as we interpret the new regulations published in the Government Gazette


 WHAT CAN I DO

 

  1. CAN I HUNT DURING LEVEL 4?
  • NO, we cannot hunt for recreational purposes
  • YES, if you need to do culling/damage-causing animals or wildlife management

You may only hunt if:

  1. It is in the same province (1-day hunt) – NO overnight accommodation
  2. Wear a mask and practice social distancing
  3. Follow the curfew and be home by 20:00 (curfew 20:00 – 05:00)
  4. Please make sure you have the correct traveling documents/permits etc.
  5. Remember, only 2 people per *vehicle* allowed

We are awaiting approved regulations for hunting under Level 4 from the relevant government department and will let members know when we receive the same.

  1. CAN I GO TO MY PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGE?
  • NO, it doesn’t seem like shooting ranges are classified as an essential service to the public in Level 4 Lockdown, despite South African Arms and Ammunition Dealers Association (SAAADA) submission to the Ministry for exemption in Level 4
  • See extraction from government gazette on regulations:

“Places and premises closed to the public

  1. (1) Any place or premises normally open to the public where religious, cultural, sporting, entertainment. recreational, exhibitional, organisational or similar activities may take place. is closed.”

 

  1. CAN I SUBMIT MY FIREARM APPLICATION/S AT THE DFO?
  • NO, not according to legal advice and information received from DFO’s
  • Part O of the regulations state that:

“Only essential government and administration services may operate…” – It is our opinion that firearm licensing is not seen as an essential administration”

  • On 1 May 2020 Natshoot sent a letter to the Commissioner of Police asking for clarification on the travel to police stations during level 4 lockdown to:
  1. Submit applications for renewal of firearm licenses
  2. To take part in the Firearm Amnesty

 

  1. WILL THE AMNESTY BE EXTENDED?
  • It is our (Natshoot) opinion that they will probably extend the Amnesty as discussed with our legal representatives.
  • On 1 April 2020 Natshoot wrote to the Minister of Police, enquiring as to the possible extension of the period of amnesty due to time lost during the lockdown. 
  • On 22 April 2020 the Minister answered that he is favorably inclined to extend the period of amnesty, but that he has to wait for Parliament to reconvene (to meet again after a break) as only Parliament can give permission for such an extension. 
  • Once we’ve received more information, we will inform our members.
  • See our newsletter here- https://natshoot.co.za/nhsa-info/newsletters/nhsa-newsletter/2020/vol-16-16

 

  1. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I CAN NOT MAINTAIN MY DEDICATED STATUS?
  • The requirements to maintain your dedicated status by:
  1. Paying your yearly membership fee and
  2. Submitting 2 activities (per status) before the end of November 2020 will remain in place.
  • If the shooting ranges open before the end of July 2020, there will still be a 4-month period in which members can do and submit their 2 activities to maintain their dedicated status
  • Natshoot EXCO will re-evaluate the maintenance of dedicated status if the shooting ranges are not open by the end of July 2020
  • Members with dedicated status will not be in jeopardy if the lockdown continues until November 2020

See Newsletter Vol.16(15) in this regard - https://natshoot.co.za/nhsa-info/newsletters/nhsa-newsletter/2020/vol-16-15

  1. WHAT CAN I DO IN THE MEANTIME TO MAINTAIN MY DEDICATED STATUS?

 FOR DEDICATED HUNTER STATUS

  • You can upload reloading of hunting ammunition as an activity
  • If you reload ammunition on 2 different days, and your activity was approved – you will be compliant for dedicated hunter status
  • If there is an organized, legitimate online reloading course, hosted by a trainer, (where you can join face-to-face via a platform like Zoom/Skype) – it will count as an activity
  • More info here - https://natshoot.co.za/dedicated-status/maintain-dedicated-status/hunt-related

FOR DEDICATED SPORT STATUS

  • You can upload reloading of sport shooting ammunition as an activity
  • If you reload ammunition on 2 different days and your activity was approved – you will be compliant for dedicated sport status
  • If there is an organized, legitimate online reloading course, hosted by a trainer, (where you can join face-to-face via a platform like Zoom/Skype) – it will count as an activity
  • Other firearm-related online courses, hosted by a trainer, using a platform like Zoom/Skype will also count as an activity (please first send more information to the Natshoot office to confirm if the relevant course will be sufficient for the maintenance of your dedicated status)
  • More info here - https://natshoot.co.za/dedicated-status/maintain-dedicated-status/sport-shooting-related


See Newsletter Vol.16(15) in this regard - https://natshoot.co.za/nhsa-info/newsletters/nhsa-newsletter/2020/vol-16-15


Kind Regards
Natshoot office

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