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Dear Club Chairpersons and GSDFSA Members,
As 2025 has come and gone, we enter the new year with great excitement and confidence, looking ahead to an even brighter and more successful 2026. Under the new leadership, 2025 delivered many significant successes and improvements that, in less than a year, positively transformed the fortunes of our beloved organisation. Some of these key achievements include:
These accomplishments were made possible through the exceptional commitment and dedication of the Executive, our clubs, and our truly remarkable members. As the GSDFSA continues to grow and strengthen, we remain firmly committed to professionalism, transparency, and respectful engagement. I encourage all members to uphold these values in every interaction and to focus their energy on the positive work that advances both our organisation and our breed. Success can sometimes attract criticism from outside the organisation; however, I encourage all members to remain focused on our shared objectives and to refrain from engaging with negativity. Our collective efforts, integrity, and commitment speak for themselves. By remaining united and forward-focused, we ensure the continued progress and success of the GSDFSA. The GSDFSA is a progressive organisation, dedicated to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and positive environment where we can all enjoy, protect, and promote our wonderful breed. Our 2026 activities are already taking shape, and it is my sincere wish that every member achieves their goals for the year—within a culture of mutual respect, support, and appreciation for one another’s achievements. Happy New Year to all. Let’s enjoy the journey ahead together. Yours faithfully, Chris Thompson President, GSDFSA
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Dear Club Chairpersons and members of the GSDFSA,
As 2025 draws to a close, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our members for their commitment and loyalty throughout the year. Your continued dedication is the foundation on which our Federation stands. The past year has been marked by exceptionally successful events, including our Breed Nationals, IGP Nationals, and numerous well-supported local shows. These events not only reflected high standards of competition and organisation, but also reinforced the strength and unity of our Federation. The Federation is lead by an amazing Executive team who have given many hours of their family time to steer the organization in the right direction. I am particularly proud of the progress made in administration and financial management. Through disciplined governance and sound financial control, the Federation has achieved a remarkable turnaround, securing stability and sustainability for the future. A huge thank you to Glen Denton and the rest of his team. Encouraging youth participation remains a key priority. The enthusiasm shown through our youth-driven initiatives and the continued growth of our digital magazine are clear indicators that the next generation is actively shaping the future of our sport. We remain grateful for the continued support and guidance of the SV/WUSV and value our ongoing relationship within the international German Shepherd Dog community. On behalf of the Federation, I wish you, your families, and your furry companions a joyous festive season, a Merry Christmas, and a healthy, successful New Year. I look forward to our continued cooperation and shared successes in 2026. Yours faithfully, Chris Thompson President, GSDFSA  This year's stud dog raffle entered a new era, with all studs and raffle entries processed ONLINE!
Remember, the more raffle entries you buy, the bigger the chance that you will win a FREE stud! Entries can be bought up to NBS 2026. One person can also buy entries multiple times. Raffle entries are priced at R50 each, with a FREE entry for every 5 entries bought. We would love to present the 5th issue of The German Shepherd Dog Magazine 😍 Charmaine and I would like to thank every single person who has contributed to the magazine this past year 🙏🏻. Without you, this magazine would not be the success it is. Enjoy the read! 📚 From the desk of the Youth Committee we are excited to see the latest edition of our beautiful Magazine. Have a look! The Youth Committee is proud to present our 3 issue of The German Shepherd Dog magazine 🤩!
Jam packed with stories from our youth, Nationals tips and tricks and much more... Enjoy the read 📚 My sincere thanks to the Council and all members for the nomination as President, which I have duly accepted. This was not an easy decision, and I only agreed to stand after several clubs approached me with compelling reasons. Today, I feel honored by the trust the majority of members have placed in me, and I aim to earn the confidence of every member over time.
For those unfamiliar with my background, I have been part of the executive structure for many years, serving as National Breed Supervisor. I qualified as a Breed Judge in 2006, became a Senior Judge in 2009, and earned the title of Breed Surveyor in 2012. My journey with German Shepherds spans over 25 years. On a personal note, I hold a B.Com (Hons) degree and completed an Executive Management Program from the University of Stellenbosch. Prior to returning to teaching, which I thought would be a “retirement job”, I filled senior management positions at various automotive companies. Together with my family, I run a small kennel, "Von Ronneburg", which was registered in 1999. We were honored with the Double Diamond breeder’s medal in 2023. Our kennel holds the record for breeding the most VA dogs (17) in South Africa and has won the Best Kennel Group award at the South African Nationals 13 times in the last 18 years. I also enjoy the training aspect of the sport, having titled dogs with Schutzhund (IPO) qualifications. This organization is about so much more than just dogs. It’s about the friendships, knowledge, and the shared love we have for our companions. Whether we come together for fun events, support training efforts, or to exchange tips and stories. As President, my goal is to foster this spirit of camaraderie and enthusiasm. I want to ensure our events remain enjoyable and meaningful for both new and long-standing members. Educational programs and activities that celebrate the special bond we share with our dogs will be part of our focus. The objectives in my manifesto are clear:
I am committed to hearing from all of you because this federation belongs to us all. I welcome your ideas, feedback, and vision for building an even stronger organization. Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive space where every member—whether two-legged or fourlegged—feels welcomed and appreciated. I would also like to express my gratitude to the outgoing President, Mr. Frikkie van Kraayenburg, for his commitment to our organization, particularly in strengthening international relationships. The new executive team look forward to working with all of you and achieving great things together. Sincerely, CHRIS THOMPSON President From the youth of the German Shepherd dog Federation of South Africa, we are proud to launch issue 1 of our wonderful E-Zine. We invite you to be on the lookout for new issues soon!
View the E-Zine below, or download it for future viewing. |
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