KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2024

For the KUSA Office, and for the elected Federal Council of KUSA, the year 2024 was like being on a never-ending rollercoaster ride, dominated by two major unforeseen projects. These projects had a severe impact on KUSA’s day-to-day operations and often necessitated a hasty redeployment of especially the new staff members appointed earlier in the year.

I’ll briefly reflect on these two key projects:

1. On 23 March 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALLRD) issued a Directive that, with effect from 1 April 2024, the importation and exportation of live animals and genetic material of animals, would be subject to the acquisition of a permit issued in terms of the Animal Improvement Act (AIA). On 10.04.2024, a KUSA Statement on the DALRRD Directive was placed on the website, alerting members to the situation and informing them that KUSA was in the process of establishing, as had been requested by several members, whether the Directive was applicable to dogs. By then, KUSA had already set up a meeting with the DALRRD to obtain clarity on the Directive.

Consultation with the DALRRD revealed that dogs were very much included. Excluded were game and/or wild animals, cats, birds and fish. Having established that the Directive included dogs, KUSA notified the Membership on 19.04.2024 of the required “Compliance with the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998 – Importation of Dogs into SA from 1 April 2024”. On the same date, the DALRRD also issued a “Media Statement” to clarify the new requirements under the AIA.

KUSA President's Award:

Awarded to Helena Immelman for Outstanding Service to the Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

Helena (left) is the face behind the WorkingDogs online entry system. Thank you for all your hard work Helena.

Dear Madam or Sir,

We have the pleasure of informing you that the results of the ABOVE FCI International CACIB dog show have been confirmed.

The official list of results confirmed is available on http://www.fci.be/resultats/ib.aspx and the CACIB can be printed ONLINE by the owners. 

A detailed list of the CACIB confirmed (sorted by catalogue number) is enclosed for your convenience

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
KUSA AFFIX (KENNEL NAME) REGISTRATION
MANDATORY SIMULTANEOUS REGISTRATION ON FCI INTERNATIONAL KENNEL NAME REGISTER 

We are pleased to inform KUSA members with registered KUSA Affixes (Kennel Names) of a new and exciting development that will enhance the status of KUSA Affixes internationally and protect KUSA Affixes from possible duplication, exploitation and expropriation in FCI member countries. 

Judge Estene Trollope (Senior), Heather Hallauer, Michelle Emin, Hannes Oberholzer

Guns – Tony Wynne (Senior), Alan Kloeck, Amanda Barret, Andrew Sayers, Cameron Trollope, Carl Bosman, John Smillie

Throwing team – led by Petros Bipa

CONGRATULATIONS to handlers and dogs that will be representing KUSA at the Agility World Championship to be held in Belgium on 1-6 October 2024.

CONGRATULATIONS

National Tracker Dog 2024
Judge Eddie Ryan
Tracklayers Adri Albertyn & Zelna Truter
1st Claire Patterson-Abrolat & Kilt
2nd Sue Redlinghuys & Domino
3rd Claire Patterson-Abrolat & Jill

CONGRATULATIONS

KUSA Nationals - Dog Dancing 2024
Musical Freestyle (Veterans) - Kathy & Blair
Heelwork to Music (Singles) - Gaby & Flumi
Musical Freestyle (Singles) - Dawn & Dollar
Musical Freestyle (Handy Dandy) - Barbara & Zanzi

CLARITY ON ANIMAL IMPROVEMENT ACT PERMITS FOR DOGS LEAVING SOUTH AFRICA AND RETURNING

Following an enquiry from the KUSA Office, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD) has clarified the uncertainty surrounding AIA Export/Import Permits for South African dogs travelling to attend Shows held in neighbouring countries, or abroad, and thereafter returning to the RSA.

Dogs travelling on either INTER-TERRITORIAL MOVEMENT PERMITS or PERMITS TO TRAVEL FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, are also required to apply to DALRRD for an Import/Export Permit, as required under the Animal Improvement Act, using the Application to Import/Export Animals for Certain Purposes form.

· The AIA Import/Export Permit will cover both the exit from and re-entry to South Africa.

· The AIA Permit must be applied for first and then submitted, in conjunction with and attached to, the application for the Veterinary Permits.

· The AIA Permit is required in addition to the usual Veterinary Permits/Inter-Territorial Permits.

· The current cost of the AIA Import/Export Permit is R460.00 payable to DALRRD.

· An AIA Import/Export Permit can cover multiple dogs (it is not necessary to obtain one permit per dog).

THE THOMAS McQUEEN MEMORIAL TROPHY

With the closing date for the shows comprising The KUSA Classic in KwaZulu-Natal looming, it is an appropriate time to remind exhibitors of the pinnacle event of this prestigious cluster – the KUSA National Awards – which, in Breed, will see the magnificent Thomas McQueen Memorial Trophy awarded to the KUSA National Dog, 2024.

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

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. 

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.