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Problems in the existing SA WISE Constitution
Election of a National Committee:
The constitution currently states:
"A National Committee shall be elected once more than two branches are established.
This will consist of a National Chair, a National Treasurer, a National Secretary,
a Public Relations/Liaison Officer plus two additional members. Nominations
for these positions will be called for from all existing branches by the Chair
of the Cape Town branch where SA WISE was started. All members of SA WISE will
be asked to vote for the members of the National Committee and a simple majority
will be required for election. In the case of a tied vote members will be asked
to vote again. The term of office of the National Committee shall be two years.
Members of the Committee shall not be eligible for election for more than two
consecutive terms of office. "
- The restriction of needing more than two branches before a National Committee is elected, is
problematic. Although the Western Cape Branch is well established, other branches have been
struggling to establish themselves.
- It is felt that the branches need to be able to act autonomously. The only functions that
should fall into the national executive should be the national chair, treasurer, and the
administration of the web site and the mailing list.
- The restriction on the period of two terms of office is also seen to be too restrictive.
- One suggestion is the following: If there is only one active branch committee then that will
become the de facto national committee. Once more branches are established then we can
elect a new national committee
Membership Fees:
The constitution currently states that:
"The membership fees of full time students and retired persons will be half
that of other members".
It is felt that this statement is too specific and restrictive for a constitution, and should be
replaced by a mention of reduced fees for students and retired people.
Terms of Office of Branch Committees:
The constitution currently states that:
"Members of the Branch Committees shall not be eligible for election for
more than two consecutive terms of office."
This is thought to be too short for key people, while the organisation is not well established.
Quorum for meetings:
The constitution currently states that:
"The quorum for meetings will be 10% of the membership."
It is not clear to which meetings this applies. The feasibility of such a restriction will need to
be discussed.
Management of funds:
The constitution requires an annual audit of finances. This is currently not being done and needs to
be addressed. It is felt that all funds should be managed by the national treasurer, and not by
individual branches, as has been the case until now (this should be discussed further.) SA WISE
should also investigate the possibility of acquiring a fundraising number.
Amendments to the Constitution:
The constitution currently states:
"The constitution may be amended only by a two-thirds majority of the members
present, or represented by proxy, at a national SA WISE meeting. Proposals to
amend the constitution may be submitted by members and shall be seconded by
two other members. They shall reach the National Secretary at least thirty days
before the date of the national meeting, and should be circulated to all the
members at least 20 days before the date of the National meeting."
This is problematic, since we have no National Committee in operation. A revised means of amending
the Constitution will need to be agreed on.
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