Free SA has called for an extension of South Africa’s public consultation process on proposed changes to firearm training qualifications, arguing that the new framework should remain affordable, practical and accessible.
The organisation has submitted its comments to the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), while also asking for the consultation period to be extended to 31 August 2026.
Free SA said it supports strong competency standards and responsible firearm ownership but is concerned that increased training costs, longer requirements and additional administration could place a disproportionate burden on people who comply with the law.
Concerns Over Public Participation
According to Free SA, the consultation period coincided with the annual hunting season and winter school holidays, potentially limiting participation from groups directly affected by the proposed changes.
These include firearm instructors, accredited training providers, hunting organisations, sport shooting associations and businesses operating in the sector.
The organisation said it has facilitated 1,527 public submissions as part of its campaign, reflecting concerns about potential barriers created by the proposed qualification framework.
Free SA spokesperson Gideon Joubert said firearm competency should remain central to the regulatory system, but argued that additional bureaucracy should not become an obstacle to lawful compliance.
“Regulations should improve safety, not place lawful firearm ownership beyond the financial reach of ordinary South Africans,” Joubert said.
What Free SA Wants Changed
In its submission, Free SA has called on the QCTO to keep firearm qualifications affordable, focus training on demonstrated competency rather than simply increasing training duration, and avoid unnecessary administrative requirements.
The organisation has also urged the QCTO to continue consulting accredited training providers, industry organisations, hunting groups, sport shooting associations and members of the public before finalising the framework.
Free SA argues that South Africa already has competency, licensing and background assessment requirements in place and that any additional regulations should be carefully assessed to ensure they improve safety without creating unnecessary barriers.
The QCTO’s consultation process will ultimately determine how the proposed firearm qualification framework develops, with Free SA calling for all public submissions to be meaningfully considered before any final changes are implemented.
Main Image: Supplied
