(Houston, TX – May 24, 2024) Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA).
PHASA is the largest association of its kind in the world, with more than three thousand members. PHASA is the only association in South Africa with the core and sole business of serving the professional hunting industry. They continuously work with government at all levels, including the ministerial level, and across a number of departments, to shape the future of the South African hunting industry.
This MOU signifies a collaborative partnership between the organizations with the goals of opening a channel of communication between PHASA and HSCF which will allow HSCF to communicate the state of hunting and conservation in South Africa, on an ongoing basis. The working relationship between PHASA and HSCF will also help raise awareness of the challenges faced by PHASA and its members in regard to legislation, policy, poaching, and conservation in South Africa.
In a joint statement, Mr. Tonie du Bruyn, PHASA President, and Mrs. Ilse Joubert, Chair lady of the Foundation, stated the following:
“Joining forces with HSCF is an esteemed privilege for PHASA and its Foundation, as we collectively champion the preservation and celebration of our hunting heritage. Our commitment extends beyond mere preservation; we are dedicated to actively contributing to conservation efforts through the responsible and sustainable utilization of our renewable natural resources.
Strategic partnerships serve as the cornerstone of our mission, as they unify and amplify the voices of associations and organizations alike. Collaborating with HSCF not only fortifies our existing alliance but also expands our reach, enabling us to educate a broader audience on the merits of scientific-based discourse over emotive rhetoric lacking factual basis.
We eagerly anticipate the myriad of collaborative projects with HSCF that lie ahead, each poised to yield mutual benefits and advance our shared goals. Together, we strive to uphold the integrity of our hunting traditions while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the crucial role conservation plays in safeguarding our natural world.”
“HSCF is proud to join forces with the PHASA to promote hunting and conservation in South Africa and bring an awareness about PHASA’s efforts to hunters based in the United States,” states Joe Betar, HSCF Executive Director.
About Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA)
PHASA was formed in 1978 by a group of pioneering men — men who became icons in the fields of both hunting and conservation: ‘Uncle Stevie’ Smith, Basie Maartens, Coenraad Vermaak, Norman Deane, Nico van Rooyen, Bill Daly, Gary Kelly, and Bertie Guillaume, to name but a few. The PHASA founders were all true visionaries; firm in their belief that hunting, and the trophy hunting industry, in particular, has a significant role to play in conservation in South Africa. We actively interact with most leading role-players in the professional hunting industry, including international hunting and conservation associations, local and international government agencies and NGOs, other professional hunting associations from around the globe, PH training providers, and local recreational hunting associations. PHASA is recognized, by the government and by these role-players, as the mouthpiece for the South African professional hunting industry.
About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 668 scholarships totaling $3.05 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants worldwide. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.
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