Applicatiton for renewal of firearms licence (PDF)

The EC is fully aware that members and especially those who are waiting for licenses on new fire arms as well as those whose competency certificates has lapsed or are about to lapse are frustrated with the lack of progress that has been made with the SAPS on this matter.

With the announcement of the Task Team during June 2010 under the direction of the Civilian Secretariat of Police it was mentioned that its report would be presented to the Minister of Police on July 31, 2010 but shortly after its commencement it was found that the task was much more comprehensive than anticipated. More elements were added to the investigation which resulted in the completion and handing over of the report to the Minister by the second half of September 2010

Over the last few weeks some members of the Association formed the opinion that the negotiations should be ended and the court action should be resumed. The EC never abandoned the court action but decided to follow this route should the negotiations fail. The difficulty with the decision to litigate or not rests on the expectation that the outcome of negotiations and therefore the outcome of the Task Team, would render a much better dispensation than a verdict in favour of SAHGCA. It is important to remember that the court action and the negotiation process carry a certain amount of uncertainty in the outcome.
It is the opinion of the EC that publication by the Minister on the findings of the Task Team is near and appeals to members to exercise caution and patience and in the mean time still leave the decision whether or not to continue with the court action in the hands of the EC.

The EC has decided should there not be noticeable and satisfactory progress or indications that the Minister of Police does not demonstrate the political will to solve the problem by the beginning of October 2010, SAHGCA will forthwith change its modus operandi.
Inyahti Park

17 September 2010