Chairperson Report LHLF 2015
Welcome to each and every-one. In general I would say the people who made the effort to be attending this very important AGM is the operators and PH who has an passion for the industry.
The Safari and specially the hunting side off it is under immense pressure and we certainly are at crossroads on several issues. Situations like Cecil and several others are exploited against sustainable hunting by the anti-hunters and used against us. We also do have individuals in our midst giving our industry a bad name by not playing within the rules. It brings me how-ever at the thought if there is still place in this world and specially Africa for an straight player.
Since the 2014 AGM the current EXCO had spent hundreds of man hours with industry problems. More meetings and hours spent was done than any of the previous EXCO did. We did had meetings with Lawyers, LEDET, Training Facilities and research institutions. We did not always achieve the desirable. In-fact in financial terms we worked at an loss. We should be very honest about that and not paint an bright picture. The question certainly would be why? The answer maybe is plain and simple. Even our industry has become an political playground for certain individuals having in mind only goals which could make them look good and strengthen their positions in the political hierargy. Unfortunately they do have the higher power backed up by an political agenda which can over-ride almost everything.
Several meetings was held by the LHLF EXCO and with LEDET. As an Liaison forum we had taken up issues with LEDET and within our industry which came up as burning points. One of the mayor achievements however is the LAB training Funds which is back under LHLF control. Our successes probably was way better on smaller issues which could be liaised within the department on different areas. As example I could mention several outfitters who had trophies stuck in country due to policy changes which was not well advertised by LEDET. These trophies has now been exported.
One of the other problems which we encountered was the fact that within the hunting division in LEDET several departments are found. Biodiversity and Permits is 2 to mention and we have found that these departments do not always talk to each other. A mayor LEDET red face was prevented by LHLF where hunting of Elephants in Atherstone was proposed by one department all-though no Elephant management plan was in place. We did how ever got LEDET to make an trophy hunting quota available to the industry. This once again showed the incompetence of what is going on in the nature reserves comparing to land that is under private owner management.
A major issue is still the PDI end Leopard Issue and the way it is handled. I personally have taken part in an project by the NW Province where students was trained and as part of finishing their training they had to do an 3 months apprenticeship. In the end they had to do an report back to an panel which decided if they are ready or not to be part of the hunting business. Goals, checks and balances was in place. No freebies. You had to earn it like any other person.
From within the LAB Training Fund several PDI's was trained. As part of an transformation Agenda 20 Leopard Tags was given to 20 individuals which had to find partners to market and hunt these Leopards. The question was what was achieved by this transformation processes. Was the initial training that had to be finalized with this project done. Did these individuals become part of an work team from an outfitter? Did they complete an full 3 years of training or was this only an cash transaction. We know of several individuals that was part of an training process but we also know of several which it was simply an cash transaction. Within 3 years no feedback was given on the success of this project. As LHLF we had pushed for this trying to involve the PDI students on much more levels of the industry. Sadly I must report that in the suggested processes was swept of the table. The department does know the phone numbers of the PDI but has failed to contact the HO in all cases. Several instances the LHLF EXCO had to hear via the grapevine of happenings involving the industry. One of our outfitters which was part of the 3 year system decided not to take part with his PDI in the 2016 system. He was called by LEDET asking why. He was in no uncertain terms informed that with this attitude he disqualifies him from any future PDI program.
PHASA has started an idea on an wildlife forum which we had an initial meeting in Nylsvley. Sadly this meeting was once again politicized and gate crashed by an group of people. Since the initial meeting nothing has happened any-more. I know Me Kitshoff from PHASA has made several attempts to get this back on track.
What is the road ahead. We have all this negatives. Are we going to pack-up and after so many years of hard working man hours just stop what we have been doing? People changes and so does persons in charge. Myself could be replaced at anytime by an individual with way better fore-sight for the future. But so the same can happen to the other side. Serving the industry on an no financial gain basis takes an person who has the power and knowledge to plan his time accordingly. We all do have businesses to run, family that we have to look after and very demanding clients, staff and bank managers. However I can confirm to you that the current EXCO does have a great passion for the industry and what they are doing. No stone is left unturned if it needs be. It pays to advertise. We are out there and our plans and ideas will show it as you will see later during this meeting. The LHLF is the ONLY organization of its kind in South Africa. No other province is so far ahead. We are also currently working at an BEE scorecard. This needs to be presented each time to an new MEC, HOD, Prime Minister or new member. Personally from experience I have seen and learned that very few of the current managers know about the LHLF and what it is all about. It is probably because we sitting with an BLOCK in our system. We probably have failed so far to inform the individuals on a higher ground of our existence. How-ever during this year we have made contact with several of these individuals. It is heartwarming to be able to send an SMS to the HOD in Moscow and get an return SMS. The question I want to raise to you guys is can we as LHLF survive as an sole organization without teeth? A Liaison Forum where we are a bunch of white males sitting around a table fighting for its own survival. I will place this on the PHASA AGM which is going to be held this year 25 km from here on our own doorstep. My suggestion would be for PHASA to spread its feelers starting chapters in each province which like the LHLF will work more with the individual on the ground in its districts. It will also open up the chain to a much higher command system where tasks would be generated on a much higher basis and moved down the chain but also we will have access to a much higher level of contacts.
Transformation is the political key word. Everywhere it is asked. When we do an meeting with government the question is raised where is the female and black members of our EXCO. We have to complete our ageing. This is certainly something we as an industry will have to look at. Unfortunately we have a lot of involvement from government. Your P3 on your farms, TOPS, Cites and other Hunting permits are issued by Government. Export permits of the trophies, your PH and outfitters license. I once again say we are at an cross road. We can decide to go against it and take the tough approach or we can go the soft approach. During the presentations that will soon follow you will see all the soft approach options. Our own research, hopefully connecting with the right organizations to strengthen our goals. Involving more of the fairer sex in what we do. You as an member have the right to be heard and seen. You have the right to help the current and Future EXCO on the way forward. When you vote for new EXCO later on I certainly hope this will be taken in consideration.
I thank you.
