Friends+of+Cuba+Society,+Constitution

=CONSTITUTION OF FRIENDS OF CUBA SOCIETY (FOCUS)=

**Preamble**
We the members of FOCUS, firmly commit ourselves to the formation of a progressive and internationalist organization that is guided by the ideals and values articulated below:


 * FOCUS is a:**


 * Primarily campaign driven and programme based organization.
 * Democratic values as a framework for implementation programme that will nature international solidarity between the people of Cuba and South Africa.
 * The main features of FOCUS activities will be facilitated and coordinative and where appropriate joint campaigns with like-minded organizations.
 * The concept and practice to reach decisions through consensus as much as its is possible.
 * Emphasis on financial self-sufficiency a guide in building the financial resources as well as ensuring the independence.
 * Political sensitivity to diplomatic relations between the two countries must be exercised.
 * The balance between spontaneity and organized activities must be exercised.
 * Flexibility for individuals who are not keen on formal membership to participate in activities of FOCUS.
 * Values


 * FOCUS subscribes to:**


 * * Solidarity || * Anti-imperialist ||
 * * Volunteerism || * All embracing and heterogeneous character ||
 * * Progressiveness || * Humanistic practices ||
 * * Internationalism || * Non-elitist ||
 * * Pro- humane || * Non-partisan ||


 * Guiding principles**
 * Focus subscribes to democratic values
 * Focus encourages and enhances the concept and practice of activist membership
 * Focus aims to provide alternative ideas to imperialism as part of the solidarity work with the people of Cuba.
 * Focus recognizes the participation of members and supporters is based on the spirit of volunteering, appreciation and passion for the people of Cuba and what they stand for.


 * Relations**
 * Focus will build relations within itself as well as with other fraternal organizations throughout the country.
 * Relations will be built through networks of focus joint programmes between members and fraternal organizations will be the core character of the local activities.

> 1.1. The name of the organization shall be the Friends of Cuba Solidarity in South Africa hereinafter referred to as FOCUS. > 1.2. FOCUS is a solidarity organization capable of acquiring rights and obligations, entering into legal transactions, and suing and being sued in its name. > 1.3. FOCUS as a legal persona shall be liable for any debts accrued and commitments undertaken by it.
 * 1. Name and legality**

> 2.1. The constitution is the source of all rights and responsibilities within FOCUS and in its final authority concerning any dispute within the organization.
 * 2. Authority of the constitution**

> 3.1. The National Council shall from time to time decide on the location of the Head Office
 * 3. Location of offices**

> 4.1. FOCUS shall relate : >> 4.1.1. Other structures with similar objectives and projects. >> 4.1.2. Organisations that have similar interest and needs. >> 4.1.3. Public and private sector and international organisations including foreign governments.
 * 4. Relations**

> 5.1. Promote international solidarity through dialogue, exchange and action between South Africa and Cuba. > 5.2. Organize activities to deepen the level of friendship and understanding between peoples of South Africa and Cuba.
 * 5. Aims and objectives**
 * Focus as a solidarity movement and non-profit organization shall aim to:**

> 5.3. Oppose the illegal and immoral blockade of Cuba by the United States of America and to support the struggle of the Cubans to maintain their independence and right to self-determination. > 5.4. Provide essential information on relevant issues related to the Cuban government and peoples’ situation, struggles and aspirations. > 5.5. Strengthen our global struggle for democracy, justice, equity, development and peace, through the development of South Africa-Cuba solidarity relations. > 5.6. Facilitate and promote networking with the international friendship and solidarity associations and Cuban organizations so as to respond effectively to crises that the Cuban people may find themselves in from time to time. > 5.7. Facilitate and participate in national, southern African and international campaigns which are geared towards the establishment of just relationships between Cuba and other countries, and in particular between Cuba and South Africa. > 5.8. Encourage the participation in FOCUS activities of organizations, which support the above aims and objectives of FOCUS. > 5.9. Undertake any activity necessary to achieve the above purposes and that is not in conflict with this constitution.
 * Focus shall have the following aims and objectives**

> 5.10. Promote the development of economic, social, religious, cultural and political links between Cuba and South Africa. > 5.11. Build partnerships with social movements in Cuba around issues of common concern to citizens of both countries, > 5.12. Engage in advocacy for just policies governing South Africa’s relation to Cuba.
 * Focus shall therefore, in support of the formal diplomatic relations,**

> 6.1. FOCUS stands on its own and has the right to own property as well as to buy and sell property should the need to do so arise. The property will be owned by FOCUS can only be sold in the interest of FOCUS. > 6.2. FOCUS will keep its own records of everything it owns. > 6.3. FOCUS may not give its money or property to its own members or office bearers. The only time it can do so is when it pays for the work done by member or office bearers. The payment must be reasonable amount of work done by a member. > 6.4. A member of FOCUS can only get money back from the organisation for expenses that a member has incurred on behalf of the organisation. > 6.5. Members or office bearers of FOUCS do not have rights over things that belong to FOCUS. > 6.6. The financial year begins on the 1st March of each year.
 * 6. INCOME AND PROPERTY.**

> 7.1. Membership shall be open to all persons and organizations, which subscribes to the principles, values, aims and objectives of FOCUS. > 7.2. Members shall pay an annual membership fee; Congress shall determine manner of payment. > 7.3. The National Council may suspend membership of any person, if that person has acted contrary to the principles, aims and objectives of FOCUS. > 7.4. Any person who membership is suspended shall have the right to appeal to the National Congress. > 7.5. **Application and acceptance.** >> 7.5.1. Any eligible person may apply for membership by submitting an application to the local network. >> 7.5.2. The Provincial chapter shall do the approval or rejection of membership. >> 7.5.3. Appeal to the National Council shall be made on any rejection of membership. > 7.6. **Lapse of membership.** > 7.7. A person ceases to be a member if they are in areas for one year, or is no longer a a resident of South Africa. > 7.8. **Supporters and Supporters Register.** >> 7.8.1. Any person or organization that is keen to participate in the activities of FOCUS, with being a formal member, shall be accepted as a supporter. >> 7.8.2. Such supporters shall be recorded in a Supporters Register. Supporters shall attend meetings but shall not have voting rights and shall be subject to the constitution. > 7.9. Good standing. >> 7.9.1. A member remains in good standing unless, >> 7.9.1.1. The annual membership fees have not been paid for a year. >> 7.9.1.2. The members has been suspended and found guilty through organizational and criminal due processes. >> 7.9.2. Despite suspension a member remains in good standing for the period of suspension.
 * 7. Membership**

> 8.1. FOCUS shall consist of the following structures. >> 8.1.1. National Congress. >> 8.1.2. National Council >> 8.1.3. Provincial chapters. >> 8.1.4. Local networks >> 8.1.5. Sub-Committees and Ad-hoc Committees. > 8.2. **National Congress** >> 8.2.1. The National Congress shall take place once every three years. >> 8.2.2. The National Congress shall be open to all FOCUS members who are in good standing. >> 8.2.3. Decisions will normally be reached by consensus, where that is not possibly a simply majority will suffice. Where there are ties the Chairperson will cast the deciding vote. >> 8.2.4. Supporters shall, through appropriate delegation, attend as observers. >> 8.2.5. National Council shall determine for the agenda of National Congress. >> 8.2.6. National council shall give written notice to all provincial chapters and local networks of the agenda, time and place of the National Council at least two months before the said meeting. >> 8.2.7. A quorum of the National congress shall be a simply majority of all provinces in good standing. >> 8.2.8. The National Congress shall: >>> 8.2.8.1. Discuss and approve all reports, policies, national programmes and broad strategies of FOCUS. >>> 8.2.8.2. Elect National President, Deputy National President, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, The National Treasurer and National Coordinator of Campaigns. >>> 8.2.8.3. Amend the constitution and/or standing rules of FOCUS if necessary. >>> 8.2.8.4. Approve audited financial statements and ratify budgets and financial proposals. > 8.3. **National Council**. >> 8.3.1. The National council shall be elected at the National Congress. >> 8.3.2. The National council shall consist of six office bearers and four additional members. >> 8.3.3. The National Council shall consist of National Chairperson, Deputy National Chairperson, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, the Treasurer and National Coordinator of Campaigns. >> 8.3.4. At least one additional member from each provincial chapter may attend all meetings of the National Council as observers. A person so attending may be permitted to take part in the discussions but shall not be permitted to vote. This provision shall not affect the right of the National Council to exclude any observer from a particular deliberation or meeting. > 8.4. **TERMS OF OFFICE.** >> 8.4.1. The National Council shall be elected to serve for a period of three years. >> 8.4.2. The National Council member/(s) shall be deemed to have vacated their seat if: >>> 8.4.2.1. S/he resigns from National Council. >>> 8.4.2.2. S/he is absent for more than three consecutive meetings without any apology and or leave of absence. >>> 8.4.2.3. If two-thirds majority of National Council votes to remove him/her for legitimate reasons and after s/he has had the opportunity of making representation to National Council. >>> 8.4.2.4. In the event of a member vacating his/her seat, the National council shall have the right to appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term of office. > 8.5. **POWERS AND DUTIES OF NATIONAL COUNCIL.** >> 8.5.1. The National Council shall manage the affairs of FOCUS between National Congress and shall have full power to: >>> 8.5.1.1. Represent FOCUS at all important initiatives or conferences. >>> 8.5.1.2. Supervise, coordinate and facilitate activities of the Provincial Chapters. >>> 8.5.1.3. Open and operate banking accounts on behalf of FOCUS. >>> 8.5.1.4. Issue press statements and announcements on behalf of FOCUS. >>> 8.5.1.5. Convene special general meetings of FOCUS for the purposes of amending the Standing Rules or for any other matter incidental to the aims and objectives. >>> 8.5.1.6. Co-opt additional members to the National Council of FOCUS. >>> 8.5.1.7. Acquire either by purchase, lease or otherwise, any moveable or immovable property belonging to FOCUS. >>> 8.5.1.8. Delegate its duties to any other members or committee belonging to FOCUS. > 8.5.2. **NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS** >> 8.5.2.1. **Duties of the National President** >>> 8.5.2.1.1. Preside over meetings of the National Council and National Congress. >>> 8.5.2.1.2. Conduct meetings according to the provisions of the constitution. >>> 8.5.2.1.3. Generally supervise the affairs of the organization between meetings. > 8.5.2.2. **Duties of the Deputy National President.** >> 8.5.2.2.1. Exercises the powers and duties of the National chairperson in his/her absence. >>> 8.5.2.2.2. Shall also carry out duties as directed by the National Office Bearers or the National council. > 8.5.2.3. **Duties of the General Secretary** >> 8.5.2.3.1. General co-ordination of the organizations’ functioning. >>> 8.5.2.3.2. Reporting on work progress of the organization. >>>> 8.5.2.3.3. Communication activities within the organization and outside. >>>> 8.5.2.3.4. General administrative functions of the organization. >>>> 8.5.2.3.5. Other duties including tasks issued by the national constitutional structures. > 8.5.3. **Duties of the Deputy General Secretary.** >> 8.5.3.1. Shall work in conjunction with the General Secretary, >>> 8.5.3.2. In the absence of the General secretary s/he will assume all his/her duties. > 8.5.4. **Duties of the National Treasurer** >> 8.5.4.1. Supervision of al the financial affairs and fundraising of the organization. >>> 8.5.4.2. General functioning of the FOCUS Financial Committee. >>> 8.5.4.3. Any other duties may be reasonably required by the organization. > 8.5.5. **Duties of the National Coordinator.** >> 8.5.5.1. Facilitating and coordinating all FOCUS campaigns. >>> 8.5.5.2. General functioning of any campaign structures of the organization. >>> 8.5.5.3. Any other duties may be reasonably required by the organization. > 8.6. **MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL.** >> 8.6.1. The National Council shall normally meet at least once every six months but not less that once a year, at a time and place decided by the Chairperson and the General Secretary. >> 8.6.2. The Secretary shall act as the secretary of the National council. S/he shall be responsible for convening the meetings and in consultation with the Chairperson, draft minutes and agendas for meetings. >> 8.6.3. Notice of a meeting shall be given to the National Council members advising them of the actual date, time and venue of the meeting. >> 8.6.4. The meetings shall be presided by the Chairperson. In the Absence of Chairperson the deputy Chairperson shall preside. In the absence of both any National member will preside. >> 8.6.5. The Chairperson may cast a decisive vote in the event of a need for a majority vote. >> 8.6.6. The National Council may invite anyone to attend any of its meetings. A person so attending may be permitted to take part in the discussions but shall not be permitted to vote. > 8.7. **PROVINCIAL CHAPTERS** >> 8.7.1. Provincial chapters shall be responsible for the activities of FOCUS within each province in South Africa and shall be accountable to the National Council. >> 8.7.2. Provincial chapters shall be established once there is at least one local network. >> 8.7.3. Composition: Provincial executive committee shall comprise of the: >>> 8.7.3.1. The Chairperson >>> 8.7.3.2. Deputy Chairperson >>> 8.7.3.3. Provincial Secretary >>> 8.7.3.4. Deputy Provincial Secretary. >>> 8.7.3.5. Provincial Treasurer >>> 8.7.3.6. Provincial Campaigns Coordinator >> 8.7.4. **Duties and Functions** >> 8.7.4.1. The duties and functions of the provincial office are generally the same as those of national office bearers. >> 8.7.5. **Term of Office** >>> 8.7.5.1. The executive of the Provincial Chapter shall be elected to serve for a period of two years. > 8.8. **Provincial Congress (Bi-Annual general Meeting)** > The Provincial Congress shall be the supreme decision making body of focus within a province. > 8.8.1. The Provincial Congress shall take place once every three years. >> 8.8.2. The Provincial Congress shall be open to all FOCUS members who are in good standing. >> 8.8.3. Decisions will normally be reached by consensus, where that is not possibly a simply majority will suffice. Where there are ties the Chairperson will cast the deciding vote. >> 8.8.4. Supporters shall, through appropriate delegation, attend as observers. >> 8.8.5. Provincial Council shall determine for the agenda of Provincial Congress. >> 8.8.6. Provincial Executive Council shall give written notice to all provincial chapters and local networks of the agenda, time and place of the Provincial Congress at least two months before the said meeting. >> 8.8.7. A quorum of the Provincial Congress shall be a simply majority of all local networks in good standing. >> 8.8.8. The Provincial Congress shall: >>> 8.8.8.1. Discuss and approve all reports, policies provincial programmes and broad strategies of FOCUS. >>> 8.8.8.2. Elect Provincial Chairperson, Deputy Provincial Chairperson, Provincial Secretary, Deputy Provincial Secretary, The Provincial Treasurer and Provincial Coordinator of Campaigns. >>> 8.8.8.3. Make proposals to amend the constitution and/or standing rules of FOCUS if necessary. >>> 8.8.8.4. Approve audited financial statements and ratify budgets and financial proposals. > 8.9. **LOCAL NETWORKS** >> 8.9.1. Local networks shall coordinate activities of FOCUS within each locality as directed by the Provincial chapter and approved by National council. >> 8.9.2. Local Networks are the basic units of the organization and shall operate similar to provincial chapters. >> 8.9.3. Local chapters shall operate under the guidance of the provincial chapters and shall be represented in the Provincial Chapters by the chairperson or any other office-bearers. >> 8.9.4. Local networks shall serve a the platform for mobilization of local individuals and organizations. >> 8.9.5. The local shall be composed of the coordinating committee of five (5) people and one representative from participating organization. >> 8.9.6. **Term of Office** >>> 8.9.6.1. The executive of the Provincial Chapter shall be elected to serve for a period of two years. > 8.10. **Annual General Meeting s of the Local Network.** > The Annual General Meeting shall be the supreme decision making body of focus within a province. > 8.10.1. The Annual General Meeting shall take place once every three years. >> 8.10.2. The Annual General Meeting shall be open to all FOCUS members who are in good standing. >> 8.10.3. Decisions will normally be reached by consensus, where that is not possibly a simply majority will suffice. Where there are ties the Chairperson will cast the deciding vote. >> 8.10.4. Supporters shall, through appropriate delegation, attend as observers. >> 8.10.5. The Coordinating Committee shall determine for the agenda of Annual General Meeting. >> 8.10.6. Provincial Executive Council shall give written notice to all provincial chapters and local networks of the agenda, time and place of the Provincial Congress at least two months before the said meeting. >> 8.10.7. A quorum of the Annual General Meeting shall be a simply majority of all members in good standing. >> 8.10.8. The Annual General Meeting shall: >>> 8.10.8.1. Discuss and approve all reports, policies provincial programmes and broad strategies of FOCUS. >>> 8.10.8.2. Elect the Coordinating Committee. >>> 8.10.8.3. Make proposals to amend the constitution and/or standing rules of FOCUS if necessary. >> 8.10.9. Approve audited financial statements and ratify budgets and financial proposals. > 8.11. **GENERAL MEETINGS** > General meetings of the local network shall be convened in the same manner as those of the National Council subject to the following provisions: > 8.11.1. General meetings shall include supporters of FOCUS in the local network. >> 8.11.2. General meetings shall be convened as and when necessary or decided by the coordinating committee.
 * 8. Structures**

9. **GENERAL MEETINGS AND PROCEDURES** > 9.1. All meetings of FOCUS shall be open to all members and supporters unless otherwise stated. > 9.2. Minutes shall be taken at all FOCUS meetings and a copy of thereof forwarded to the Secretary of the relevant structure, who shall keep such copies which shall be open to all members of FOCUS. > 9.3. There shall be standing rules for FOCUS, which may be amended by Special Congress or National Council meeting by consensus or a simple majority. > 9.4. Voting in meetings

10. **POWERS OF THE ORGANISATION.** The executive committee may take on the power and the authority that it believes is needed to achieve the objectives of the organisation. Its objectives must abide by regulatory law. > 10.1. The executive committee has powers and authority to raise funds or invite and receive contributions. > 10.2. The executive committee does however have the power to buy, hire or exchange for any property that is needed to achieve the objectives of the organisation. > 10.3. The executive committee has the right to make by-laws for the property management including procedure for application, approval and termination of membership, sponsorship or any other contractual agreement.

11. **MEETINGS AND PROCEDURES** > 11.1. The executive committee must hold at least two ordinary meetings once quarterly. > 11.2. The chairperson or two members of the committee can call a special meeting if there is a need to do so. However, they must let the executive know of the date and proposed meeting at least 21 days

12. **BY- ELECTIONS** > 12.1. Should any post fall vacant, the executive committee may appoint a suitable candidate to serve as an acting post member until the next general meeting or Special Meeting. > 12.2. If two or more members of the executive resign, an urgent meeting shall be called to appoint the executive members. > 12.3. At the discretion of the executive committee. A by-election may be held in case of one or more members resigning.

13. **THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) OF A LOCAL NETWORK.** The annual general meeting of a local network shall be the supreme decision making body of a local network. > 13.1. The annual general meeting shall be open to all the members of FOCUS, and all decisions shall normally be arrived at by consensus. In the event of this not being possible, and expect where the constitution provided otherwise, decisions shall be taken by simple majority vote of the members present. If there is an equality of the votes the Chairperson shall have a casting and deliberate vote. > 13.2. Supporters shall attend as observers. > 13.3. The annual general meeting shall be held on a date and place determined by the coordinating committee. > 13.4. The coordinating committee shall determine the agenda of the AGM subject to standing rules. > 13.5. The coordinating committee shall give written notices to all provincial chapters and local networks of the agenda, time and place of the AGM at least two months before the meeting. > 13.6. Invitations to attend shall be accompanied by the agenda and the Committee’s Report which outlines FOCUS activities over the past year. > 13.7. A quorum at the AGM shall be two fifths of the paid up membership. > 13.8. If within 6 hours after the time set for the AGM a quorum does not present then the meeting shall stand adjourned to a day within fourteen days after the set date after which members present shall form a quorum. > 13.9. Where a meeting has been adjourned as aforesaid, the coordinating committee shall, as soon as may be necessary after the adjournment notify each member of the organisation stating date, time and place to which the meting has been adjourned and the grounds for the adjournment.

14. **ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (AGM).** The AGM shall: > 14.1. Discuss and approve all reports, programmes and strategies of the relevant local networks. > 14.2. Elect the coordinating committee. > 14.3. Approve annual financial statements and ratify budget reports and financial proposals.

15. **GENERAL MEETINGS** General meetings of all FOCUS structures shall be convened in the same manner as those of the National Council subject to the following provisions. > 15.1. General meetings shall include supporters of FOCUS in the local network; > 15.2. General meetings shall be convened as and when necessary or decided upon by the coordinating committee.

16. **GENERAL PROCEDURES OF MEETINGS** > 16.1. All meetings of FOCUS structures except where the constitution provides to the contrary, shall be open to all members and supporters of FOCUS. > 16.2. Minutes shall be taken at all FOCUS meetings and a copy thereof forwarded to the Secretary of the relevant structure, who shall keep such copies. > 16.3. Copies of the minutes of any FOCUS structure shall be open to all members of FOCUS. > 16.4. There shall be standing rules for FOCUS, which may be amended preferably by consensus or by a simple majority at a Special Meeting or an ordinary National Council meeting. > 16.5. **Voting in meetings.** >> 16.5.1. Voting in meetings shall be normally by show of hands unless two thirds of any meetings resolves to have a ballot. >> 16.5.2. Any issue that enjoys the support of 51% of the members attending a meting shall be carried.

17. **FINANCIAL MATTERS** > 17.1. The funds of FOCUS shall be made up of all monies received by means of donor grants. Membership fees and sales and in any other manner within the ambit of this constitution. > 17.2. There shall be at least three signatories to the banking account/s of FOCUS who shall be appointed by the executive. > 17.3. Cheques drawn against he bank accounts shall be signed by at least two members of the National Council appointed or nominated for this purpose. > 17.4. All monies received or on behalf of FOCUS shall be deposited within seven days of its receipt in the FOCUS bank account. > 17.5. Unless otherwise stated by the executive, copyright of the organisational material shall exist in the name of FOCUS. > 17.6. FUNDS contributed or donated for a very specific purpose shall not be used for any other purpose except with the approval of the National council in consultation with the donor or sponsor. > 17.7. The financial year of FOCUS shall be from the 1st of March of any particular year to the 28th February if the following year. > 17.8. All assets of FOCUS shall be vested in and registered in the name of FOCUS. > 17.9 Any income or property of FOCUS ,as a non-profit organisation, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of its main and subsidiary objectives and objects and no portion of the income or property shall be paid or transferred, directly or indirectly, to any members or associates of FOCUS or any person, provided that nothing therein contained shall prevent the payment in good faith or reasonable remuneration or any officer or servant or associate of FOCUS in return for any services actually rendered. > 17.10. **Financial procedures.** > The organisation shall ensure that financial procedures are adhered to all levels and such procedures shall include the following: > 17.10.1. **Reporting:** Every structure of the organisation shall ensure there are regular financial reports and at least once every quarter. >> 17.10.2. **Petty Cash:** The National Office and provincial offices shall have the right to have a petty cash of reasonable amount as agreed upon from time to time. >> 17.10.3. Accounting and Auditing: Accounting and auditing of the organisation’s funds shall in keeping with the General Accounting and Auditing Practices. >> 17.10.4. **Financial Policies**: the National Council shall be responsible for formulation of financial policies subject to ratification by National Congress. >> 17.10.5. **Fundraising**: The organisation shall encourage fundraising at national and provincial levels for the purpose of funding the organisation. >> 17.10.6. The National Office Bearers, with the assistance of the National Council, shall ensure and monitor fundraising of the organisation.

18. **CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY COMMIITTEE** Any member shall act according to the rules: > 18.1. Respect each and every members of the organisation. > 18.2. Defend and protect the name and the statue of the committee from any disrepute. > 18.3. Discipline shall be the responsibility and the prerogative of the National Council. > 18.4. All members of FOCUS shall abide by the **Code of Conduct**, which shall be drawn up by the executive committee and adopted by he general membership. > 18.5. **A Special Disciplinary Committee** and or **Conflict Resolution Committee** may be formed to deal with any specific case that may arise as a result of misconduct or conflict or any form of quarrel within the FOCUS structures. Some executive members, community members and other suitably qualified personnel may form it. > 18.6. The National Council may discipline or expel a member and or remove a supporter from the supporters Register for: >> 18.6.1. Acting against the interests of the organisation; >> 18.6.2. Failing to pay subscription fees according to this constitution. >> 18.6.3. Bring the name of the organisation to disrepute. >> 18.6.4. Bringing about chaos in the day to day running of the organisation. >> 18.6.5. The member shall be notified in writing and shall remain suspended until the case has been heard and concluded between the two parties. >> 18.6.6. The National Committee may decide at its discretion to call a member for a hearing and hence finalise disciplinary measures against the members in question.

19. **CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.** > 19.1. The constitution shall be amended, if necessary, at the National Congress or a Special General Meeting. > 19.2. The constitution can be changed by resolution. The resolution has changed to be agreed upon and passed by not less than two thirds who are in annual general meeting or special general meeting. Members must vote at this meeting to change the constitution. > 19.3. Two thirds of the members shall be present at the National Council; this shall form a “quorum” before a decision to change the constitution is taken. > 19.4. A written notice must go out not less than twenty-one (21) days before the meeting at which the changes to the constitution are going to be proposed. The notice must indicate the proposed changes to the constitution that will be discussed at the meeting. > 19.5. No amendments, additions or alterations shall be made to this constitution unless agreed to by two-thirds majority of the members at National Congress.

20. **INTERPRETATION OF THIS CONSTITUTION** > 20.1. If any doubt arises as to the meaning of any provision of this constitution the interpretation of that provision is the responsibility of the National Council which may decide on any interpretation by the required majority vote. > 20.2. The financial decision will be referred to the National Congress or a Special National Council.

21. **DISSOLUTION OR WINDING UP.** > 21.1. The organisation may close down if at least three quarters of the members present at the National Congress or a Specific Special National Meeting convened for that particular purpose are in favour of closing down. > 21.2. When the organisation closes down it has to pay off all its debts. After doing this, if there is property or money left over it should be given to other non-governmental organisation with similar aims and objectives.


 * From: http://www.focuba.org.za/Files/constitution.htm**

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