Another year has passed and once again we were blessed with the capacity and opportunities to continue doing what we love best.

As 2025 comes to an end and we are at the dawn of a new year, I am filled with gratitude towards Kaapjag and its members for their continued support of the cause. I am humbled by the support and kindness shown towards me. I am truly privileged to work in and with an association for the benefit of hunters, shooters and firearm owners.

To all my fellow EXCO members, the branch management and the portfolio managers, I thank you from my heart for your unselfish efforts to serve the members and maintain our association.

To each and every member of our association, thank you for your continued membership. It is the faithful payment of your membership fees that enable us to continue the fight for your freedom to hunt, shoot and own firearms.

Considering recent events, 2026 looks to become challenging year for us.

We have recently become aware of a looming amendment to the Firearms Control Act, which if left unchallenged, will limit our rights considerably. We are ready for the fight and with our partners in the industry, will oppose every effort at that. We, however, cannot do this without the support of every hunter and firearm owner in the Western Cape. What is quite worrying though, is the lack of commitment displayed by some firearm owners. They seem to think that using the association to acquire a firearm license and sometimes even dedicated status, just to allow their membership and status to expire once they were granted a license to possess, is perfectly all right. This is contrary to the Act, and the lawmakers have caught on to this. It is interesting to note that the amendments attempt to address this.

My message is short and clear:

If you do not value your rights and will not support the associations working to maintain your rights, you will eventually lose them.

Going forward into 2026, I pledge my commitment and all my efforts to work tirelessly for the members of Kaapjag and to ensure that your freedom to hunt and own firearms are protected. As the Kaapjag board member to CHASA (Confederation of Hunting Associations of Southern Africa) I pledge my best efforts to work with the other associations in our industry to fight for our common interests. In our realm of hunting and shooting it is all about the people we share this interest with.  

How fortunate are we to be part of a great association like Kaapjag and CHASA, where we are assured of dedicated men and women, all united for a common cause. Let us walk proud as hunters, shooters and gun owners and know that our contributions support a vast industry.

Thank you to everyone for your support.

May you experience a wonderful rest during the festive season, and I wish you a prosperous 2026 with good health and many blessings.

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Warm regards,

Yaseen Hanware

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