The short version: nothing has changed for you today. Your licenses, ammunition limits and the way you apply all work exactly as before. A proposed bill only becomes law after Parliament debates it, the public gets a chance to comment, and it is passed and signed.
Where it comes from
In 2021 the government published a draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill. It drew well over 100,000 public comments, and the large majority opposed it (around 96%, according to SAGA and DearSA). The Portfolio Committee on Police withdrew it in November 2021 for further consultation.
In late 2025 a new draft surfaced. In November 2025 the DA and several gun-owner organisations publicly criticised it, and on 30 September 2026 a gun owners' body told EWN the bill "targets the wrong group".
What has been reported in the new draft
These points come from people who have seen or described the draft. The final wording could be different.
- Self-defence (Section 13): licenses would only be granted in "exceptional circumstances".
- Ammunition: a limit of 100 rounds per firearm (today it is 200 for most licenses).
- Dedicated hunters and sport shooters (Section 16): a limit of six firearms.
- Collectors and security companies: tighter restrictions.
- The Minister of Police: more say over who may be licensed.
Where it stands now
As of mid-August 2026 the bill had not been formally introduced in Parliament, and no official public comment period had opened. We'll update this article when that changes.
What you can do
- Keep your licenses valid. Renew at least 90 days before expiry. LicenseWatch reminds you.
- Don't panic-buy or rush applications based on rumours. Current rules apply until a new law is in force.
- Watch for the official comment period. When it opens, comment through the official channel (in 2021 it was the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service website). Thoughtful, personal comments count.
- Follow your association. Natshoot, SA Hunters, SAGA and others post updates as things happen.