Jeep Club SA History

1. Introduction

How did the Jeep Club SA originate and what was the reason for establishing the Club? To answer this question we have to give you a bit of condensed history.

In September 1976 the former S.A. Jeep Club was established as a non-profitable organisation to promote the interests of "Jeep Owners" in South Africa.
Due to the decline in numbers of Jeeps in South Africa and the growing interest in four wheel drive vehicles for recreational purposes the Club later decided to open it's membership to all types of four wheel drive vehicles.
During 2002 it was decided that the S.A. Jeep Club must be restructured to accommodate the ever-growing population of 4x4 owners and hence the name was changed to the 4x4ATV Organisation to promote the interest of all 4x4 owners in South Africa and accommodate all manufactures involved in this market.
Since 2003 the Jeep Division 4x4ATV Organisation thus had the opportunity to revert to its original main objective namely to promote the interest of club members, owners of vehicles with the trade name "JEEP" or "WILLYS", within the 4x4ATV Organisation.
Owing to the re-establishment of Chrysler Jeep in South Africa in 1996, Jeep numbers have grown dramatically.
In April 2005 it was decided that a new Jeep Club, operating as an independent club catering for Jeep Owners only, must be re-established. The organising committee of the Jeep Division 4X4ATV Organisation resigned, the Jeep Division ceased to exist and the Jeep Club RSA was registered in May 2005.
The Chrysler Jeep and Dodge Division Daimler Chrysler acknowledged the usage of the name Jeep Club RSA and the logo, insisting that the Jeep Club RSA and logo is used purely for the advantage of Jeep vehicles and other brand extensions.
In February 2009 the first Jeep Club RSA Chapter namely Jeep Club RSA - KZN was established. Chrysler Jeep SA gave permission that "Chapters" (clubs operating as divisions / branches of the Jeep Club RSA which hold their own meetings) may be established.
In November 2009 the logo was changed to be more in line with the international Jeep club look. This resulted in a name change to Jeep Club South Africa or Jeep Club SA for short, although the older abbreviation of RSA would remain registered.

2. Objectives

The Jeep Club SA organises "closed events" and weekends away for owners of vehicles with the trade name "Jeep" or "Willys" only, but occasionally also some "open events" to accommodate 4x4 enthusiasts and friends with vehicles other that Jeeps. Being a social family club, the events are planned in such a way that the needs and wishes of the woman and children are adhered to as far as possible whilst the family get the opportunity to wander into the off-road situations and test the skills of driver and vehicle alike. With the new Wranglers and Jeep Cherokees in mind, routes are planned in such a way that all types of vehicles can be accommodated without damaging the vehicles, even if it means that an occasional by-pass has to be taken at a potential obstacle in the route. Currently the Jeep Club SA organises and/or supports one-day events, weekends away, charity events, etc., as announced in the monthly News Letter and on our Web Page - www.jeepclubsa.co.za .

3. Other organisations

The Jeep Club SA is registered with Motorsport South Africa (MSA), the Association of All Wheel Drive Clubs Southern Africa (AAWDCSA) that is affiliated to the United Four Wheel Drive Association of U.S.A. and Canada (UFWDA), the Off Road Radio Association (ORRA) and other organisations associated with off-road activities.

4. Constitution

Seeing that Chrysler Jeep only re-established in South Africa in 1996, many of the current active members of the Jeep Club SA still own some of the older "Jeep" or "Willys" models with the numbers of Wranglers and Cherokees rapidly increasing. Because of the fact that owners of the older "Jeep" and "Willys" vehicles founded the former S.A. Jeep Club in 1976, categories of membership were introduced for the new Jeep Club SA, taking into consideration that spare parts for the older "Jeep" and "Willys" vehicles became very scarce and Jeep enthusiasts had to revert to modifications to keep the "Jeep" alive in South Africa. The categories of vehicles allowed are: Standard Jeeps (only suspension kits, bolt on accessories, etc., allowed); Modified Jeeps (using different engines, etc.); and Replica Jeeps (using fiberglass bodies, etc.).

5. Advantages in joining a club

All 4x4 vehicle owners should be registered with a 4x4 club for the simple reason that 4x4 owners in general are often accused of misconduct, especially if it comes to environmental issues. This is a total misconception as true 4x4 enthusiasts are nature lovers and by joining a 4x4 club learn about and agree to abide by the code of conduct associated with off-road driving.
The Association of All Wheel Drive Clubs Southern Africa, amongst other matters also negotiate with authorities on behalf of the All Wheel Drive Clubs, thus all clubs using four wheel drive or all terrain vehicles for whatsoever reason, also promoting responsible use of off-road vehicles in sensitive areas.
By joining the Club members are reminded of upcoming or special events by means of the monthly News Letter and also by SMS and/or e-mail.
Social events are organised regularly and Club members become part of the off-road family, meeting other 4x4 enthusiasts with the same interests and visiting interesting places you would usually bypass and/or not be permitted to visit other than in an organised group.
At each event Club members learn more about themselves and their vehicles capabilities and become educated responsible off-road negotiators, promoting the image of the 4x4 enthusiast throughout South Africa.

6. Invitation to join the Jeep Club SA

If you haven't joined a 4x4 club yet and the above does not sound inviting, you are probably one of the many 4x4 owners not realising what opportunities, friendship and fun membership of a 4x4 club renders and/or are scared or not prepared to use your vehicle for the purpose it was built for. Please be free to contact us and join in the fun. We cater for Jeep lovers enjoying off-roading, exploring new places and the company of other 4x4 enthusiasts.

To obtain the membership application form go to our Documents page, fax: 086 505 0484, or e-mail: info@jeepclubsa.co.za .

Your enthusiasm, participation, support and positive attitude will ensure that the Jeep Club SA grow as a family orientated pleasure club catering for the "loves" in our lives - our families, friends, outdoor adventure and needless to say - our Jeeps!

History of the Jeep Club SA