2021
The Quiet before the Storm
2021
January 2021
The IBFC2020MC was concerned that the BFC records might not be up to date and not be accurate. A cross board compliance check was initiated . - Each BFC member needed to fill out an online Google form. - This form asked for details about their falconry birds, mews (where birds are kept), and other housing facilities. - Members had to use an electronic signature to confirm that all the information they provided was true and correct. In addition, BFC Members were also asked to provide their annual hunting reports for two specific periods: - September 1, 2018, to August 31, 2019 - September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2020
When the BFC’s permit renewal was discussed with CN in January 2021, the BFC learned that a new permit application system for Western Cape (WC) falconry clubs was being introduced, and that the falconry policy itself would also be reviewed. Crucially, the BFC had not been given any warning that the permit conditions were set to change. Could this unannounced shift have been CN’s first response to violations from the past two years? As the body responsible for conservation in the WC, CN was within its rights to act.
2021
February 2021
In February 2021, the interim 2020 BFC management committee (IBFC2020MC) knew the club wasn't following its own constitution or permit rules. Because of this, they decided to disclose to the South African Falconry Association (SAFA) these issues and challenges. SAFA's constitution state that member clubs must follow their constitutions to remain SAFA members. To be transparent and meet SAFA's requirements, the BFC shared its non-compliance status with SAFA on the SAFA Exco WhatsApp group. However, SAFA did not respond or make any comment about or on this disclosure.
Also in February 2021, CN sent new permit application forms and documents to the BFC. Because this new application process was different from the old permit conditions, the BFC shared these new CN requirements with SAFA, asking for their input. However, SAFA provided no response or feedback.
CN’s new permit renewal process meant that Western Cape (WC) falconry clubs had to submit an annual application. This application needed to include several items: a completed form, the payment fee, a copy of the club’s raptor register (listing all falconry raptors for every member), reports on each falconer’s bird housing facilities, and a copy of each falconer’s annual hunting report.
The IBFC2020MC then checked the information submitted by its members to make sure it matched the BFC Raptor Register. Once compliance validation was finalised, the IBFC2020MC submitted the BFC permit application with supporting documents to CN for review and approval.
In South Africa, a grading system is applied to falconers. Each falconer is graded, which determines which types of raptors they are allowed to fly. To practice falconry in the WC, a person must be a member of a WC falconry club. If a WC falconer wants a raptor, they must first apply to their club’s management committee. If the club approves, the permit process with CN begins. Once CN issues the permit, the member is permitted to acquire the raptor applied for. This is recorded in the club’s raptor register, and the member can then participate in falconry according to the club’s statutes. Club management is required to keep records with supporting documents of all raptors in the club raptor register.
The IBFC2020MC submitted its renewal permit application to CN on February 21, 2021. CN acknowledged receipt and, in response, informed the IBFC2020MC that they would conduct a club audit. This audit would cover the club, its members, and the Raptor Register from 2018 up to the permit renewal submission date.
Following the submission, CN requested more documents regarding BFC members. These requests concerned the 2018 period, which was before the current IBFC2020MC took charge on November 7, 2020.
The first audit enquiry related to a member entry (Person A) in the BFC Raptor Register. CN asked for substantiating documents related to a raptor entry. The IBFC2020MC forwarded to CN the information Person A submitted in the BFC validation process.
The second audit question concerned a raptor listed for a member (Person B) in the BFC Raptor Register. CN asked for confirmation of the bird’s ring numbers, which the BFC provided. CN then asked where the raptor came from. It was discovered that the bird had been provincially ‘imported’ from the Free State into the WC. Consequently, CN asked for the Free State ‘export’ permit and the WC ‘import’ permit, which should have authorized the bird’s transport and movement between the provinces.
However, no such permit applications were found in the BFC’s supporting documents for the Raptor Register. Person B, the member involved, had assumed that the BFC2018MC that facilitate the necessary paperwork when they received the raptor. The IBFC2020MC contacted various people, including the breeder. It was discovered that the raptor had been ‘imported’ into the WC without the required official permission or documents. Person B then dealt directly with CN to sort out the issue. The BFC was never fully informed of the outcome, but Person B was allowed to keep the raptor, and the entry in the BFC Raptor Register remained unchanged and validated.
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