As published in the December 2024 Edition of WILDLAND (page 120)

When I look back over the past year, I am inspired by what I have experienced in our association. What inspires me more than anything else, is the relationships I had during the past twelve months. I was fortunate to maintain old relationships, but also forge new and exciting relationships and in some cases reignite old relationships that have with time, fallen by the wayside.

Our realm of hunting, shooting and guns is all about the people we share it with. How fortunate are we not to be part of a great association like Kaapjag, because it is an association of people who all share a common interest. Kaapjag is by no means unique in this. Without the people and the common interest, we would not exist, and this is true for all other associations and institutions in our industry.  

My message is therefore, let us value the relationships we have with people. Let our common goal of protecting our freedom to hunt, shoot and own firearms propel us forward to a new year in which we will truly be a united industry, made up of many parts, but striving towards a common goal. Let there be mutual respect and understanding of our differences but also that which makes us one. Let us not allow ourselves to be removed from the important relationships and people in our industry by those who view our activities with disapproval or suspicion. Let us be proud that we have chosen hunting, shooting and guns as our interests. Above all, let us stand united in this cause!

Thank you to all the people working, mostly behind the scenes, for the cause. It benefits every other South African who shares this passion and therefore requires everyone’s support!

May you all have a blessed festive season and may you enjoy the break with your loved ones.

Thank you also to André van Dyk and his team for producing this wonderful Wildland magazine every month and allowing our snippets to be published. It is truly the mouthpiece for the industry!

Christmas Blessings,

Yaseen Hanware