SAHPA is undertaking a structured update of its core governance, operational, and compliance documents. This work is necessary to modernise SAHPA’s documentation, remove historical inconsistencies, and ensure alignment with current legal, regulatory, and aviation safety requirements.
The objective of this process is clarity: clear authority, clear rules, and clear procedures – for members, clubs, officials, and regulators.
Why these documents are being updated
Over time, SAHPA’s governance and operational documents have evolved organically. Some documents have been renamed, extended, or repurposed without always reflecting their true legal role or authority. As a result:
- governance rules, operational rules, and procedures have not always been clearly separated;
- certain documents have been relied upon beyond the authority they were intended to have; and
- regulatory expectations applicable to SAHPA under Part 149 of the Civil Aviation Regulations have continued to evolve.
Environmental and conservation responsibilities
SAHPA recognises that recreational flying activities take place in natural environments that are often environmentally sensitive or subject to conservation, land-use, and access controls. As part of this governance renewal, SAHPA is formally recognising the importance of environmentally responsible conduct and cooperation with landowners, conservation authorities, and public bodies in protecting natural areas.
The updated governance framework supports SAHPA’s ability to:
- give effect to landowner and conservation authority requirements;
- manage or restrict activities where environmental, land-use, or public-interest considerations require it; and
- promote responsible access, site stewardship, and environmental awareness among members.
This does not introduce new environmental regulation or flying restrictions, but ensures that environmental and conservation considerations are properly recognised within SAHPA’s governance and decision-making framework.
This update addresses these issues by:
- clearly separating governance authority, binding rules, and procedural detail;
- aligning SAHPA’s internal documents with applicable law and SACAA expectations; and
- improving transparency, consistency, and legal defensibility.
Introduction of the SAHPA Operations Manual
As part of this process, SAHPA has introduced a SAHPA Operations Manual.
The Operations Manual is a governance document that replaces the former Manual of Additional Procedures (MOAP). Despite its title, the MOAP contained a mixture of governance material, binding rules, and procedural detail, which led to uncertainty regarding its authority and status.
The Operations Manual now:
- defines roles, authority, permissions, and prohibitions;
- establishes binding rules applicable to members, clubs, officials, and events; and
- provides the governance framework under which recreational hang gliding and paragliding are conducted under SAHPA’s Part 149 recognition.
The Operations Manual is not a “how-to” document. Procedural content previously contained in the MOAP will be re-issued in appropriate Manuals of Procedure to ensure continuity and clarity.
Code of Conduct
SAHPA’s Code of Conduct has been revised to align with the updated governance framework.
The Code of Conduct is a values-based document that sets behavioural expectations and supports a positive safety culture. It does not establish governance authority, disciplinary processes, or regulatory consequences.
Governance rules and disciplinary authority are set out in the Operations Manual. Procedural detail relating to investigations or corrective action is contained in the Manual of Procedures.
Manual of Procedures (MOP)
The Manual of Procedures describes how SAHPA carries out specific functions, processes, and activities.
The MOP:
- derives its authority from the Operations Manual; and
- is subject to approval by the South African Civil Aviation Authority where required.
It does not create governance rules and does not override the Operations Manual or the Memorandum of Incorporation.
PAIA and POPIA Manual
As part of the same governance renewal, SAHPA is also developing a dedicated PAIA and POPIA Manual.
This manual sets out how SAHPA manages personal information and access to information in accordance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). It clarifies:
- what information SAHPA holds;
- how that information is used, protected, and retained; and
- how members and other stakeholders may exercise their rights of access or correction.
The PAIA and POPIA Manual is a statutory compliance document. It does not create aviation rules, operational requirements, or disciplinary authority, but supports lawful, transparent, and responsible information governance.
Document sequencing and approval process
Different documents require different levels of approval. To ensure lawful adoption and transparency, SAHPA is following a deliberate sequence:
- Publication to members – All draft documents will be published to members by 15 January 2026 for review and transparency.
- Member comment period – Members are invited to submit comments and feedback by 15 February 2026.
- Revision – A revised set of documents will be issued by the end of February, incorporating appropriate feedback.
- Special General Meeting – A Special General Meeting will be convened towards the end of March for members to consider and vote on the updated Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI).
- Post-MOI approvals – Once the new MOI is adopted:
- the SAHPA Committee will formally approve the Operations Manual; and
- the Manual of Procedures will be submitted to the South African Civil Aviation Authority for approval, where required.
- Statutory compliance manuals – The PAIA and POPIA Manual will be approved by the SAHPA Committee as a statutory compliance document aligned with the approved governance framework.
What member review means
Member review is an important part of this process. It allows members to:
- understand how SAHPA is governed;
- identify errors, omissions, or ambiguities; and
- provide constructive input.
Not all documents require member approval. Only the Memorandum of Incorporation is adopted by members. Other documents are authorised by the SAHPA Committee or approved by the regulator, as required by law.
What this process does not change
This process does not introduce new flying requirements or immediate operational changes. Its primary purpose is to clarify governance, authority, and document structure, and to ensure that SAHPA’s documentation accurately reflects current law, regulatory expectations, and best practice.
In summary
This update:
- strengthens SAHPA’s governance framework;
- improves regulatory alignment;
- clarifies authority, accountability, and information governance; and
- creates a cleaner, more defensible document structure going forward.
Further details, including timelines and guidance for submitting comments, will be published alongside the draft documents.
The SAHPA Committee