About SAFA
SAFA, the South African Falconry Association, was established in 1991 with the aim of representing organized falconry in South Africa. The idea of forming a national body to coordinate the activities of provincial clubs and engage with authorities at a national level was discussed in an initial meeting held in Kokstad, Natal, in 1990.
This meeting was attended by falconry enthusiasts such as Bennie van der Merwe, Ian Hoffman, Tim Wagner, Dieter Niesck, Alan Harvey, and Alan Stephenson.
The structure, representation, and constitution of SAFA were further developed during a two-day marathon session in 1991, coinciding with the NFC AGM held at Calvin Grove.
Representatives from all four provinces participated in this session, which resulted in the establishment of SAFA as a means to establish and maintain consistent standards in falconry .
Since its inception, SAFA has played an active role in the falconry community, both locally and internationally. SAFA became a member organization of the International Association for Falconry (IAF) in 1991 and has sent representatives to IAF meetings. In 2008, SAFA hosted the IAF meeting in conjunction with a fieldmeet at Black Mountain, Thaba Nchu .
SAFA has also been involved in generating the Norms and Standards for Falconry and Code of Conduct for Falconry in South Africa. The association has worked closely with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and has representation on the Wildlife Forum, the hunting industry forum of DEA, to ensure that falconry interests are considered.
Over the years, SAFA has grown in numbers and participation. The first fieldmeet was held in 1992 in Dullstroom, in collaboration with the annual TFC meet. This event attracted falconers from all over the country and showcased the suitability of the area for longwing hawking. The popularity of the meet and the need for a more central venue led to the relocation of the fieldmeet to Maselspoort in subsequent years .
SAFA’s fieldmeets have continued to be a significant gathering for falconers to showcase the prowess of their birds. The increasing number of participants, families, spectators, and pointers necessitated a move to Lekoa Lodge in 2010, as the meets were outgrowing their previous location.
SAFA’s growth and development have been driven by its commitment to promoting the art and science of falconry in South Africa. The association has been instrumental in organizing events, workshops, and training programs to educate and train falconers. SAFA has also been involved in conservation efforts to protect raptors and their habitats.
SAFA’s commitment to promoting falconry has also led to the development of national standards for falconry in South Africa. With the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the Hunting Norms and Standards, SAFA has been working with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to develop these standards. Trevor Oertel and Robbie Robinson represent SAFA in the Wildlife Forum, providing an opportunity to keep falconry interests on the radar .
In conclusion, SAFA has come a long way since its inception in 1991. The association has played a significant role in promoting falconry in South Africa and has been actively involved in conservation efforts. SAFA’s commitment to establishing and maintaining consistent standards in falconry has led to the development of national standards for falconry in South Africa.
The association’s fieldmeets continue to be a significant gathering for falconers to showcase their birds’ prowess, and SAFA’s involvement in international falconry organizations has helped to raise the profile of falconry in South Africa.
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