BRIG GEN (retd.) NICO DU PREEZ

VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERAL COUNCIL OF KUSA

 At a Special Meeting of the Federal Council on Thursday, 4 April 2024, Clr Nico du Preez was unanimously elected as Vice-Chairman of the Federal Council for the unexpired portion of the term of the Immediate Past Vice-Chairman, Mr Gérard Robinson.

Clr Du Preez’s association with the Kennel Union started in the mid-1980s when he joined as a member. In 1986 he registered his Affix, Bellators, under which he’s bred Bull Terriers ever since. He chaired the South African Bull Terrier Club for many years and was active on the Committee of the Northern Transvaal Bull Terrier Club for almost two decades. In the more recent past, Clr Du Preez also turned his attention to breeding and showing Smooth Fox Terriers.

Clr Du Preez has been a Licensed Judge for the Terrier Group for a number of years, in addition to being a long-standing Specialist Bull Terrier Judge with ROM status. He is also a Specialist Assessor for Learner Judges aspiring to become Bull Terrier Specialist Judges.

Initially, as the Representative of the Northern Areas Provincial Council on the Executive Committee, and later while simultaneously holding the Vice-Chairmanship of the NAPC, Clr Du Preez served on Exco for multiple terms. When he assumed the chair of the NAPC in December 2020, and thereby also secured his seat on the Federal Council, Clr Du Preez was well versed in the governance and administrative processes of KUSA.

Clr Du Preez joined the South African National Defence Force in 1984, after completion of his BProc degree. Shortly thereafter, in 1986, he graduated with an LLB and, fourteen years later, topped that with an LLM. With this came his admission to the High Court as Attorney. At the SANDF he was frequently promoted and when he eventually retired, he held the designation of Director Military Law and the rank of Brigadier General.

CLR MICHAEL VORSTER

CHAIRMAN OF THE JUDGES EDUCATION COUNCIL OF KUSA

At a Special Meeting of the Federal Council on Thursday, 4 April 2024, Clr Michael Vorster was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Judges Education Council of KUSA for the unexpired portion of the term of the Immediate Past Chairman, Mr Gérard Robinson.

Clr Vorster was born and grew up in Durban in a household where his mother was a Cocker Spaniel aficionada. After his studies, he moved to Johannesburg and was later transferred to Cape Town, where he spent the next seventeen years. Ten years ago, Clr Vorster returned to his roots when he was transferred to Durban, where he currently resides.

Please use either of the following email addresses for any enquiries

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KUSA STATEMENT on the DALRRD’S DIRECTIVE WITH REGARD TO THE IMPORTATION OF DOGS INTO SOUTH AFRICA

On 13 March 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) issued a directive that, with effect from 1 April 2024, all applications for Veterinary Import Permits must be accompanied by a confirmation of compliance with the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998 (AIA) issued by the Registrar of Animal Improvement in the DALRRD. This directive seeks to enforce the provisions of section 16 of the AIA and does not only apply to production animals, but also to dogs.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

TO LICENSED JUDGES AND LEARNER JUDGES

CURRENTLY WORKING THEIR WAY THROUGH VARIOUS STUDY PATHS OF THE

KUSA BREED JUDGES’ LEARNING PROGRAMME (KBJLP)

At the Special Meeting of the Federal Council held on Thursday, 4 April 2024, the following amendments to Schedule 10 Appendix 1 (Group Course) and Schedule 10 Appendix 3 (Breed Specialisation Course) pertaining to the application of the pass mark across the various sections of the following examination papers:

• Paper 1 Group Course or Breed Specialisation Course
• Paper 2 Group Course
• Paper 2 Breed Specialisation Course

STATEMENT - KUSA CLASSIC CLUSTER, THURSDAY, 30 MAY – SUNDAY, 2 JUNE 2024 AT THE DURBAN SHONGWENI CLUB, HILLCREST, KWAZULU-NATAL

It has been brought to the attention of the Federal Council and the Executive Committee of the Kennel Union that a few prospective attendees of the KUSA Classic 2024 have expressed concerns regarding the safety of travelling to KwaZulu-Natal and attending the Cluster over the period of South Africa’s General Elections. Fedco and Exco have noted these concerns, ostensibly based on a perception that KZN might be more volatile that other parts of the country, given the ANC’s legal action in the Electoral Court challenging the legitimacy of the ANC’s former military wing, uMkhonto weSiswe (MK), fronted by former President Jacob Zuma, to stand in the election.

In response to the safety concerns raised in certain quarters, the KUSA Classic Organising Committee (KCOC), immediately took steps to do a risk assessment of the situation and, in this process, also consulted with security experts. In its efforts to apprise itself of the possible risk involved in attending the KUSA Classic in late May 2024, the KCOC learnt that, although the state of alert of the country’s security forces would be escalated to hypervigilance as is customary during elections, there was, at this stage, neither evidence, nor expectation, that the security risk to KZN residents would be appreciably higher than to people elsewhere in the country.

APPOINTMENT OF CAROL IMMELMAN AS REGISTRATIONS & CANINE HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR

The Kennel Union is delighted to announce, after a careful selection and interview process, the appointment of Carol Immelman to the advertised position of Registrations and Canine Health Administrator on a part-time, limited duration contract basis.

As the holder of Kennel Union membership for the past fifty-two years, a Federal Councillor for almost a decade, during which period she was granted LIFE Membership and a well-known breeder and exhibitor of Dalmatians and Australian Shepherds, Carol is well-versed in the history of KUSA and its operations on numerous levels. She is no stranger to KUSA’s challenges as a Breeders’ Society and Registering Authority, where the ownership, propagation and promotion of purebred dogs are under sustained scrutiny and often criticism.

Please join us in wishing AJ Schoeman the very best of luck for today’s International Junior Handling Competition, Crufts 2024.

We have every confidence that AJ will do us proud!

On behalf of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) and the Federal Council, I have pleasure in announcing the appointment of Gérard Robinson as the Secretary of KUSA. With his wealth of experience in the corporate world, and many years’ involvement in the dog world as exhibitor, administrator and Judge, Gérard brings to the Kennel Union a bounty of much-needed skills and expertise. Over the past number of years and up to the present, he has served KUSA and the dog world at the highest level of governance. In assuming his KUSA secretarial responsibilities, Gérard will be stepping down as the Chairman of the Districts of Gauteng & Surrounds Provincial Council (DOGSPC), the office of Vice-Chairman of the Federal Council and other offices held at executive level.

Congratulations to the winners of the NAPC Top Dog Competition held 14.01.2024
NAPC TOP DOG Puppy 2023
MIDNIGHTDREAM CODE OF LEGENDS (Shih Tzu)
Owner: Mrs HJ Erwee
Judge: Michael Vorster

I begin this report by touching on some of the KUSA highlights and achievements during 2023. I believe that as a KUSA family, we have accomplished a great deal, overcoming some of the difficulties which faced us during the year. I mention but a few.

Shows, Events and Trials. Despite dwindling entries worldwide, the Clubs and Organisers have held a very full calendar of successful, enjoyable Shows, Events and Trials. We saw the return of a number of International Judge appointments, and we remain ever grateful to our local Judges who gave up their time and expertise to officiate during 2023.

SATURDAY, 11th November 2023

The following Learner Judges were successful in passing PAPER 2 of the above Examination
for the Groups indicated and may now judge at Championship Show Level:

GAUTENG
Prof M Nicolau – Working Group
Mrs J Bednarek – Herding Group
Mr G Schultz – Gundog Group
Ms V Nicolau – Hound Group
Ms M Tregoning – Hound Group

07 October 2023, Cape Town

Left to right: Jacques Botha & Keen, Shannen Jacoby & Brave, Natalie Rösner & Pace, Melissa Wilson & Esca, Dillynn Els (box loader), Regan Bosch (judge), Christine Seller & Texas, George Joao & Bella

Heartfelt congratulations!

Shortly after her election as Vice-Chairman of DOGSPC, it is the pleasure and privilege of the Federal Council to welcome its newest member to the Board table. Carolyn is a qualified veterinarian and, for the past 17 years, has worked for a major International Pharmaceutical Company, currently as Business Unit Manager of its Animal Health Division. This has enabled her to not only apply her knowledge as a veterinary scientist, but to also hone her business skills in a key corporate position.

 INTRODUCTION OF ASIA, AFRICA & OCEANIA (A2O) SECTION SHOW TO SOUTH AFRICA 

Following interest expressed by local Clubs to host an A2O Section Show in South Africa, KUSA has come to an agreement with the A2O on the terms on which KUSA, or any of its All-breeds member Clubs may, for the foreseeable future, acquire licences to host an A2O Section Championship Show at which the A2O’s Certificats d'Aptitude au Championnat (CACs) will be on offer in addition to KUSA’s CCs.

SATURDAY, 24 JUNE 2023

The following Learner Judges were successful in passing PAPER 2 of the above Examination for the Groups indicated and may now judge at Championship Show Level:

GAUTENG

Mrs C Coetzer – Working Group

Ms L Smook – Herding Group

Ms G Britz – Herding Group

Mr B Kelly – Hound Group

Mrs L Beckmann – Working Group

Mr J Taute – Hound Group

We are pleased to announce that the 2024 KUSA CLASSIC Flagship Show weekend will be held at the Shongweni Club grounds in Durban KZN, from Thursday 30 May 2024 to Sunday 2 June 2024.

The KZN Provincial Council and Show Organising Committee look forward to hosting a spectacular event.

Watch this space for more information.

Please join us in congratulating the handlers that will be representing KUSA at the FCI Agility World Championships to be held in Liberec, Czech Republic on 4-8 October 2023.

We wish them all the best:

SMALL
1. Michelle Howard and Bobbit
2. Jenny Mitchell and Raine
3. sheldene Fourie and Tanzy

INTERMEDIATE
1. Annaret Meintjes and Catch
2.Annaret Meintjes and Siia
3. Rob Hall and Duffy

2023 National Junior Handler - CONGRATULATIONS

Miss Anita (AJ) Schoeman

2023 National Child Handler - CONGRATULATIONS

Master Ulrich Coetzer

2023 National Dog of the Year - CONGRATULATIONS

KUSA NAT DOG '23, GR CH, CH OBT A SONG OF FIRE AND ICE, JM, ZAW '23 (Australian Shepherd)

Owned by: Mrs L Olivier

2023 National Puppy of the Year - CONGRATULATIONS

CH COTONROYAL NESSUN DORMA (Coton du Tulear)

Mrs S Engelbrecht

Introducing digital KUSA National Award Certificates.

In response to the many requests from members for a more effective and user-friendly process to collect their coveted Award Certificates issued at KUSA Championship Shows, we are delighted to announce that for the first time KUSA National Award Certificates will be available on-line.

To download the Award Certificate, just logon to www.showassist.co.za, click on ‘Certificates’ (on the left-hand side), select the dog’s registration number, and download the Award Certificate on to your device.

We are certain that members will embrace the concept and appreciate the vibrant new design of the National Certificates.

Watch this space for further announcements in respect of KUSA’s move to digital and online platforms. 

APPLICATIONS FOR WORKING DISCIPLINES EXAMS

on

SCHEDULE 03 REGULATIONS FOR CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS

&

 SCHEDULE 09 CODE OF ETHICS 

FIRST SEMESTER

EXAMINATION TO BE HELD ON 24 JUNE 2023

Exam Registration closing date is: 15 May 2023

Miss AJ Schoeman, the KUSA National Junior Handler of 2022, will proudly be representing KUSA and South Africa at the Crufts Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling Competition that will be held in Birmingham, UK on Friday 10 March, where a total of 34 countries will be represented.

We are confident that AJ will fly the South African flag with pride and aplomb and excel in the Junior Handling Competition. We wish AJ all of the best and trust that she will have a memorable experience.

FCI INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR & VETERAN BEAUTY CHAMPION TITLES

C.I.B.-J® & C.I.B.-V®

FCI Circular: 25/2022 

In July 2022, the FCI announced that its General Committee had decided to introduce two new International Beauty Champion Titles for dogs of breeds that are fully recognised by the FCI (whether subject to a Working Test, or not), entered in the Junior (from 9 to 18 months) or Veteran (from 8 years and over) Class at FCI International CACIB Shows, in accordance with the FCI Regulations for FCI Dog Shows.

FEDERAL COUNCIL – CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2022

The Year of 2022 saw some sort of normality creeping back into our lives, but there is no doubt that some of the after effects of the coronavirus pandemic in respect of the social, psychological, and economic pressures are still with us today.

Nevertheless, I optimistically believe that, as Members of KUSA, we are a resilient force, and we shall continue to overcome some of the hardships, which still face us and that 2023 will be a much more manageable year.

2022 was punctuated by many highlights. I’d like to remind you of a few of them.

KUSA BREED JUDGES’ PROGRAMME – EXAMINATION RESULTS

SATURDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2022

The following Learner Judges were successful in passing PAPER 2 of the above Examination for the Groups indicated and may now judge at Championship Show Level:

GAUTENG

Mr K Young – Toy Group

Prof M Nicolau – Hound Group

Ms J Kern – Gundog Group*

Ms M Tregoning – Herding Group

Ms N Baxter – Gundog Group

Ms G Brits – Working Group

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO KUSA MEMBERS

Fee Increase - PostNet2PostNet Courier Service

PostNet have announced that, due to economic and inflationary pressures, they are obliged to increase the PostNet2PostNet Pre-paid Courier Service fee by 10% to R109.00, effective 1 December 2022. 

KUSA is unable to absorb this price increase and has no option but to pass it on to Members making use of the service. As it takes 10-15 working days to process applications, all applications submitted for processing from 16 November 2022 onwards, must be accompanied by proof of payment of the increased Courier Fee (R109.00).

The price increase only applies to the PostNet2PostNet Pre-paid service. PostNet2Door Non-Express @ R185.00* (Major Centres) and PostNet2Door Non-Express @ R275.00*(Regional Centres) are unaffected by the increase.

Members are urged to refrain from sending any form of documentation to the KUSA P.O. Box address. The central Post Office, that serviced Cape Town for many years, suddenly closed this week and, without notice, all P.O. Boxes were moved to another location.

Your attention is drawn to the following extract from the Minutes of the Fedco meeting held 06-2022. The office will be in touch with you shortly to assist you in drafting these amendments.

Examinations for Judges on the Schedules for the various forms of Dogsport as well as Schedules 3 and 9 Appendix “B” 

Submitted by the KUSA Office:

The Chairman explained that, in the area of Judges’ qualification, the various dogsport Schedules generally contained the requirement of a “written exam” on their own Schedules as well as Schedule 3, although some Schedules did not specify whether the exams were to be written with, or without, the use of reference material.

With the immediate repeal of all COVID-19 Regulations and restrictions, announced by the Minister of Health Joe Phaahla yesterday, the COVID-19 protocols and restrictions imposed by KUSA for the hosting of KUSA-licensed events is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect.

FCI CONCESSION FOR AWARDING THE TITLE OF FCI A2O INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY CHAMPION (FCI-C.I.B.) FOR BREEDS NOT SUBJECT TO WORKING TESTS FOR THE DURATION OF SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL STATE OF DISASTER

With the termination of the National State of Disaster announced by the President, effective from the 5 April 2022, notice is hereby given of the withdrawal of the FCI concession for the awarding of the title FCI International Beauty Champion (FCI-C.I.B).

With immediate effect, the following criteria will need to be met to earn the title of International Beauty Champion (FCI-C.I.B.) as per the Regulations for FCI Asia, Africa & Oceania (A2O) Section International Championship :

• Four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s,
  • awarded by four (4) different Judges,
  • from three (3) different Countries.

The period for accumulating FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s under the FCI concession , would thus be limited to the period 1 January 2020 to 4 April 2022.

A tribute by Brian Blades

Former Chairman of the Federal Council of KUSA, Chris Griffith, has passed away, aged 90. Before becoming Chairman of Fedco, Chris was Chairman of the Dobermann Club of Natal for many years, as well as Chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Council.

Chris’s Dobermann journey began with a puppy bitch from the United Kingdom, “Dizown Dressed to Kill”, known as Scarlett, imported as a family pet and companion with no intention to breed or show. When Scarlett arrived, it was evident that she was an outstanding puppy and Chris was persuaded to attend the Dobermann Club of Natal’s Championship Show in July 1994.

On arrival at the show, Chris informed me that Scarlett would not walk on a lead and was an absolute hooligan. At the show, Scarlett quickly grasped what was required of her and was judged Best Puppy in Show. With this success, and being a true competitor, Chris was keen to repeat Scarlett’s debut success. A few weeks later, he entered an All-breeds Championship Show, where Scarlett was once again awarded Best Puppy in Show. A second beautiful trophy got Chris hooked on dog-showing and led to the founding of his well-known Southernbell Kennels shortly thereafter.

It is with profound sadness that the Kennel Union informs its Officials, Members and Associates of the passing of Chris Griffith on 13 March 2022 in Lidgetton, KwaZulu-Natal.

Chris served as the Chairman of the Provincial Council of KwaZulu-Natal of KUSA for a number of years, during which he represented this Province on the Federal Council of KUSA. In June 2015, Chris stepped in as Acting Chairman of the Federal Council when David Thompson requested a leave of absence due to ill health. Chris completed David’s term in an acting capacity and was elected Chairman of the Federal Council of KUSA in December 2016 for a four-year term. In December 2020, Chris stepped down as Chairman of the Federal Council and handed the baton to Jenny Hubbard.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO KUSA MEMBERS

Termination of the use of the SA Post Office as KUSA’s service provider for the despatch of documents

Relocation of the KUSA Office – Courier Services

Due to the high volume of returned, undelivered, or lost mail, it is no longer viable for KUSA to make use of the South African Post Office (SAPO) in the despatch of documents.  Postnet offer reliable courier services – Postnet2Postnet Pre-paid @ R99.00*, Postnet2Door Non-Express @ R185.00* (Major Centres) and Postnet2Door Non-Express @ R275.00*(Regional Centres), which are all trackable.

FCI CONCESSION FOR AWARDING THE TITLE OF FCI A2O INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY CHAMPION (FCI-C.I.B.) FOR BREEDS NOT SUBJECT TO WORKING TESTS FOR THE DURATION OF SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL STATE OF DISASTER

1. According to the Regulations for FCI Asia, Africa & Oceania (A2O) Section International Championship, the following criteria need to be met to earn the title of International Beauty Champion (FCI-C.I.B.):

• Four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s,
• awarded by four (4) different Judges,
• from three (3) different Countries.

2. Following an appeal to the FCI for the relaxation of these requirements for South Africa for a finite period, i.e. until the National State of Disaster Regulations are repealed, we are pleased to advise that the FCI’s General Committee has agreed to KUSA’s request on behalf of exhibitors.

3. In consequence, for as long as the National State of Disaster prevails, South African dogs would be permitted to gain their FCI-C.I.B. titles by meeting the following criteria:

• Four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s,
• awarded by four (4) different South African Judges,
• or by a combination of four (4) different South African and foreign Judges,
• subject to the following:

4. The period for accumulating FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s under South African Judges in order to apply for the FCI-C.I.B., will be from 1 January 2020 up to the date of the repeal of the National State of Disaster.

5. FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s awarded by foreign Judges prior to 1 January 2020 will be considered for supplementation of those earned under South African Judges post 1 January 2020 to fill the required quota of four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s in order to apply for the FCI-C.I.B., provided that such FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s have been earned within the period of three years before 1 January 2020, i.e. between 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019, and provided further that the combined submission is acceptable to the FCI.

6. The FCI has not, as yet, committed to any dispensation on the issue of FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s earned subsequent to the repeal of the National State of Disaster supplementing those earned under South African Judges as from 1 January 2020.

As has been extensively publicised in Notices and Federal Council Minutes, the KUSA Office will be moving to new, smaller premises, located at 7 Bree Street, Cape Town, on Monday, 4 October 2021.

Private office space has been leased for a period of 12 months from a company that offers innovative, flexible and collaborative workspaces. The new premises will act as a hub, creating a hybrid working environment whereby staff can work from home for several days of the week and come into the office as required to attend meetings and do printing and courier despatches. This interim solution is envisaged to endure until the much-anticipated digital platform becomes available, allowing KUSA Members to download and print their own digital copies of Certificates. The introduction of the online digital platform is on track for the first quarter of 2022, by which time KUSA would hopefully have sourced and customised a suitable property to become its future permanent headquarters.

Until further notice, Members are requested NOT to visit the KUSA Offices (new or old) and NOT to arrange for third party Courier Company collection or delivery. Documents may be couriered to PostNet Long Street, 2 Long Street, Cape Town, clearly marked for the attention of KUSA, from which we will collect once or twice a week.  

When Mrs. Gael Morison recently emigrated to the UK, she resigned from her position as Support Officer of the JEC. As the JEC’s Support Officer, Mrs. Morison fulfilled the essential function of signing off Learner Judges’ Portfolios and officiated as External Examiner of requested re-marks of Learner Judges’ exams.

Until such time Fedco is in a position to appoint a replacement Support Officer, experienced All-breeds Judge, Dr. Heidi Rolfes, has agreed to fulfil the functions previously performed by Mrs. Morison until further notice.

The JEC is extremely grateful to Dr. Rolfes for being prepared to take time out from her busy career as a practising scientist to devote her expertise as former academic to assist with the education of Learner Judges on an interim basis.

After reaching three year of operation during the latter half of 2020, the JEC embarked on a process of reassessment with a view to improving its service andefficiency and structured a proposal to the Federal Council to reassign Key Functions to align more closely with the hitherto identified strengths of the current members of the JEC. During this undertaking, it became evident that a further appointment to the JEC would be advisable and this recommendation was included in the proposal.

At the Special Meeting of the Federal Council held on 26 October 2020 & 2 November 2020, the following positions under the re-structured JEC were approved by the Federal Council, as well as the Key Functions assigned to them:

Chairman (Fedco Member) - Gérard Robinson – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vice-Chairman (Fedco Member) – Jenny Hubbard – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Admin, Development & Examination Officer – Joy McFarlane – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Assessment Officer – Tania Edwards – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Resources Officer – Nikki Redtenbacher

Support Officer – Gael Morison This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

At the Federal Council meeting held on 4 & 5 December 2020, the following persons were elected:

Election of Chairman of the Federal Council and Election of President – Article 16.2.2.1

Nomination received for Chairman of the Federal Council:

Mrs JM Hubbard

Clr Hubbard was elected for four years from 01.01.2021 until 31.12.2024.

Nomination received for President:

Mrs DE Powell

Clr Powell was elected as President for four years from 01.01.2021 until 31.12.2024.

Earlier this year, KUSA reported on the judgement handed down by the District Court in Dortmund, Germany, which concluded that the Verband für das Deusche Hundewesen (VDH) had violated German and European antitrust laws by seeking to restrain the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) from releasing its German Shepherd Dog Specialist Judges to member organisations of the Weltunion der Vereine für Deutsche Schäferhunde (WUSV) that are not members of the FCI’s National Canine Organisations (NCOs) in various countries of the world. This decision came about as the result of a legal challenge mounted by three WUSV-affiliated Clubs in various countries against an earlier directive issued by the VDH.

The VDH appealed the Dortmund finding to the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf and, on 7 September 2020, the Higher Court ruled in favour of the VDH, causing the three claimants to lose their case.