André van der Merwe, former Manager of Branch and Shooting Affairs at SA Hunters, retired at the end of 2025, after nearly 20 years with the association. In his role as Manager: Branch and Shooting Affairs, he supported the management of SA Hunters’ 83 branches, while as secretary of the shooting committee, coordinated shooting activities at branch, regional, and national levels. He played a key role in the continued growth and success of the shooting sport within the association.
André was born in 1954 in Marienthal, then part of Southwest Africa (now Namibia). His introduction to hunting began at the age of three, when he accompanied his father, Japie, on hunting trips. In 1958, the Van der Merwe family moved to Otjiwarongo, where André completed his schooling. It was also in this region that he learned the art of hunting in the bushveld under his father’s guidance.
In 1973, André began his undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria and settled in the Jacaranda City, where he still lives today.
Preferred hunting destinations
André is a utilisation hunter who prefers hunting on foot. He has never hunted dangerous game and favours the open plains of the Karoo, the Northern Cape, and the bushveld of Limpopo. For nearly 20 years, he hunted springbok on foot every year in the Hanover district, as well as in the dunes of the Northern Cape and Namibia.
Choice of hunting rifles
Armed with his .30-06 Springfield K98 Musgrave and 6mm Remington single-shot rifle (built on an RSA action), André feels perfectly at home in the hunting field. Since 1978, he has been reloading all his own ammunition for both handguns and rifles used in hunting and sport shooting.
Sport shooting
Over more than three decades, André has been actively involved in promoting sport shooting at various levels as a competitor, mentor, and administrator. He has participated in numerous hunting rifle and field shooting competitions, always setting an impeccable example of discipline, integrity, and true sportsmanship for his fellow shottists.
Family Support
André’s wife, Henna, and their two daughters, Karlie and Anita, have always been his steadfast supporters in both his career and his passion for hunting. Family hunts, often joined by the extended family and grandchildren, have created treasured memories that continue to bring joy and pride.
Legacy
During his nearly 20-year career at SA Hunters, André’s interactions with members and non-members across the country provided opportunities to extend the association’s footprint and culture. He promoted the values of responsible hunting, firearm ownership and conservation, continuing the legacy his father instilled in him.
His passion for mentoring the next generation of firearm owners, shottists, hunters, and conservationists is deeply embedded in his legacy.
“Our heritage will only survive if everyone played his part to pass it on to the next generation.”
Articles by André van der Merwe
The benefits of the offhand shooting positions for hunters
Missed shots by hunters: why should I pay?
Game Meat – The quality of the meat rests with the hunter
Hunting in the bushveld: Equipment, shooting positions and shooting skills of the hunter
Bad behaviour among hunters is cause for consern
Practical shooting skills for accurate shot placement when hunting
Develop young hunters and conservationists
