The South African Boerboel Breeders’ Society (SABBS) was established in 2012 under the SA Animal Improvement Act, becoming operational in 2014. The society aimed to unite the Boerboel community globally under the protection of the AIA. Prior to SABBS, the Boerboel breed was represented by the SABT/SABBA, established in 1983. Over time, breakaway groups like the Historical Boerboel Breeders Association (HBSA) and Elite Boerboel Breeders Association (EBBASA) were formed due to differences in opinion. Attempts were made in 2004 to unify these associations, but no action was taken to register Boerboels under the AIA. In 2008, Boerboel International (BI) was created, but by 2014, only SABBS was permitted to officially register Boerboels in South Africa. In 2011-2012, efforts were made by KUSA to unify Boerboel representation under the AIA, but SABT/SABBA withdrew due to unacceptable conditions set by KUSA. Overall, the history of SABBS and the Boerboel breed shows a complex journey of different groups and associations attempting to protect and promote the breed under the framework of animal improvement laws in South Africa.
In February 2012, the SABT/SABBA Annual General Meeting requested an investigation into the Association’s legal status. It was found that the Association was not contravening the Companies Act but recommended registration under the Animal Improvement Act. In April 2012, an application to register the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Society (SABBS) was submitted, leading to a suspension based on complaints from various organizations in May. SABBS informed the Registrar that legal action would be taken if the registration suspension was not lifted. In August 2014, the High Court ruled that the suspension was unlawful, and the Registrar was instructed to publish SABBS’ registration. In September 2014, SABBS expressed relief at the court ruling, allowing for the legal registration of Boerboels through the society. Moving forward, SABBS will undergo processes to become fully operational, including holding Annual General Meetings, revising the Constitution, and electing a representative board. Membership will be open to all individuals interested in joining. This development marks a significant step towards promoting the public image of the Boerboel breed and ensuring consistency in registration standards under the Animal Improvement Act.
On November 6, 2014, SABBS released draft revisions of their Constitution, Bylaws, and Breed Standard for review by all members and interested parties. On December 5, 2014, the SABT/SABBA officially dissolved, transferring funds to SABBS as previously agreed. The next day, a special annual general meeting of SABBS members discussed allowing all members worldwide to vote at meetings, restructuring the Board regionally, and including the Breed Standard in the Constitution. The Interim Steering Committee was tasked with submitting a 2nd draft revision for further review before a second general meeting for voting. On March 23, 2015, the 2nd revision was published for member comment. A Special General Meeting was scheduled for June/July 2015 to finalize the Constitution, Bylaws, Breed Standard, and elect the first SABBS Board. This process aimed to update and improve the governance and standards of SABBS through collaborative input and decision-making from members worldwide.