32 Battalion
VETERANS ASSOCIATION
CONSTITUTION OF THE VA
1 FOUNDING OF ASSOCIATION AND NAME
An Association known as the 32 Battalion Veterans Association was founded on 15 September 2001 comprising of members as defined in paragraph 3.
2 AIM
2.1 Camaraderie
- To promote camaraderie between former members of 32 Battalion (“32Bn”).
- To organise and arrange activities at regular intervals
2.2 Tradition
- To sustain and encourage the continuation of the traditions of 32Bn by means of the commemoration of
special historical events and to honour the memory of late 32Bn members.
- To promote the public image of 32Bn.
2.3 Finances
- To raise and administrate funds to the benefit of the aims of the Association.
3 MEMBERSHIP
3.1 A person will become eligible for membership of the Association if he or she was a member of the unit for a
minimum continuous service period of at least three (3) months.
3.2 Honorary and Special members may join the Association on invitation.
3.3 Honorary and Special membership may be granted by means of a two-third majority of members attending the
National Congress.
3.4 The Central Management Committee (“hereinafter referred to as the Committee”) will consider applications
for other membership than honorary and special members. The final decision remains with the Committee.
3.5 The secretary of the Committee shall prepare and maintain a membership list of all members.
4 MANAGEMENT
4.1 A Committee will be elected every two years at the National Congress and subject to this Constitution will have
full power to manage all the affairs of the Association. Members of the Committee will not serve more than three
terms in succession.
4.2 The Committee will consist of a:
- President
- Chairman
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Webmaster
- Two additional members
4.3 The President will have the right to take part and vote in all the meetings of the Committee.
4.4 A quorum will consist of the chairman and three committee members. In a case where a quorum is not present
the chairman will notify all the members of a new date and place for a meeting. The committee members
present at that meeting will be a quorum.
4.5 If a member of the committee resigns or passes away, the committee may appoint a new member temporarily.
4.6 Committee meetings must take place not less than once every three months.
4.7 Control and management of the Association is the responsibility of the Committee as determined by the
Fundraising Act No 107 of 1978 and in accordance with the guidelines of the National Congress.
4.8 The Committee may appoint persons such as Auditors and Attorneys to assist the Association in their
professional capacity.
4.9 The Committee can act in their own discretion in all instances not covered by the constitution on condition that
these acts should be in compliance with the general aims of this Association and the laws of the country.
4.10 The Committee will receive no remuneration for services rendered. Travel and other expenses incurred on
behalf of the Association may be refunded to members if approved by the Committee and if funds are available.
5 POWERS OF OFFICE BEARERS
5.1 The President
- His main duty is to act as a watchdog for the Association to ensure that the aims of the Association are
adhered to.
- He should promote the public image of 32Bn and the Association.
5.2 Chairman
His/her duties include:
- Convening meetings of the Committee.
- Authorising urgent payments for later approval by the Committee
- Where necessary and in specific circumstances co-opt any other member of the Association to serve
temporarily on the Committee.
- Preparing and delivering the Chairman’s Report at National Congress regarding the Association’s
activities.
- Responsible for the day-to-day running of the Association.
5.3 Secretary
His/her duties include:
- Keeping and distributing all minutes of the Committee.
- Compiling and Distributing agendas, newsletters and other publications regarding the activities of the
Association.
- Assisting the Chairman in all matters concerning the Association.
- Safekeeping of all documents and papers of the Association.
- Keeping and updating a master of the list of all members, their membership numbers and addresses.
- Conducting all correspondence of the Association.
5.4 Treasurer
His/her duties include:
- Managing the Association’s money matters.
- Preparing financial reports for meetings on request.
- Opening and controlling the bank accounts of the Association
- Be responsible to ensure that the financial situation of the Association remains stable and sound. He is
also responsible to control the chequebooks, accounts, deposit slips and all other financial papers and
books relating to the Association.
- Handling all financial matters in compliance with the Laws of South Africa.
- Keeping the books of the Association and ensuring that the books are audited every financial year end.
5.5 Webmaster
His/her duties include:
- Creating and maintaining a website for the Association:
- Maintaining a communications channel for members on the internet.
5.6 Signing of Cheques
At least two persons of the following three members must sign all cheques:
- Chairman;
- Treasurer;
- Secretary
6 NATIONAL CONGRESS
6.1 The National Congress is the governing body of the Association and will take place at least every two years.
Notice shall be given to all members at least 60 days before the date of the Congress. A quorum will consist of
the members attending.
6.2 Any member may vote at the National Congress on condition that:
- The member’s name appears on the Member’s List held by the Secretary;
6.3 Besides the minutes and any other official matters the following must also be dealt with at the National
Congress:
- A report by the Committee regarding the work done, also an account of all the activities of the
Association preceding the meeting. This includes all the audit reports.
- Any other matter a member wishes the Congress to address. Any point for discussion must reach the
secretary at least 40 days before the date set for the Congress.
- The election of office-bearers for the next term.
7 EMBLEM
The existing Emblem registered by the 32 Battalion Bond will serve as the Emblem for the Association.
8 SUBSCRIPTION FEES
No subscription or membership fees are payable by members. The Association will be dependant on donations made on a strictly voluntary basis.
9 SUSPENSION
The Committee may in its discretion permanently of temporarily suspend any members guilty of gross misbehaviour. In this regard, it is important to note that the Association subscribes to:
- Non-Racialism;
- Non-Politicisation;
- Christian values;
- The laws of South Africa.
See also by-law 1 of this document.
10 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
The Committee will collectively be accountable for the financial affairs and transactions regarding the Association. The accountability will be for the period that members serve on the committee.
11 AMENDMENTS
Any amendment, additions to or deletion from the constitution can be done during the National Congress on condition that proper notice is given and that two thirds of the delegation vote in favour of such amendment, addition or deletion.
12 DISSOLVEMENT
If the National Congress decides that the Association must dissolve, such action must be in terms of the Fundraising Act No 107 of 1978, and the Committee may by their own discretion expend existing funds by making donations according to the rules and aims of the Association.
By-Law 1: Code of Honour and Disciplinary Procedure
1. Code of Honour
As a Member of the 32Bn Veterans Association, I undertake to adhere to the following Code of Honour:-
a. To behave in a dignified manner at all times when in the dress of the Association, or when otherwise present at functions of,
or representing, the Association.
b. To show respect and courtesy towards fellow Members, Friends and Guests of the Association, and to representatives or
personnel of other organisations, or members of the public, when meeting them under the auspices of the Association.
c. To display loyalty towards the Association, and towards the Members and Friends of the Association, at all times.
d. To respect, abide by and uphold the rules, regulations, conventions and traditions of the Association at all times.
2. Disciplinary Procedure
The conduct of members of the Association shall be governed by the Code of Conduct of the Association, which shall be contained in Bylaw I of the Constitution.
2.1 General
a. The Management Committee may, at its sole discretion, suspend or revoke the Membership of any category of Member.
Such revocation will require the unanimous approval of all members of the Management Committee. Its decision shall be
final.
b. A Member is liable to be suspended from Membership for a period or to be expelled from Membership and/or be barred
from holding office at any level within the Association if he or she:
i. Acts disloyally or dishonourably towards the Association; or
ii. Carries out actions or activities which are incompatible with the Constitution of the Association ; or
iii. Acts in a way that is detrimental to the interests of the Association; or
iv. Acts in any way liable to bring discredit to the Association; or
v. Carries out actions or activities which bring the Association into disrepute; or
vi. Acts in a way which the Management Committee - at its sole discretion - deems to be conduct unbecoming to a
Member.
2.2. Actions to be taken
a. If, after proper inquiry, the Management Committee decides that there appears to be a legally sufficient case to be made
against the Member, the Management Committee may suspend him immediately.
b. The Secretary shall convene a Disciplinary Committee meeting comprising three (3) Management Committee
Members, and two (2) other members, to be chaired by the Chairman.
c. The hearing of the member in question must take place no later that thirty (30) days from the date on which the
Management Committee decided that there appears to be a legally sufficient case to be made against the Member.
d. At least fourteen (14) days before the date of the hearing, the Secretary shall give the Member in question notice in
writing of the particulars of the complaint made against him, of the date of the Disciplinary Committee meeting, of his
right to attend the hearing with a witness to answer the complaint, and his right to be represented by a Member of the
Association, who is not legally qualified.
e. After full investigation, the Disciplinary Committee may recommend to the Management Committee that the Member
be suspended from Membership of the Association for a specified period or expelled from Membership of the
Association for all purposes except those of appeal.
f. The Secretary shall give the Member written notice of its decision within seven (7) days. This notice shall include the
reasons for its decision and particulars of the rights of appeal. The decision of a Disciplinary Committee shall take effect
immediately and cannot be amended until the appeal process has been completed.
g. The Member has the right to appeal against the decision of the Disciplinary Committee to the Management Committee.
The Appellant shall give the Secretary notice in writing of his appeal not later than Four (4) weeks after the date of the
notice giving the decision of the Disciplinary Committee.
h. In dealing with an appeal, the Secretary shall convene a Appeal Committee comprising three (3) Management
Committee Members, and two (2) other members of Full Membership status, to be chaired by the Chairman, or in his
absence.
i. At least fourteen (14) days before the date of the hearing, the Secretary shall give the Appellant notice in writing of
the particulars of the date of the Disciplinary Committee meeting, of his right to attend the hearing with a witness to
answer the complaint, and his right to legal representation.
j. The Management Committee's Appeal Committee has the power to overturn or vary the decision in any way it thinks fit.
Its decisions will be final.
