2011 to 2015
In 2011, UNESCO accepted falconry as an intangible cultural heritage, a huge international step for falconry. In the Western Cape, falconry was deemed an illegal hunting method, which changed the position and view of falconry going forward. I served as chairman of the Boland Falconry Club (BFC) from 2011 to 2015. During this time, the BFC experienced a significant influx of members from the Cape Falconry Club (CFC) in late 2014. Since 2008, I have been hosting and maintaining the South African Falconry Association (SAFA) website free of charge. However, maintaining the website became increasingly difficult due to a lack of updates, as a result, I handed their website over to their SAFA secretary at the time. From the establishment of the BFC up to 2015, the BFC steadily maintained constitutional compliance and complied annually with the requirements of CapeNature(CN).
Since 2008, I have been hosting and maintaining the South African Falconry Association (SAFA) website free of charge. However, maintaining the website became increasingly difficult due to a lack of updates, as a result, I handed their website over to their SAFA secretary at the time.
At the BFC’s 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM), a serious concern arose. Just an hour before the meeting, it emerged that the new nominated chairman, a new member of the BFC, had facilitated the importation of a peregrine falcon for another existing BFC member without following club protocol or obtaining proper permits. The nominated chairman, when questioned, claimed that the matter was no longer my responsibility once the AGM concluded. At the time, I had no idea that this incident would serve as a sign that would lead to the beginning of the end of the BFC.
This episode exposed a disturbing lack of responsibility and disregard for established procedures within the club. It became clear that a significant shift in values and priorities had occurred, which would eventually lead to the club’s non-compliance and downfall.
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