AfriForum trains another eight Free State shooting instructors, expands safety network
Over the past weekend, AfriForum trained another eight Free State residents – hailing from towns including Bloemfontein, Bethlehem, and Sasolburg – as shooting instructors. This brings the total number of instructors trained nationwide by the civil rights organisation since the 2022 launch of this training initiative – known as the Voluntary Training Corps (VOLK) shooting programme – to 185.
The training is presented by the organisation’s Community Safety Division and focuses on refining safe firearm handling, marksmanship, and the responsible use of firearms for self-defence. Upon completing the programme, instructors are also formally trained as qualified range officers, enabling them to offer this training free of charge to members of their local communities.
Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, emphasises that safety begins with well-trained and responsible citizens. “By training people to use firearms safely and responsibly, we contribute to safer communities and foster a culture of responsible firearm ownership,” he explains.
The programme also equips participants with valuable practical self-defence skills, says Broodryk. “This training forms part of AfriForum’s ongoing commitment to equipping communities with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure their own safety responsibly in a country where violent crime occurs at unacceptable levels.”
Willie Hattingh, a member of AfriForum’s Bethlehem neighbourhood watch, was one of the marksmen who underwent training on Friday and Saturday at the AfriForum shooting range outside Bloemfontein. Hattingh, who competes as a sport shooter in various disciplines, considers the training highly valuable and notes that it further developed his skills and confidence as a marksman. “Being able to complete this course and obtain the qualification empowers me to act correctly and legally as a range officer. It has also equipped me to manage my own firearm safety – as well as that of others on the range – more effectively and confidently,” he explains.
For Mark Ikking, another member of AfriForum’s Bethlehem neighbourhood watch who completed the weekend’s training, this training is about far more than just safe firearm handling. For him, this training also offers hope. “AfriForum’s approach is to learn something and then pass that knowledge on to others. This gives me courage and hope for our future,” he states clearly.
According to Broodryk, the programme’s success is proof of communities’ willingness to take responsibility for their own safety. He believes that communities are increasingly realising they cannot rely solely on the state for their safety. “Through this training, AfriForum effectively provides the answer to this uncomfortable realisation, and the organisation plays a vital role in empowering communities in a responsible and lawful manner so that they can be better prepared to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
“The goal is not merely to train more people but to establish a nationwide network of responsible, competent, and well-trained citizens who can make a tangible contribution to community safety,” Broodryk concludes.
Get involved and secure yourself
AfriForum calls on communities wishing to participate in the VOLK shooting programme or receive training to join their nearest AfriForum branch or neighbourhood watch.
