1.1 The RSA Cartridge Collectors Association would like to thank the Portfolio Committee for the opportunity to make an oral representation in order to discuss certain aspects as well as to make recommendations pertaining to the proposed Firearms Control Bill.

1.2 We are addressing issues in the Bill only with regard to the collecting of cartridges or its components.

1.3 The RSACCA was established October 1977 by South African cartridge collectors with a mutual interest. Currently the RSACCA have members from 14 countries spread all over the world and we distribute a quarterly publication to the members.

1.4 The collecting of cartridges is inspired from a combination of various perspectives, for example:

1.4.1 Historical: The evolution of cartridges throughout the centuries, from the early paper cartridges to the modern types. The variations from certain eras, for example the Anglo-Boer War, with regard to country of origin, calibers, headstamps and bullet types.

1.4.2 Scientific: To monitor the developments by research and manufacturing institutions from all over the world. Even though the products of certain development projects will be tagged as failures, it still remains of academic value.

1.4.3 Forensic: In order to serve as a reference to aid in the identification of cartridges or bullets with regard to, for example, origin or type.

1.4.4 Ornamental: The aesthetic appeal of inert brass cartridge / gun cases, for example.

1.4.5 Passion: The pure passion for interesting cartridges.

2.1 Currently, most, if not all, the European and North American countries' laws do accommodate the collecting of cartridges, even countries with very strict laws such as

Germany.

2.2 The RSACCA is forwarding the interest in cartridges purely from the point of view as stipulated in paragraph 1.4 and definitely not to forward any political or subversive actions, in fact, no such motives will be tolerated within the RSACCA.

3.1 We are in general satisfied with the limitation of 200 cartridges per caliber but we particularly welcome the change to paragraph 21(2) (b) to accommodate collectors who exceed the 20C limit, with approval by the Registrar. This is specifically of importance to the dedicated caliber collector who may easily exceed the 200 limit for the reason that he/she collects a specific caliber by all possible variations, for example by origin, headstamp codes and dates, bullet types, case material and primer annulus colour

We would like to make the following recommendations:

4.1 Regarding paragraph 1 (xxv), definition of private collector, to read: "means a person who collects firearms or ammunition, who is a member of an accredited collectors association and who is not a public collector

4.2 Regarding paragraph 4. (1) To read: "The following firearms, devices, projectiles are prohibited and may not be possessed or licensed in terms of this act, except as provided for in sections 20, 21, 22 and 23(1) b:"

4.3 Paragraph 21 to include the following:

"(2) (C) Despite section 4, a permit in respect of prohibited cartridges or projectiles, to be discharged from a cannon or gun, may be issued to a person contemplated in paragraph (a) but such cartridges or projectiles may not contain propellant or high explosives and the primers must have been removed or de-activated."

4.4 Paragraph 21 to include the following:

(3)(b) The holder of a permit issued in terms of this section may acquire ammunition, as contemplated in paragraphs (1) and (2) (c), for the sole purpose of collecting.