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In May 1994 a group of eight enthusiastic collectors from Gauteng got together and decided to form an arms collectors association. The motivation behind this decision was simple - it was long overdue! At the time there was no Johannesburg based organisation that catered specifically for those who wanted to or were already actively collecting Firearms and/or Ammunition. The need for such a body was evidenced by the fact that several of those present at the early meetings were astounded to find that there were others collecting exactly the same things. The second, and possibly more important, reason for getting an arms collectors group going were the amendments, in April 1994, to the Arms and Ammunition Act which introduced the concept of a ‘Certified Collector of Arms and Ammunition’ (as well as hunters and sport-persons). This was naturally subject to various conditions, one of which was that the individual must belong to an association or body ‘whose primary function is the furtherance of the collecting of Arms and Ammunition’ and which was accredited with the SAPS (South African Police Service) as such. There being no viable body or association in existence at that time (the Historical Firearms Association (HFSA) based in Cape Town was non-functional and has subsequently been incorporated with SAAACA) a suitable constitution was drafted, accreditation granted by the CFR (Central Firearms Register) and potential members in the Gauteng area were contacted. Enthusiasm was high and so a General Meeting was called for Wednesday, 15 June 1994. Despite being the coldest night in 20 years the turnout was good and the meeting turned out to be a lively one. After considerable discussion and debate the name, constitution and founding committee were approved and, voila, SAAACA - Gauteng Chapter was born. Ps: One of our founding members (who shall forever remain nameless) confidently predicted that the total membership would peak at about 50 – how wrong he was ! |
