The New BFC Era
The findings and outcome of the 2021 SAFAvsBFC independent investigation, coupled with SAFA's subsequent response, led me to re-evaluate my position and alliances.
I examined my SAFA membership concerning the Boland Falconry Club (BFC) as both a club and individual member, as well as the role of Western Cape (WC) falconers. According to the 2001 WC Falconry Policy (Revised), BFC, as a WC falconry club, was required to be a member of SAFA. SAFA only accepts falconry clubs as members, not individual falconers. WC falconers are members of SAFA through their club affiliations. At the time, CN was developing a new falconry policy for the WC.
Examining the BFC membership contract and BFC statutes, I found no contractual obligation for BFC members as individual falconers to be members of SAFA. I informed the BFC that I had no further interest in being affiliated with SAFA and that my SAFA affiliation fees should be used solely for the BFC.
My decision to cancel my SAFA membership stemmed from SAFA’s departure from its original mission and objectives. The 2021 independent investigation highlighted SAFA’s failure to uphold its constitution, including the requirement for audited financials. Despite all efforts to obtain audited SAFA financials, no response to this constitutional requirement was ever received. As per the SAFA secretary at the time, SAFA had no audited financials other than the annual treasurer’s reports.
Additionally, as a national overarching body, SAFA had the responsibility to guide its members on relevant legislation. Following the implementation of the POPI Act in June 2021, no guidance was provided to member clubs on implementing the POPI Act.
In essence, I could not further support a constitutionally non-compliant organization for the mere loyalty towards falconry.
When CapeNature started to review the WC Falconry Policy, my submission was that freedom of association be permitted and not centered around SAFA. Fortunately, the new WC Falconry Policy does not limit WC falconry clubs to the membership of SAFA.
Membership in a falconry club is decentralized due to the nature of falconers and their practice. Falconers typically operate on their own schedules and locations, primarily interacting with their clubs during annual field meets and the AGM. Maintaining a sense of community is crucial, and clubs rely on social media groups and notices to engage members. Traditionally, the BFC secretary would acknowledge members' birthdays, fostering a sense of camaraderie and acknowledgement.
Prior to the 2022 BFC AGM, I proposed a review of the 2016 BFC Statutes, as they contained spelling errors and incorrect paragraph numbering, which detracted from the club’s core documents. The revised statutes in their new format were approved.
The newly elected BFC 2022 management committee comprised of members who, while qualified, were relatively new to the BFC and WC falconry. Managing a falconry club under the CN falconry policy requires a different approach. Despite efforts to provide advice, guidance, and support, the new committee had its own ideas. When I inquired about the committee’s decision to discontinue the tradition of acknowledging members’ birthdays on social media, the response, “we don’t have time,” highlighted a disconnect between the committee and the club’s culture.
The financial “statements” presented after the BFC 2022 AGM revealed concerning trends. Previous BFC management committee members expressed their dissatisfaction with the 2022 BFC chairman and secretary’s expenses for attending the SAFA AGM, which exceeded the total annual turnover for the club’s financial year. This, while not illegal, was considered unsustainable. Historically, BFC management committee members attended the SAFA AGM at their own expense. I chose not to comment, as previous attempts to assist had been met with resistance. I observed the cracks emerging in the club but decided not to get involved.
A new BFC 2023 management committee was elected. Due to my previous actions regarding SAFA, I was still perceived as an antagonist and took a backseat in club affairs. Communication from the BFC 2023 management committee was non-existent. According to the BFC Constitution, the 2023 AGM was required to be held within nine months of the club year’s end, which was August 31, 2023.
By December 31, 2023, I had not received any correspondence from the BFC. However, I was aware that CN had rolled out a new falconry policy for the WC in November 2023, which would significantly impact the BFC’s management, administration, and reporting to CN.
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