South African Radio League

infobox Organization
name = South African Radio League


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abbreviation = SARL
motto = "The National Association for Amateur Radio in South Africa"South African Radio League (2008). [http://www.sarl.org.za/ "The South African Radio League"] . Retrieved Feb. 19, 2008.]
formation = 1925
extinction =
type = Non-profit organization
status =
purpose = Advocacy, Education
headquarters = JohannesburgSouth African Radio League (2008). [http://www.sarl.org.za/public/narc/WhereisNARC.asp "Where is the NARC?"] . Retrieved Feb. 19, 2008.]
location =
region_served = South Africa
membership =
language =
leader_title = President
leader_name = Graham Hartlett ZS6GJHSouth African Radio League (2008). [http://www.sarl.org.za/members/council/portfolios.asp "Council Members and Appointees"] . Retrieved Feb. 19, 2008.]
main_organ = Council
affiliations = International Amateur Radio Union
num_staff =
budget =
website = http://www.sarl.org.za/
remarks =

The South African Radio League (SARL), formerly known as the South African Radio Relay League (SARRL), is a non-profit organization representing the interests of amateur radio enthusiasts in South Africa. The SARL advocates on behalf of its membership and all licensed amateur radio operators in South Africa as the representative of amateur radio to the South African government. This has included the promotion of deregulation and simplification of the amateur radio service, and expansion of the number of amateur radio operators in Southern Africa. The SARL publicizes and promotes the role of amateur radio in society, and promotes the use of amateur radio in schools as an entry point into the fields of science and technology. SARL publishes a magazine called "Radio ZS" six times a year. SARL is the national member society representing South Africa in the International Amateur Radio Union.

History

The South African Radio Relay League (SARRL) was formed in 1925 through the efforts of a number of regional and local radio societies and clubs, some of which were established around the time of the First World War. At the outset, membership was limited to licenced radio experimenters capable of two-way telegraphic communication by radio. Temporary headquarters for the organization were established at Johannesburg. The first president to be elected was Joseph White, who had earlier been the chairman of the Transvaal Radio Society.

A detailed history of the first two years of the SARRL is hard to trace because there was no regular publication of any sort. The first effort in this direction was made some time during 1927, when a fortnightly news sheet appeared under the name "F.O. News." This publication continued for about a year, but no surviving copies exist in SARL records. "QTC" was the first printed magazine issued by the organisation. The first issue was published in May, 1928. The editor was R. S. Perry, A9Z and the magazine was printed in Durban.

Purpose

The objective of the SARL is to encourage, develop and promote all activities connected with Amateur Radio, wireless communications, computer science and radio science generally. The role of the SARL is to protect amateur radio frequency allocations, to promote international goodwill and understanding. The SARL also promote recognition for amateur radio in all spheres of society in South Africa. HAMNET is a division of the SARL that provide emergency communications in times of disaster by means of amateur radio.

Membership

Membership of the SARL is open to any person interested in amateur radio. Citizenship of, or residence in, South Africa is not a requirement. Unlicenced members are called "Listeners" and do not have a vote at the Annual General Meeting or any other meetings of the League. Clubs and special interest groups can become affiliated with the SARL but also do not have a vote, only individual full members do.

Services to members

The SARL web site provides an online marketplace for members to trade radio and related equipment. Members also have access to a database of assigned South African radio amateur call signs. The SARL offers South African hams an online QSL system to capture and confirm local contacts with fellow radio amateurs. The organisation offers frequent amateur radio licence examination opportunities for people interested in obtaining their amateur radio licence. The SARL encourages the full range of amateur radio service activities and facilitates reciprocal and guest licensing.

Regulatory advocacy

The SARL provides members with a channel for negotiation with the South African regulatory authority for telecommunications, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The SARL also gives members the advantage of collective representation and control in all matters affecting amateur radio. The SARL promotes and negotiates a legal and regulatory environment that acknowledges and permits the Amateur Radio Service. The SARL also advocates for access to all amateur radio bands allocated by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) radio regulations.

References

External links

* [http://www.sarl.org.za/ South African Radio League official web site]
* [http://www.icasa.org.za Independent Communications Authority of South Africa]