South Africans already face one of the highest violent crime rates in the world. For many families, lawful firearm ownership is not a luxury—it is an essential means of protecting themselves and their loved ones.
Government has published proposed new firearm-related qualifications for public comment. While maintaining high standards for firearm training is essential, there are growing concerns that the proposed framework could significantly increase the cost and duration of firearm training, making it far more difficult for ordinary South Africans to legally obtain and own firearms.
If implemented without careful consideration, these changes could place lawful firearm ownership beyond the reach of many responsible citizens, while doing little to deter criminals who ignore firearm laws altogether.
Free SA believes that firearm training should remain accessible, affordable and practical, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and competence.
Public comment closed on 6 August 2026.
Free SA is calling on Parliament to extend the public consultation period.
Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates, or enter your contact details below to be notified of any developments.
I support high standards of firearm training, but these standards must remain practical, affordable and accessible for law-abiding South Africans.
The proposed qualification framework should not create unnecessary financial or administrative barriers that discourage responsible firearm ownership. I urge the authorities to ensure that any new training requirements improve competency without making lawful firearm ownership more difficult or expensive.
Key concerns
Excessive Training Costs
Industry stakeholders have raised concerns that the proposed qualification framework may result in substantially longer training programmes, dramatically increasing the cost of obtaining the required competency qualifications.
For many South Africans, these additional costs could become an insurmountable barrier to lawful firearm ownership.
Barriers to Lawful Firearm Ownership
The people most affected by expensive training requirements will not be criminals—they will be law-abiding citizens who comply with the law and follow every legal requirement to own a firearm responsibly.
When lawful ownership becomes increasingly expensive and inaccessible, ordinary South Africans lose practical access to their constitutional rights while criminals remain unaffected.
Free SA calls on the relevant authorities to:
This is your opportunity to influence the future of lawful firearm ownership in South Africa.
By making a submission during the public participation process, you can help ensure that firearm training remains practical, affordable and focused on public safety rather than unnecessary bureaucracy.
Every submission received must be considered before these proposals are finalised.
Your voice matters.
Stand up for responsible firearm ownership.
Stand up for accessible firearm training.
Stand up for your right to participate in the decisions that affect you.
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