Dear WRSA members,
We are aware of an apparent statement by NATJOINTS (National Disaster Management) that hunting is a recreational activity and therefore traveling across borders will no longer be allowed.
In terms of the Level 3 Biodiversity Directions published on 5 June:
– Subsistence hunting is permissible.
– NO Restrictions are indicated in the Directions for this permissible activity.
Therefore, WRSA is of the opinion that SUBSISTENCE HUNTING is a legal activity in terms of the National Disaster Management Regulations and Biodiversity Directions, with the necessary permit to be issued by the landowner, to subsistence hunters. This permit allows a subsistence hunter to travel across district, metro and provincial borders.
However, RECREATIONAL HUNTING is NOT ALLOWED. Therefore, non-hunters and family members are not allowed to travel (also not with the subsistence hunter) and you can expect that SAPS and SANDF officials at roadblocks, will not to allow recreational hunters to pass through district metro or provincial borders.
To our knowledge, the matter has been escalated to ministerial level and we will let you know as soon as we know more.
No alternative or amended Directions have been published yet and the current version (June 5) stands.
Landowners, please ensure that you ONLY issue the permits to subsistence hunters. You may even provide them with a copy of the Directions and the WRSA interpretation thereof.
Regards,
Adri, WRSA