· .

THE CONSTITUTION

OFTHE

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST STUDENT ASSOCIATION

(SDASA)

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THE CONSTITUTION OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST STUDENT ASSOCIATION (SDASA)

PREAMBLE

Whereas students belonging to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA) uphold the Bible as their only creed and fundamental beliefs as taught and practiced by the Seventh-Day Adventist church; and

Whereas in most non-SDA institutions, such beliefs are not embraced thereby creating a conflict between the students' Christian life-style and that practiced in these institutions; and

Whereas some Adventist students end up being disillusioned and deviating from their Christian life-style and fundamental principles as taught in the SDA church; and

Whereas the Seventh - day Adventist Student Association (SDASA) was initially founded to;

• Assist SDA students studying in non-SDA institutions to adhere to the teachings and beliefs of the Adventist church while away from their homes in secular institutions of higher learning;

• Encourage SDA students in the spreading of the gospel to their fellow students and the university community in which they are pursuing their studies;

• Promote involvement of SDA students in community projects, and

• Keep the students occupied in spiritual, mental and physical activity during the December vacation period in SDASA Year-end Conferences.

Realizing the need to create a link between student experience and the world of work while making the most of their talent in church and community activities to make this world a better place while preparing humanity for the heavenly kingdom;

Recognizing that SDASA has now evolved to become a vehicle that links SDA students with SDA professionals in a combined effort to "secure and use" young people for the salvation of men and uplifting of our communities.

NOW THEREFORE the following Constitution is adopted in furtherance of these objectives as more fully articulated hereunder:­

1. NAME

The name of the Organisation shall be: The Seventh • day Adventist Student Association: hereafter known as SDASA.

2. MOTTO

Secure and Use.

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3. SPHERE OF OPERATION

As a voluntary association of the Youth Department in the local churches, Fields/Conferences of the Southern Africa Union Conference (SAU), SDASA shall operate in the territory of the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division (SID - throughout the Southern Africa Community) and in harmony with this Constitution subject to established denominational policies.

4. VISION

Empower the Seventh - day Adventist students, professionals, the Church and heal the Nation.

5. MISSION

To facilitate a complete development of Seventh - day Adventist students and mobilise professionals for the church and community service.

6. PURPOSE

6.1 To assist students studying in non-Adventist tertiary institutions to resolve problems that Negatively impact on their Christian principles and lifestyles;

6.2 To promote a culture of continued learning in the Adventist church and community at large embracing the principles of Christian Education;

6.3 To create mechanisms for integrating and inducting students into the world of work;

6.4 To mobilize Adventist professionals for professional input to Adventist students in non­Adventist tertiary institutions, the church and community;

6.5 To energize its members to become active agents for social transformation and development in the communities in which they live.

7. BODY CORPORATE AND POWERS OF THE ORGANIZATION

7.1 SDASA:­

7.1.1 Shall exist in its own right independent from its members.

7.1.2 Shall continue to exist even when there is a change in its membership of office bearers.

7.1.3 Shall be a corporate body capable of suing or being sued in its own name.

7.1.4 Shall be capable for raising loans or funds and disburse same in accordance with the objects of this constitution.

7.1.5 Shall own property and dispose it as may be deemed appropriate.

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7.2 The Executive Committee (EXCO) has the power and authority to raise funds or to invite and receive contributions.

7.3 EXCO has the power to receive into membership any suitable applicant and to terminate such membership for a just cause as per the provisions of this constitution.

7.4 EXCO may exercise any power or authority that it believes it needs to be able to achieve the objectives stated in paragraph 8.

8. OBJECTIVES

8.1 To provide spiritual nurture, mental and social development to Adventist students in non-Adventist tertiary institutions.

8.2 To provide support to the church in Campus Ministries development initiatives and other church programs where SDASA's expertise is requested or called for.

8.3 To create a forum for the sharing of professional expertise, networking and utilisation of professional skills for the advancement of God's mission as understood and interpreted by the Seventh day Adventist Church.

8.4 To mobilize Adventist professionals for professional contribution to the church and community;

8.5 To provide a ministry that will address socio-economic and spiritual challenges confronting our society.

8.6 To promote Christian Education by encouraging SDA students to improve their devotional life by a close study of Scriptures and other devotional books.

8.7 To encourage SDA students to attend and/or train in SDA institutions where possible.

8.8 To assist SDA students attending Government or non-Adventist schools to overcome Sabbath problems when they arise, including being required to attend lectures or write examinations or tests on Sabbath (Saturday).

8.9 To establish contacts among SDA students and inculcate the spirit of fellowship with students from other institutions.

8.10 To motivate students to improve their standard of education for full-time denominational service.

8.11 To support the programs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the students in non-Adventist tertiary institutions.

8.12 To impart leadership skills to SDA students and professionals so that they are equipped to lead the church and the association to the glory of God.

8.13 To engage in evangelistic campaigns for the salvation of people, focusing on the three angels' message as understood and interpreted by the SDA church.

8.14 To enhance and uphold Christian values among the membership

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9. INCOME AND PROPERTY

9.1 SDASA shall keep an inventory of all equipment and property owned by it.

9.2 SDASA shall not pay its members or office bearers for their participation in the activities of the organisation, provided that reasonable compensation may be paid to any office bearer who incurs reasonable and necessary expenses on behalf of the organisation.

9.3 Notwithstanding clause 9.2 above, it shall be permissible for SDASA compensate any member or office bearer for service rendered on behalf of the organisation, where the management deems it appropriate and reasonable to do so.

9.4 Members or office bearers do not have any right or claim whatsoever over the property that is owned by the organisation.

9.5 SDASA shall raise money from annual membership fees, offerings and donations.

10. MEMBERSHIP

The following categories of people will qualify for membership within SDASA:­

10.1 Seventh-day Adventist Church members or adherents in regular standing.

10.2 SDA scholars at Grade 12 or its equivalence still continuing their formal education or studying by correspondence and are studying for a trade or profession, or are 18 years old, whichever is applicable.

10.3 Seventh-day Adventist denominational workers and Church Members who have an interest in the salvation of students at heart and the development of students, church and society.

10.4 Seventh-day Adventist Church members engaged in professional activities and holding a professional certificate, diploma or university degree in regular standing with the church and who have the interest in the salvation of students at heart and committed to the goals of SDASA.

11. ORDINARY MEMBERS

11.1 Any person who is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church still studying either full-time or part time or a professional or a person with an interest in academic development or non-Seventh-day Adventist member, above 18 years, who shares in the objectives of this organization, wishing to become a member of SDASA, may apply for membership with the local chapter of SDASA, which shall have powers to accept or reject such application.

11.2 Any application referred to (above), shall be accompanied by an amount of R50.00 or such other fee as the Executive Committee may determine from time to time.

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12. HONORARY MEMBERS

A deserving member of the church, SDASA or community may be nominated and accepted into membership under this category at an annual general meeting on the grounds of exceptional and sustained loyal service in furthering one or more of the objectives of SDASA.

13. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF THE SDASA

• Executive Committee of SDASA • Conference/Regional Chapter Executive Committee • Chapter Executive Committee

14. MANAGEMENT

14.1 Management of SDASA shall vest with the Executive Committee, which shall consist of no less than 10 members at any given time.

14.2 Office bearers will serve for a period of three years, but shall be eligible to stand for re-election for further terms. The office bearers and their duties, eligibility to hold office, election procedure, cessation of membership, local chapter membership and other incidental provisions, are incorporated by reference in the annexed schedule to this constitution.

14.3 Should a member of the Executive Committee fail to attend three consecutive meetings without Committee's leave of absence or just cause, his or her membership shall automatically lapse and the Executive Committee shall be empowered to nominate a new member in that member's place.

14.4 Minutes shall be taken at every meeting to record the Executive Committee's decision. The secretary will ensure that the minutes of each meeting are despatched to Executive Committee members at least two weeks before the next meeting. The minutes shall be confirmed as a true record of proceedings of the previous meeting by the next meeting of the Executive Committee, whereafter, the Chairperson shall sign them.

14.5 The organisation may from time to time, as the need arises, form such committees or sub- committee's, as it may deem appropriate.

14.6 All members of the organization shall abide by the decisions taken by the Executive Committee.

15. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF SDASA

a) Sponsor (SAU Adventist Youth Director-Permanent Guest to SDASA Executive) b) President c) Deputy President d) Secretary e) Deputy Secretary f) Treasurer (one of the Conference/Field Treasurers)

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g) Associate Treasurer h) SAU Education Director (as an ex-officio member of the EXCO) i) Campus Ministries Director j) Deputy Campus Ministries Director k) Sports and Culture Director I) Chapter Development Officer m) Constitutional Affairs Officer n) Education Officer 0) Three Honorary Executive Committee Members

16. DUrlES OF SDASA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

16.1 DUTIES OF EXCO

i) The main responsibility of the Executive Committee is to coordinate all the activities of SDASA.

ii) Executive Committee members automatically become ex-officio members of the local Chapter Committees

iii) To appoint any qualifying individual whenever a vacancy occurs and report at the next Annual General Meeting.

iv) To decide on the future of an Executive Committee member who has committed misconduct or who has acted irresponsibly and/or who neglects his/her duties to the detriment of the association in line with paragraph 33.2 and 33.3 of the Constitution.

v) To appoint the following or such other committees as may be deemed appropriate that will be operational during the end year conference:

• Finance Committee, • Disciplinary Committee, • Security Committee, • Catering Committee, and • Constitutional Committee

16.2 SPONSOR

The Sponsor shall be the advisor of the SDASA Executive Committee. He/she shall be responsible to conduct the elections. In the event that he is unavailable, he shall delegate this function to another person of his choice.

16.3 PRESIDENT

i) The President shall provide leadership and oversee the smooth running of the association and ensure that the objectives of the association are met. His/her responsibility will be to liase with the EXCO members and to receive regular reports on their fields of operation. He shall have the final responsibility for planning, directing and administering all activities of SDASA.

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ii) It shall be the duty of the President to preside at the Executive Committee and General Meetings, and to serve interests of SDASA as the Executive Committee may advise. He/she will be the direct contact between SDASA and the SAU Committee and shall be the official spokesperson for the Association.

iii) He/she is the ex-officio member of all other committees.

16.4 DEPUTY PRESIDENT

i) It shall be the duty of the Deputy President to assist the President, and in the President's absence discharge the duties of the President.

ii) He/she will also perform other duties and exercise such other powers as delegated by the President from time to time.

16.5 SECRETARY

i) The Secretary shall keep records and minutes of all proceedings of the Executive Committee and General Meetings, and perform such other duties as pertain to this office.

ii) He/she shall send articles to Church magazines/papers and the Press in consultation with the Executive Committee.

iii) The Secretary shall advertise and convene meetings and venues to the EXCO members and a copy of the agenda shall accompany such notice of the meeting.

iv) The Secretary shall ensure that there is effective and efficient communication throughout the organization and that members are kept abreast of all developments within the organization.

v) The Secretary shall maintain a live and up-to-date website.

16.6 DEPUTY SECRETARY

The Deputy Secretary shall assist the Secretary, and in his/her absence discharges the duties of the Secretary.

16.7 TREASURER

i) It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all funds belonging to the Organisation, and to disburse same in harmony with the actions of the Executive Committee/General Meetil1g, and to render financial statements at regular intervals or as requested by the Executive Committee.

ii) A banking account under the name of SDASA shall be opened by the Treasurer. There will be three authorised signatories of which two will sign at any given time. Two of the authorised signatories shall include the President and either the Treasurer or his/her associate

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iii) The Treasurer will be responsible for chairing the finance committee at the annual conference to ensure that funds are properly handled.

16.8 ASSOCIATE TREASURER

i) To assist and perform such duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Treasurer and/or Executive Committee.

ii) The Associate Treasurer shall prepare a budget for the annual conference not later than July of each year. In arriving at the conference fee, the budget shall reasonably estimate the costs of food, venue, excursion, and transport for guest speakers, and the total number of conference delegates.

iii) In the absence of the Treasurer, the Associate treasurer will take the responsibility of chairing the finance committee.

16.9 SDASA CAMPUS MINISTRIES DIRECTOR

i) It shall be the duty of the Campus Ministries Director to enlist the problems and needs of students in educational institutions and to attend to them. Further, to organise outreach programmes for the students within their campuses.

ii) The Campus Ministries Director shall ascertain the needs of students by liaising with recognised SDA student societies e.g. SDASM, where such organisations are in place or directly with students where no recognised student society exists.

iii) The Campus Ministries Department (CMD) of SDASA shall be run by the Director of the Campus Ministries and his/her Deputy.

iv) The CMD shall consist of the CMD Director, his/her Deputy and Chapter Campus Ministries Co-ordinator (CCMC) throughout Southern Africa Union Conference territory.

v) CMD Director will assist SDA societies within a specified geographical setting, hereinafter referred to as a region, to form regional forum and where such regional forum has already been formed, he will participate and/or assist in their activities and feed into the national forum.

vi) The CMD shall further the objectives of the association through active participation of students in the out-reach and in-reach programmes.

vii) CMD will participate and assist in the arranging of students' convention which is called once a year to discuss issues of common interest amongst students and share strategies to solve problems prevalent in the respective institutions.

viii) Isolated campuses not falling within any recognised SDASA Chapter shall be the responsibility of CMD Directorate.

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16.10 DEPUTY CAMPUS MINIISTRIES DIRECTOR

It shall be the duty of the Deputy Campus Ministries Director to assist the Campus Ministries Director and in his absence will discharge the duties of the Campus Ministries Director.

16.11 SPORTS AND CULTURE DIRECTOR

To plan, organise, promote, enhance and encourage sporting and cultural activities within the organisation and at Chapter level.

16.12 CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

To ensure that SDASA activities and objectives are realised and promoted within the respective Chapters. This includes, inter-alia, areas where SDASA has not yet had any influence.

• COO to develop chapter systems. • Encourage spiritual development of members. • Train and develop leaders. • Launch new chapters. • Nurture and strengthen new chapters. • Revive and expand existing chapters. • Promote SDASA's activities in respective chapters. • Encourage inter chapter activities. • Encourage the spirit of reporting among chapters. • Build relationships with all stakeholders relating to chapters.

16.13 CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

To co-ordinate any constitutional developments and/or changes which the organisation intends introducing to the constitution.

16.14 EDUCATION OFFICER

i) To co-ordinate and promote any education related activities which include, inter-alia, mock graduation, workshops during the end-year conference and within the respective Chapters.

ii) He/she will be responsible for the production of a SDASA Newsletter, SDASA Journal and other related publications. Further he/she will ensure that an archive and/or library for SDASA is realised. Together with the Secretariat, he/she shall establish an information technology unit of the organisation.

16.15 HONORARY SDASA EXCO MEMBERS

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Honorary SDASA EXCO members shall serve as Ex-officio members and further give advice where necessary to SDASA EXCO. They will also execute any special projects or responsibilities as will be allocated by EXCO.

17. TERM OF OFFICE OF SDASA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Officers shall serve a term of three calendar years and shall be elected at the time of the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice during the course of the year and on regular basis during the annual conference.

18. QUORUM

A quorum shall consist of 50% + 1 member provided that the following officers are part of the said quorum:

a) President and/or Deputy President b) Secretary and/or Deputy Secretary

19. CONFERENCE/REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Conference Executive Committee shall consist of the following portfolios: a) Sponsor (Conference Youth Director). b) Conference Chapter Leader. c) Deputy Chapter Leader. d) Secretary. e) Deputy Secretary. f) Treasurer. g) Campus Ministry Director. h) Chapter Development Officer.

20. DUTIES OF THE CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The main responsibility of the Conference Executive Committee is to coordinate the activities of the Chapter within that specific Conference. Conference Executive Committee members automatically become ex-officio members of local Chapter Executive Committees.

20.1 CONFERENCE CHAPTER LEADER

a) He/she shall provide leadership and oversee the smooth running of the chapters and ensure that the objectives of the chapter are met. His/her responsibility will be to liaise with EXCO members to receive regular reports on their fields of operation. He shall have the final responsibility for planning, directing and administering all activities of the Association.

b) It shall be the duty of the Conference Chapter Leader to convene and preside at the Executive Committee and General Meetings, and to serve the interest of SDASA as the Executive Committee may advise. The Conference Chapter Leader will be the direct contact and part of SDASA EXCO.

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c) He/she is the ex-officio member of all other Chapter committees.

20.2 DEPUTY CONFERENCE CHAPTER LEADER

a) It shall be the duty of the Deputy Chapter Conference Leader to assist the Conference Chapter Leader; and in his/her absence discharges the duties of the Conference Chapter Leader.

b) He will also perform other duties and exercise such other powers as conferred by the Conference EXCO from time to time.

20.3 SECRETARY

a) The Secretary shall keep records and minutes of all proceedings of the Executive Committee meetings; and to perform other such duties as pertain to this office.

c) The Secretary shall advise meetings to the Conference EXCO members and a copy of the agenda shall accompany such notice of the meeting

20.4 DEPUTY SECRETARY

The Deputy Secretary shall assist the Secretary; and in his/her absence discharge the duties of the Secretary.

20.5 TREASURER

a) It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all funds belonging to the organisation; and to disburse same in harmony with the actions of the Executive Committee/General meeting and to render financial statement at regular intervals or as requested by the Conference Executive Committee.

b) A separate banking account under the name of SDASA shall be opened by the Executive Treasurer.

21. OFFICE TERM FOR CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Officers shall serve a term of three calendar years and shall be elected at the time of the Mid-year Conference Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice during the course of the year.

22. QUORUM

A quorum shall consist of 50% + 1 members provided that the following officers are part of the said quorum;

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i) Conference Chapter Leader and/or Deputy Chapter Leader. ii) Secretary and/or Deputy Secretary.

23. CONFERENCE/FIELD YOUTH DIRECTOR

Conferences/Fields shall be an ex-officio member of the Regional Chapter Executive

24. LOCAL BODY· CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(a) A chapter shall be constituted by at least twenty (25) members within a defined geographical setting.

(b) A chapter shall be formally recognized once adopted by the SDASA National AGM.

25. DUTIES OF THE CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

25.1 CHAPTER LEADER

It shall be the duty of the Chapter Leader to preside at the Chapter Executive Committee Meetings, and to serve in the general interests of SDASA as the Chapter Executive may advise. The Chapter Leader shall organise and implement activities of spiritual, academic, and social upliftment of the members of the Chapter in that locality.

25.2 DEPUTY CHAPTER LEADER

It shall be the duty of the Deputy Chapter Leader to assist the Chapter Leader, and in his/her absence will discharge the duties of the Chapter Leader.

25.3 SECRETARY

It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep minutes of the Chapter Executive meetings and perform other such duties as pertaining to his/her office.

25.4 DEPUTY SECRETARY

It shall be the duty of the Deputy Secretary to assist the Secretary, and in his/her absences discharge the duties of the Secretary.

25.5 TREASURER

i) The Treasurer shall collect, keep and disburse the funds of the Chapter in a manner consistent with the wishes of the Chapter Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall open a separate Banking Account under the name SDASA.

ii) The Conference/Field shall have access to the financial documents of the Chapter. The Chapter Leader shall bear the responsibility of informing the local Conference/Field about the existence of the account.

25.6 CHAPTER ORGANISER

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It shall be the duty of the Organiser to help organise Chapter activities in conjunction with the Chapter Leader.

25.7 CHAPTER CAMPUS MINISTRIES COORDINATOR

i) CCMC will liaise with SDA student societies or students where no organized society exists, within local Chapter campuses to provide spiritual, mental and social nurture to the students in liaison with the CMD Director

ii) Each CCMC will regularly liaise and interact with the Director of CMD on activities of students within that particular chapter.

iii) CCMC shall invite or attend meetings of all campus chairpersons within his/her Chapter at least once a year to ensure that problems and needs of students are identified and taken care of.

26. OFFICE TERM FOR CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Officers shall serve a term of two calendar years and shall be elected at the time of the Mid-year Conference Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Executive Committee shall meet at least twice during the course of the year.

27. QUORUM

A quorum shall consist of the Chapter Leader, the Secretary and Treasurer.

28. DISTRICT DIRECTORS/PASTORS

District Directors/Pastors in a Conference/Field Church shall be Advisors of the Chapter Executive Committees, and shall act as ex-officio members.

29. THE ELECTION PROCEDURE

29.1 The election of SDASA EXCO will be conducted by the SAU Youth Director or his designee once in three years in a properly constituted Annual Business Meeting.

29.2 Each Chapter shall appoint three delegates to serve in the Nominating Committee.

29.3 Of the three delegates per chapter, only one delegate shall be allowed to vote.

29.4 SDASA EXCO members shall be elected through a secret ballot system.

29.5 Honorary Executive Members' shall be elected by the nominating committee subject to the following criteria:

i) expertise or experience in running the association ii) dedication to the growth and development of the Association

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30. THE ELECTION PROCEDURE FOR CONFERENCE CHAPTER OFFICERS

30.1 The election of Conference Chapter officers will be conducted once in three years in a properly constituted Mid-year Conference Annual General Meeting.

30.2 The AGM at the Mid-year Conference will consist of members from different Chapters within the Conference

30.3 Elections will be conducted by a member of EXCO authorised by EXCO or the President.

30.4 Conference officials shall be elected through a secret ballot system or a method acceptable to the majority of members.

30.5 The Conference Executive in conjunction with a designated EXCO member shall appoint any qualifying individual whenever a vacancy occurs and report at the next Annual General Meeting.

31. ELECTION OF CHAPTER OFFICERS

Each Chapter shall bi-annually elect, from its bona-fide members, office bearers and cause the names so selected to be sent to the Secretary of SDASA.

32. THE ELECTION PROCEDURE OF CHAPTER OFFICERS

32.1 The election of Chapter officers will be conducted once in two years in a properly constituted Mid-year Conference Annual General Meeting.

32.2 Elections will be conducted by a member of EXCO authorised by the SDASA Executive Committee or the President.

32.3 Chapter officials shall be elected through a secret ballot system or by show of hands provided that the majority has approved of such method at the AGM.

32.4 Whenever a vacancy occurs, the Chapter EXCO, in conjunction with the Assigned National or Conference EXCO member will appoint any individual deemed fit for the vacant position.

33. ELIGIBILITY TO HOLD OFFICE AS A MEMBER AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

33.1 Save as is otherwise indicated, leadership qualities, skills and regular standing requirements shall be the qualifications for the election of candidates to any of the Executive Committees.

33.2 Subject to Section (14.1), the people appointed shall be regular SDASA members, in regular standing, who have attended at least two conferences and, in the case of the President, Deputy President and Secretary, the candidate must have been a loyal and disciplined member of the SDASA Executive Committee before.

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34. CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP IN ANY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

34.1 Failure by an Executive Committee member to attend two consecutive meetings without just cause shall be an automatic ground for the lapse of membership in that Executive Committee.

34.2 Where it is apparent that an Executive Committee member is irresponsible and neglects his/her duties to the detriment of the association, the Executive Committee members may, by two-thirds (2/3) majority, vote for his/her termination from office.

34.3 If an Executive Committee member is guilty of misconduct in terms of Schedule 2, the Executive Committee members may vote by two-thirds (2/3) majority for his/her termination from office.

34.4 Proof to the effect that the EXCO member is no longer in regular standing in terms of the SDA Church Manual, shall be an automatic ground for the lapse of membership in that Executive Committee.

34.5 Resignation of the Executive Committee member by giving a written letter (of resignation) addressed to the Secretary of the relevant Executive Committee.

34.6 Becoming of unsound mind, as determined by a Professional Practitioner, or in any manner incapable of exercising the function of an Executive Committee member.

35. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING; SPECIAL MEETINGS AND PROCEDURES

35.1 An annual general meeting shall be held once every year, towards the end of the organisation's financial year.

35.2 The annual general meeting shall at least deal with the following business at its meetings: ­

a) Agree to the items to be discussed on the agenda.

b) Confirm apologies where indicated.

c) Confirm the previous meeting's minutes and deal with matters arising there­from.

d) Consider the chairperson's report and Audited Financial Statements

e) Consider amendments to the constitution where appropriate.

f) Elect new office bearers.

g) Any other business.

35.3 The President or at least three members of the Executive Committee may call a special meeting if required, provided that the notice of a special meeting is given

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to all members at least 21 days before such meeting is due to take place.

35.4 The notice of a special meeting should contain items for discussion and the reason for calling a special meeting.

35.5 Unless otherwise indicated, decisions shall be taken on a consensus basis and where consensus fails, the President shall call for a vote. Should there be an equality of votes; the President has the casting vote.

36. SDASA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

36.1 General

a) The SDASA AGM shall ordinarily be held in December at any suitable place agreed upon by SDASA EXCO. SDASA business, including but not limited to, presenting reports of the year's activities, spiritual, academic, physical and social activities will be conducted.

b) At any AGM, each Chapter shall send five (5) delegates to conduct SDASA business.

c) Delegates to the business session shall have full voting rights on any matter under discussion.

d) Observers' input shall be permissible in so far as it does not derail the progress of the meeting and on condition that they will not have any voting rights.

e) Chapters who have not paid their membership dues to EXCO shall not be eligible to seat as delegates at the AGM.

f) Voting by proxy shall not be allowed.

36.2 Attendance

The following shall be eligible to attend the AGM:

36.2.1 Current bona-fide members

36.2.1 Guests invited by the EXCO

a) Invited Guests shall have no voting rights.

36.3 The EXCO in collaboration with the local Chapter Officers shall appoint qualified individuals to serve as Counsellors at the time of the AGM, requiring that those selected be assigned and be responsible for certain named members attending the meeting.

37. QUORUM

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A quorum shall consist of 51 % of the qualifying Chapters as per clause 36.1 (e) above, attending the year-end conference or each Chapter's representative, whichever is applicable.

38. FINANCE

38.1 The Treasurer shall act as an accounting officer for funds and shall control the finances of the organization.

38.2 The Treasurer shall arrange for funds to be deposited in a bank account in the name of the organization. The Treasurer shall also keep proper records of all the finances and ensure that the funds are disbursed in accordance and in furtherance of the organization's policy.

38.3 The financial year of the organization starts on 1 January and ends on the 31 December of each year.

38.4 The organization's accounting records and books shall be audited by Independent auditors and such audited statements shall be submitted to the Director: Non-profit Organization with six months from the financial year-end.

38.5 If the organization has funds that can be invested, the funds may only be invested with registered financial institutions. These institutions are listed in section 1 of the Financial Institution (Investment of Funds) Act, 198.

38.6 Annual Year-End Conference Fees

a) The SDASA Executive Committee shall determine a conference fee to be charged to every member attending SDASA annual conference after due consideration of a budget for the annual conference.

b) All, but the categories of members listed in Schedule 1, shall be liable for the payment of the conference fee.

c) Each member or group of members who have paid the conference fee shall be issued with a receipt.

38.7 Financial Statements

a) Subject to ratification by the Executive Committee, the Treasurer shall cause financial statements to be published before the last business meeting of the annual conference, bearing the President's and his/her signature.

b) The Treasurer shall hand copies of the financial statement to the Chapter Leaders to share with their Chapter members.

38.8 Finance Committee

a) A Finance Committee, chaired by the Associate Treasurer shall be

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established in each year-end conference.

b) The role of this committee is to assist both the Treasurer and his/her Associate in ensuring that the following are realized; viz., financial performance of the organization, credit control, looking at options regarding fund raising, registration and general management of year-end conference financial processes.

c) Shall cause the establishment of the following sub-committees: food, accommodation, fund-raising and registration/budget.

38.9 Audit

The General Conference (GC) Auditors shall, where feasible, perform an audit of the organization's books provided that EXCO may determine any other suitable audit firm to perform such an audit where GC Auditors are unavailable. Audited financial report will be presented at the year-end conference AGM.

39. DISCIPLINE

39.1 The purpose of discipline is meant to be a corrective measure and to be deterrence against bad behavior.

39.2 A disciplinary committee comprising of three (3) members shall be established by SDASA EXCO for the year-end conference at their last EXCO meeting.

39.3 EXCO shall appoint the chairperson of this committee who will be the Presiding Officer.

39.4 These members could or could not necessarily be members of SDASA EXCO. Such members should have integrity, skills and experience in handling disciplinary cases.

39.5 An investigating officer will be appointed by the Deputy President as soon as a possible when an offence is reported. In case the DP is directly implicated in the case, the next senior person should take the responsibility of the DP.

39.6 Duties of the Investigating Officer

i) The investigating officer will investigate the reported offence to establish circumstances pertaining to the reported allegation within 24 hours after it was reported.

ii) He/she will present his report to the DC for their attention. He will thereafter be available during the proceedings of the disciplinary hearing to confirm and follow-up on the evidence presented.

39.7 Duties and obligations of the Disciplinary Committee shall be as follows:

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i) To give a fair hearing to the evidence presented by all participants;

ii) Pronounce the verdict based on evidence heard;

iii) Decide and pronounce the penalty in line with Schedule 2.

39.8 A verdict imposed to offenders will take into consideration the offender's record and the proportionality of the verdict to the offence committed.

(Possible verdicts are listed in Schedule 3 of this Constitution).

39.9 The member has right to appeal against the decision taken by the DC within 24 Hours to EXCO.

39.10 The Presiding Officer shall read the charge against the offender and ask him/her to plead to the charge.

39.11 Like the Presiding Officer, the Offender shall have the right to call his/her own witnesses and to cross-examine the Presiding Officer's witnesses.

39.12 The offender shall only appeal to EXCO if he/she is dissatisfied with the sentence imposed by the disciplinary committee.

39.13 The members of the disciplinary committee shall not be eligible to be members of an Appeal's Committee.

40. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

40.1 The constitution of the organization may be amended at a properly constituted meeting.

40.2 A written notice of proposed amendments must go out not less than 14 days before the meeting at which the amendments to the constitution shall be considered. The notice shall reflect the proposed amendment to the constitution.

40.3 No amendments may be made which would have an effect of making the organization cease to exist.

41. DISSOLUTION

41.1 The organization may be dissolved if at least two thirds majority of delegates in a properly constituted Annual General Meeting called for such purpose, vote in favour of such dissolution and the decision is ratified by the SAU.

41.2 At the dissolution of the organization as indicated in 43.1 above, any proceeds, property and monies remaining after all its debts and liabilities have been settled, shall be donated to an organization with similar objectives as may determined by a vote of the delegates at a meeting where such dissolution has occurred.

SCHEDULE 1

The following categories of persons shall be exempted from paying the conference fee: • Conference Guests

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• Invited Pastors • Kitchen Staff; and, • Security Personnel as determined by the Treasurer and ratified by EXCO • Executive Committee members who have attended the mid-year committee meeting

and their spouses.

SCHEDULE 2

The following are possible offences - although this list is not exhaustive: 1. Trespass: Conference Attendants found in rooms with members of the opposite sex during

prohibited times.

2. Failure to attend and remaining in attendance to all meetings and SDASA programmes.

3. Leaving Conference Premises without a written authority from the President or his nominee.

4. Drinking and Smoking: partaking in alcoholic and intoxicating beverages.

5. Incitement & Disobedience to Orders: inciting and participating in rebellious activities against authorities.

6. Assault: intentional and unlawful infliction of harm on the body of another shall constitute an offence of assault.

7. Fraud: consists in unlawful and intentional misrepresentation, which results in actual loss/damage or even potential loss.

8. Theft and unauthorised borrowing.

9. Ethnic or tribal utterances with a view to offend other tribal or ethnic groups.

10. Jewellery, make-up and wearing of pants during services by women and shorts by men.

11. Not being punctual and uncleanness.

12. Embezzlement of funds.

13. Carrying of dangerous weapons, drugs and any substance with narcotic effect.

14. Any act that borders on apostasy or that is perceived to be foreign to SDA principles will be subject to discipline

SCHEDULE 3

The following sentences, depending on the merits and demerits of each case, may be imposed:

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* Compensation - to be paid either in cash or in kind (apology). * Disqualification -from holding any position within the association. * Verbal warning. * Final Warning * Fine. * Suspension and/or expulsion from the conference.

It should be noted that if an individual has been subjected to a disciplinary enquiry during the conference, and consequently a penalty imposed, EXCO will have to advise the respective church of that individual coupled with a copy of same to his/her Chapter Leader (for information).

SCHEDULE 4

Each elected member to EXCO will have his/her membership verified with his/her Local Conference/Fields by SDASA Secretariat and where there is no evidence of regular membership, EXCO or Regional Conference Chapter or Local Chapter shall have the right to terminate the membership of that individual as an office bearer.

Seventh-Day Adventist Students Association

Adv. Boyce Mkhize

Date: \9. keJY\.be..r ~Oll

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