The Beginning
... & unforseen detours
1989 to 1992
Background
My late uncle, restored vintage vehicles. Through his hobby he met up with the late General Jan van Loggerenberg, the former Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF). They both had a shared passion for restoring MG (Morris Garage) vehicles, which later played a pivotal role in the legalizing of falconry in the Western Cape.
1989 to 1992
AFB Waterkloof
In the late 1980s, while busy with a board of inquiry in Pretoria, I was approached by another investigative officer busy with another board of inquiry regarding my falconry and requiring assistance in the field. The assistance related to funds allocated to AFB Waterkloof in sourcing raptors for falconry re aviation safety.
1989 to 1992
Project Falconer
Upon initiating Project Falconer, I was aware of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board’s (WCNCB), now CapeNature (CN), stance on falconry, which was illegal in the Cape Province.
1989 to 1992
The Birdstrike
A significant event on 23 May 1991 dramatically shifted the landscape as far as falconry in the Western Cape is concerned.
1989 to 1992
Cape Falconry Club
My research into the potential of falconry to improve aviation safety in South Africa received considerable media attention. It was the first study of its kind in the country. I was introduced to Dr. Edmund Oettle by Karen van Rhyn, a representative of the WCNCB. After meeting with Dr. Oettle, I began actively advocating for the legalization of falconry in the Western Cape.
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