Constitution of the AFR
Act 2: NAME OF THE ORGANISATION
2.1 The name of the political party is African Freedom Revolution, referred as AFR.
African — Meaning all race living in peace accord, unity and enjoy equal benefit in South Africa.
Freedom — Meaning economic freedom, share wealthy of the land in a form of sharing skills and partnership in economy.
Revolution — Meaning destroying boundaries of apartheid system, racism, hatred, grudges, inequality and work towards unity and love.
Logo Colours and Symbolism:
Yellow - The yellow sun rising represents a new beginning for people of South Africa
Green - Represents the land in South Africa and how it will be shared amongst all South Africa Blue: The blue represents purity and fertility of our nation
.
Vision
AFR is committed to keep our nation safe and expanding opportunity for every South African.
MISSION STATEMENT
Is to defend and promote the values of human rights, and advance democratic change, rules of laws, and constitutionalism in Eritrea with the ultimate aim of building a society in which citizens exercise their basic right and live in peace, dignity and prosperity.
AFR IDEOLOGY
The African Freedom Revolution democratic sense of liberal refer to a social liberalism an ideology that seek a balance individual liberty, social justice and the common good. Social liberalism supports a market economy and expansion of civil rights of all South African citizens.
Act 3: AFR VALUES AND PRINCIPLES AFR VALUES
3.1 We believe that all South African people must live in harmony and have equal share in all
resources.
3.2 We believe in transparency and incorrupt government
3.3 We promote stability, moral regeneration and social cohesion.
3.4 We promote gender equity and an anti-racial society.
3.5 We believe in socio-economic transformation.
AFR Principles
Act 4: Aims and Objective
4.1 To build a strong foundation toward the unity for all the people of South Africa.
4.2 To build a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic country based on the principles of the Freedom Charter and in pursuit of the National Democratic Revolution.
4.3 To defend the democratic gains of all the people and to advance towards a society in which the government is freely chosen by the people according to the principles of universal suffrage on a common voters‘ roll;
4.4 To fight against social injustice and to finish the vast inequalities created by Apartheid and the system of national oppression;
4.5 To build a nation with a common patriotism and loyalty in which the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of the people is recognized;
4.6 To develop the economy for the benefit of the country
4.7 To stimulate the cause of children and women’s emancipation;
4.8 To contribute toward the development of world peace, disarmament and environmentally sustainable countries and communities.
4.9 To support and promote the employment opportunities for the youth and people living with. Disabilities
4.10. To protect Human Rights for all South African citizens.
Act 5: THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AFR
5.1 The AFR believes in a democratic liberation movement.
S.2 The AFR leadership is against corruption and leads with complete integrity.
5.3 The AFR also contests elections as a registered political party drawing its electoral support from all sections of South African society.
5.4 The AFR shall, in its composition and functioning, be democratic, non-racial and non-sexist and combat any form of racial, tribalistic or ethnic exclusivism or chauvinist.
5.5 While striving for the maximum unity of purpose and functioning, the AFR shall respect the linguistic, cultural and religious diversity of its members.
5.6 The AFR shall support the emancipation of women, combat sexism and ensure that the voice of women is fully heard in the Organisation and that women are properly represented at all levels.
5.7 The principles of freedom of speech and free circulation of ideas and information shall operate within the AFR.
5.8 Membership of all bodies of the AFR shall be open to all men and women in the Organisation without regard to race, colour or creed.
5.9 The AFR shall co-operate closely with religious bodies in the country and shall provide, on an interfaith basis, for the recognition of the spiritual needs of its many members who are believers.
Act 6: MEMBERSHIP OF THE AFR
6.1 Membership of the AFR shall be open to all South Africans from the age of 15 years, irrespective of race, coloMr and creed, who accept its principles, policies and programs and who are prepared to abide by its Constitution and Rules.
6.2 Applications for membership shall be considered by the Branch Executive Committee (where such exists) in consultation with the Branch General Meeting, and by the Regional Executive Committee, if no Branch Executive Committee exists. The Branch Executive Committee, the Regional Executive Committee, or such interim structures as the Provincial Executive Committee or the NEC may, from time to time, decide on applications, may accept or refuse any application for membership provided such acceptance or refusal is subject to review by the next higher organ of the AFR.
6.3 All persons not of South African origin who have manifested a clear identification with the South African people and their struggle and are resident in South Africa may apply for membership.
6.4 Membership cards shall be issued to a member whose membership application has been approved.
6.5 Provisional membership shall apply to persons who wish to join the Organisation for the first t time or who wish to rejoin the Organisation after a considerable lapse of time or circumstances as determined by the NEC.
6.6 Provisional membership rights commence from the date of production of acknowledgement following receipt of the application and the appropriate membership subscription. A provisional member may attend Branch meetings only in a non-voting capacity.
6.7 Any objection to any application for membership may be made by any member of the AFR to the Branch, Regional or Provincial Secretary within 3 (Three) months of the notification.
6.8 At any time before the individual is accepted as a full member of the Organisation, or in exceptional circumstances even after the member has been admitted, the Secretary General may rule that the application or the membership be rejected if it was obtained invalidly.
6.9 In the absence of any objection from the structures and/or any ruling by the Secretary General, the applicant shall, on the expiry of 3 (Three) months from the date of notification of Provisional membership, become a full member. The provisional member shall then be transferred to the national membership list as a full member as soon as is practicable.
6.10 The reasons for the rejection of an application for membership by the Secretary General or the objection to the application for membership must be sent to the individual applicant in writing.
6.11 Members shall pay an annual subscription fee as determined by the National Executive Committee.
6.11 Non-earning members or those on reduced incomes shall pay such fees as determined by the NEC.
6.12 On being accepted in the AFR, a new member shall, in a language he or she knows well, make solemn declaration to the body or person designated to administer such oaths: “I, [...], solemnly etc are, at I will abide by the Aims, and Objectives of African Freedom, Revolution as set out in the Constitution, the Freedom Charter and other duly adopted policy. positions, that I am joining the Organisation voluntarily and without motives of material advantage or personal gain, that I agree to respect the Constitution, and the structures and to work as a loyal member of the Organisation, that I will place my energies and skills at the disposal of the Organisation and carry out tasks given to me, that I will work towards making the AFR even more effective instrument of liberation the hands of the people, and that I will defend the unity and integrity, of the Organisation and its principles, and combat any tendency towards disruption and factionalism.”
6.13 Members who fail to pay their subscriptions for three months and having been reminded of their lapse by'instant messaging service (SMS) will not be regarded as members in good standing until they pay their arrears.
Act 7: RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE MEMBERS
7.1 Rights; A member shall be entitled to:
7.1.1 Take a full and active part in the discussion, formulation and implementation of the policies of the AFR;
7.1.2 Receive and impart information on all aspects of AFR policies and activities;
7.1.3 Offer constructive criticism of any member, official, policy programme or activity of the AFR within its structures;
7.1.4 Take part in elections and be elected or appointed to any committee, structure, commission or delegation of the AFR; and
7.1.5 Submit proposals or statements to the Branch, Province, Region or NEC, provided such proposals or statements are submitted through the appropriate structures.
7.1.6 The President of the AFR will be the last to make decisions for the Party and to take a ruling after much deliberation and thorough engagement from the Party.
7.1.7 The National Founders of the Organisation must be in their Office bearers for 15 years until the Organisation is well structured from ground consisting of a branch, sub regions, regions, provinces and National. The member will be removed only, if he/she put the party in disrepute or fail to resume their duties according to the expectation of the party or work against the decision of the party.
7.2 Duties; A member of the AFR shall:
7.2.1 Belong to and take an active part in the livelihood of his or her Branch;
7.2.2 Take all necessary steps to understand and carry out the aims, policies and programmes of the AFR;
7.2.3 Explain the aims, policies and programmes of the AFR to the people;
7.2.4 Deepen his or her understanding of the social, cultural, political and economic problems of the country;
7.2.5 Combat propaganda detrimental to the interests ot the AFR and defend the policies, aims and programme of the AFR;
7.2.6 Fight against racism, tribal chauvinism, sexism, religious and political intolerance or any other form of discrimination or chauvinism;
7.2.7 Observe discipline, behave honestly and carry out loyally the decisions of the majority and decisions of higher bodies;
7.2.8 Inform his or her Branch of movement of residence to any area outside his/her Branch and report to the Branch Secretary on arriving at the new area; and
7.2.9 Challenge, within the branch, any decision taken by the branch in breach of fair and just administrative procedure. Should the BEC fail, refuse or neglect to rectify any decision so take within 2 [two) months, a member shall be obliged to escalate his or her grievance to the REC and, failing resolution by that structure, to the PEC in an effort to resolve the dispute internally.
7.3 All members shall ensure that they are registered as voters in the constituency in which they live.
7.4 AFR members who hold elective office in any sphere of governance at national, provincial or local level are required to be members of the appropriate caucus, to function within its rules and to abide by its decisions under the general provisions of this Constitution and the constitutional structures of the AFR.
Act 8: GENDER AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
8.1 In an endeavour to reach the objective of full representation of women in all decision-making structures, the AFR shall implement a programme of affirmative action, including the provision of a quota of not less than 50% (fifty per cent) of women in all elected structures of the AFR to enable such effective participation.
8.2 The method of such implementation will be addressed in all AFR structures immediately and on a continuous basis.
Act 9: ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
9.1 The AFR consists of the following organs:
8.1.1 The National Conference which elects the National Executive Committee;
9.1.2 The Provincial Conference which elects the Provincial Executive Committee;
9.1.3 The Regional Conference which elects the Regional Executive Committee; AFR Constitution
9.1.4 The Branch Biennial General Meeting which elects the Branch Executive Committee.
9.2 Branches may be grouped together in zones and may, for the purposes of co-ordination, be subdivided into smaller units such as street committees, voting districts. Zones may be grouped into sub regions. Any Sub-Branch so established shall have the same voting powers as a Branch.
AFR WOMEN’S LIBERATION
9.3 Membership of the AFR Women’s Liberation shall be open to women who are members of the AFR and it has the same basic structures, namely, national, provincial, regional and Branch structures. Its objectives are to defend and advance the rights of women, both inside and outside the AFR, against all forms of national, social and gender oppression and to ensure that women play a full role in the life of the Organisation, in the people’s struggle and in national life. The AFR Women’s Liberation shall function as an autonomous body within the overall structure of the AFR, of which it shall be an integral part, with its own Constitution, rules and regulations, provided that these Shall not be in conflict with the Constitution and policies of the AFR.
AFR YOUTH LIBERATION
9.4 The AFR Youth Liberation shall be open to all persons between the ages of 14 (fourteen) and 35 (thirty five) years. It operates on a national, provincial and branch basis. Its objectives are to unite and lead young men and women in confronting and dealing with the problems that face the youth and to ensure that the youth make a full and rich contribution to the work of the AFR and the life of the nation. The AFR Youth Liberation shall function as an autonomous body within the overall structure of the AFR, of which it shall be an integral part, with its own Constitution, rules and regulations, provided that these shall not be in conflict with the Constitution and policies of the AFR.
9.5 Members of the AFR Youth Liberation over the age of 18 (eighteen) shall play a full part in the general political life of the AFR.
9.6 A member of the AFR Youth Liberation shall not be eligible for election to any position as office- bearer of the AFR or to attend AFR conferences, members’ or executive meetings of the AFR (unless specially invited).
Act 10: PROVINCES
10.1 For purposes of AFR structures, the country shall be divided into the following provinces, which shall be demarcated to correspond strictly to the provincial boundaries established in the South African Constitution:
10.1.1 Eastern Cape;
10.1.2 Free State;
10.1.3 Gauteng;
10.1.4 KwaZulu/Natal;
10.1.5 Limpopo;
10.1.6 Mpumalanga;
10.1.7 North West;
10.1.8 Northern Cape; and
10.1.9 Western Cape.
10.2 The provincial headquarters shall be determined by the Provincial Conference.
Act 11: THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE
11.1 The National Conference is the supreme ruling and controlling body of the AFR. It shall be comprised of:
11.1.1 Voting delegates:
11.1.2 At least 90% (ninety per cent) of the delegates at the Conference shall be from Branches, elected at properly constituted Branch General Meetings. The number of delegates per Branch shall be in proportion to their paid-up membership, and that each 8ranch in good standing shall be entitled to at least 1 (one) delegate;
11.1.3 The number of delegates to be allocated to each province to attend the National Conference
*shall be fixed by the NEC in proportion to the paid-up membership of each Province;
11.1.4 All members of the National Executive Committee shall attend, ex officio, as full participants in, and as delegates to, the Conference; and
11.1.5 The remainder of the voting delegates at the Conference shall be allocated by the NEC from among members of the Provincial Executive Committees, the AFR Youth Liberation and the AFR Women’s Liberation.
11.2 Non-Voting Delegates:
11.2.1 The NEC may invite individuals, who have made a special contribution to the struggle or who have special skills or experience, to attend the Conference.
11.3 The NEC shall appoint a Conference Preparatory Committee which shall circulate Conference information in advance, determine the precise procedure for the selection of delegates and indicate how the membership can then ensure that their concerns are on the agenda.
11.4 The Conference shall determine its own procedures in accordance with democratic principles.
11.5 Voting on key issues, as determined by Conference, shall be by secret ballot if at least one third of the delegates at the National Conference request it.
11.6 The National Conference shall be convened at least once every five years. National General Council
11.7 A National General Council may be convened by the NEC from time to time, provided that the NEC shall convene a National General Council not later than 30 (thirty) months after the National Conference.
11.8 The NEC shall, after consultation with Provinces, determine the composition of the National General Council.
11.9 The National General Council shall:
11.9.1 Receive and discuss reports of the NEC;
11.9.2 Have the right to ratify, alter or rescind any decision taken by any of the constituent bodies, units or officials of the AFR, accept the National Conference, including the evaluation of the performance of members of the NEC;
11.9.3 Have the power to discuss any issue it deems necessary, taking into account policies and directives of the National Conference.
Act 12: POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The National Conference shall:
12.1 Decide on and determine the policy, programme and Constitution of the AFR;
12.2 Receive and discuss the reports of the NEC which shall include the Presidential Address, the Secretary General’s Report, which shall include a report on the work and activities the AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation, and the Treasurer General’s Report;
12.3 Have the right and power to review, ratify, alter or rescind any decision taken by any of the constituent structures, committees or officials of the AFR;
12.4 Elect the President, the Deputy President, National Chairperson, the Secretary General, Deputy
+ Secretary General, the Treasurer General and the remaining 80 (eighty) additional members of the NEC; and
12.5 Have the power to elect or appoint any commission or committee and assign specific tasks and duties to such commission or committee.
Act 13: THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
13.1 The National Executive Committee is the highest organ of the AFR between National Conferences and has the authority to lead the organisation, subject to the provisions of this Constitution.
13.2 Without prejudice to the generality of its powers, the NEC shall:
13.2.1 Convene the National Conference and the National General Council and carry out the decisions and instructions of the National Conference and the National General Council;
13.2.2 Issue and send directives and instructions to and receive reports from the Provinces;
13.2.3 Supervise and direct the work of the AFR and all its organs, including national, provincial and local government caucuses;
13.2.4 Ensure that the Provincial, Regional and Branch structures of the AFR and the Leagues function democratically and effectively. (The NEC may suspend or dissolve a PEC where necessary.) The suspension of a PEC shall not exceed a period of 3 (three) months. The election of a PEC, which has been dissolved, shall be called within 9 (nine months) from date of dissolution. The NEC must appoint an interim structure during the period of suspension or the dissolution of the PEC to fulfil the functions of the PEC;
13.2.5 Oversee the work of the AFR Women’s League and the AFR Youth League;
13.2.6 Establish Departments and set up committees, ad hoc or permanent, as it considers appropriate, and to delegate powers and functions to such Departments and committees;
13.2.7 Manage and control all the national and international property and assets of the AFR;
13.2.8 Receive reports, supervise the work of and delegate such functions to the NWC, as it considers necessary;
13.2.9 Issue documents and other policy directives as and when it deems fit;
13.2.10 Confer such honours as it may deem appropriate;
13.2.11 Appoint annually a National List Committee of not fewer than 5 (five) and not more than 9 (nine) persons for the selection and adoption of candidates for Parliament. (The NEC shall draw up regulations for the procedures to be followed in such a selection. The National List Committee shall report to the NEC prior to the implementation of its recommendations. Provincial structures for the adoption of candidates shall report to the National List Committee);
13.2.12 Institute disciplinary proceedings against any member and temporarily suspend the membership of any member;
13.2.13 Have the power to institute and defend legal proceedings on behalf of the Organisation;
13.2.14 Appoint at least 6 (six) but not more that 10 (ten) members from among its membership and/or from other structures of the AFR, one of whom shall be designated as Chairperson, to constitute the National Disciplinary Committee;
13.2.15 Appoint at least 6 (six) but not more that 10 (ten) members from among its membership and/or from other structures of the AFR, one of whom shall be designated as Chairperson, to constitute the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal;
13.2.16 Appoint 4 (four) members as Presenters, one of whom shall be designated as Chief National Presenter, to investigate, represent and present the case of the AFR, from time to time, in any NDC and NDCA hearing;
13.2.17 Have the power to appoint a National Chaplaincy on an interfaith basis to provide spiritual guidance;
13.2.18 Have the power, in appropriate circumstances, to delegate any of its powers to the NWC, the Officials or Secretary General;
13.2.19 Take all steps necessary or warranted for the due fulfilment of the aims and objectives of the AFR and the due performance of its duties; and
13.2.20 The NEC may:
13.2.20.1 Convene a Policy Conference, as a recommendation-making body on any matter of policy, whenever it deems it necessary, but the NEC shall convene a National Policy Conference at least 6 (six) months before the National Conference to review policies of the AFR and to recommend any new or to amend any present policy for consideration by the National Conference; and
13.2.20.2 Sign deployment contracts with public representatives and recall any public representative.
Elections and composition of the NEC
13.3 The NEC, as a whole, shall not consist of less than 50% (fifty per cent) of women. The N except where otherwise stipulated, shall be elected by secret ballot by the National Conferen shall hold office for 5 (five) years and shall be constituted as follows:
13.3.1 The President, Deputy President, National Chairperson, the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and the Treasurer General who shall be elected separately by the National Conference;
13.3.2 80 (eighty) additional members of the NEC;
13.3.3 The Chairperson and the Secretary of each elected AFR Provincial Executive Committee who shall be ex-officio members of the NEC;
13.3.4 The President and Secretary General of the AFR Women’s League who shall be ex-officio members of the NEC;
13.3.5 The President and Secretary General of the AFR Youth League who shall be ex-officio members of the NEC;
13.3.6 The President and Secretary General of the AFR Veterans’ Liberation who shall be ex-officio members of the NEC; and
13.3.7 Not more than 5 (five) additional members that the NEC may co-opt at any time during its term of office in order to provide for a balanced representation that reflects the true character of the South African people.
13.4 Should a vacancy occur on the NEC for any reason, the NEC shall have the power to appoint a replacement.
13.5 The quorum for meetings of the NEC shall be 50% (fifty per cent) plus 1 (one) of its total membership.
13.6 A person must have been a member in good standing of the AFR for at least 10 (ten) years before she or he can be nominated for election to the NEC.
13.7 Voting shall take place by secret ballot. Each voting delegate shall vote once in each ballot.
13.8 Not less than 50% (fifty per cent) of the directly elected and co-opted members of the NEC shall be women.
13.9 Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General and the Treasurer General shall be full-time functionaries of the AFR.
13.10 The NEC shall meet in plenary session at least once every three months and shall provide broad political and organisational perspectives to the National Working Committee.
13.11 The NEC may invite any AFR member in good standing to attend its meetings. The number of invitees shall be limited by the NEC. An invitee may speak and participate at such meeting but shall not vote.
13.12 A member who is elected or co-opted to the NEC must resign from any executive position he or she holds as an office bearer in any lower structure in the AFR
Act 14: NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE
14.1 As soon as possible after the conclusion of the National Conference, the NEC shall meet a› elect a National Working Committee.
14.2 The National Working Committee shall be constituted as follows:
14.3 In addition, the NEC shall elect additional members to the NWC from among the directly elected members of the NEC. These shall not exceed one-quarter of the composition of the directly elected members.
14.4 The members of the NWC may not necessarily be full-time functionaries of the AFR. However, the NEC shall determine the extent to which the elected members shall be full-time functionaries who may be allocated specific responsibilities.
14.5 The AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation shall appoint one representative each to serve on the NWC.
14.6 Not less than 50% (fifty per cent) of the members of the NWC shall be women.
14.7 The NWC may invite any AFR member in good standing to attend its meetings. The number of invitees shall be limited by the NWC. An invitee may be given a specific assignment by the NWC, but may not speak on behalf of the NWC. An invitee may speak and participate at such meeting for the purpose for which he or she was invited but shall not vote.
14.8 The National Working Committee shall:
14.8.1 Carry out decisions and instructions of the NEC;
14.8.2 Conduct the current work of the AFR and ensure that Provinces, Regions, Branches and all other AFR structures, such as parliamentary caucuses, carry out the decisions of the AFR; and
14.8.3 Submit a report to each NEC meeting.
Act 15: THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
15.1 The NEC shall appoint an Electoral Commission of not fewer than 3 (three) members whose task it shall be:
15.1.1 To prepare the ballot papers,
15.1.2 To make provision for ballot boxes or other means of secret voting;
15.1.3 To create machinery for the counting of ballot papers and the effective supervision of the counting of votes;
15.1.4 To announce the results of all ballots and make known the number of votes received by each successful candidate; and
15.1.5 To establish procedures for voting and to determine any dispute raised in regard to elections and election procedures, and to determine how any tied vote should be resolved.
15.2 The names of members of the Electoral Commission, whose work it is to commence before the Conference opens, shall be submitted to the National Conference for endorsement and they shall then be complemented by a representative appointed by each Provincial and League delegation.
Act 16: THE NATIONAL FINANCE COMMITTEE
16.1 The NEC shall appoint the National Finance Committee
16.2 The NEC shall determine the composition and powers of the National Finance Committee.
16.3 The National Finance Committee shall report to the NEC at least twice a year on the finances and budget of the AFR.
Act 17: DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF OFFICIALS
The powers and duties of the individual members of the Officials are as set out below:
17.1 The President is the political head and chief directing officer of the AFR and the leader of the house at the National Conference or National General Council meetings. He or she shall:
17.1.1 Make pronouncements for and on behalf of the NEC, outlining and explaining the policy or attitude of the AFR on any question;
17.1.2 Present to the National Conference and National General Council a comprehensive statement of the state of the nation and the political situation generally.
17.1.3 Under the overall supervision of the NEC, orient and direct the activities of the AFR.
17.2 Deputy President shall assist the President, deputise for him or her when necessary and carry out whatever functions are entrusted to him or her by the National Conference, the National General Council, the President, the NWC or the NEC. He or she shall be an ex-officio member of the NWC.
17.3 In the event of death or permanent incapacity of the President or the Deputy President, the NEC shall, as soon as possible, appoint an Acting President until such time as the National Conference meets. Until such appointment is made.
17.4 The National Chairperson shall:
17.4.2 Preside over meetings of the National Conference, the National General Council, the NEC and the NWC;
17.4.3 Catry out such additional tasks or functions, as are entrusted to him or her, by the Conference, the Council, the NEC or the NWC.
17.5 In the absence or incapacity of the National Chairperson, the President will assume his or her functions.
17.6 The Secretary General is the chief administrative officer of the AFR. He or she shall:
17.6.1 Communicate the decisions of all national structures of the AFR on behalf of the NEC;
17.6.2 Keep the minutes of the National Conference, the National General Council, the NEC, the NWC, as well as other records of the AFR;
17.6.3 Conduct the correspondence of the NEC and the NWC and send out notices of all conferences and meetings at the national level;
17.6.4 Convey the decisions and instructions of the National Conference, the National General Council, the NEC and the NWC to the Provincial Executive Committees and see to it that all units of the AFR carry out their duties properly;
17.6.5 Prepare annual reports on the work of the NEC and the NWC and such other documents which may, from time to time, be required by the NEC and the NWC;
17.6.6 Present to the National Conference and National General Council a comprehensive statement of the state of the organisation and the administrative situation of the AFR.
17.7 In the absence of the President and the Deputy President, the Secretary General shall assume the functions of the President.
17.8 All Departments shall report on their activities and be accountable to the Secretary General.
17.9 The Deputy Secretary General shall assist the Secretary General, deputise for him or her, when necessary, and carry out the functions entrusted to the Secretary General by the National Conference, the National Council, the NEC, or the NWC and shall be an ex-officio member of the NWC.
17.10 The Treasurer General is the chief custodian of the funds and property of the AFR. He or she shall:
17.10.1 Receive and bank all monies on behalf of the NEC and shall, together with any 2 (two) members of the NEC, open and operate a banking account;
17.10.2 Keep such books of account as may be necessary to record accurately the financial position of the AFR;
17.10.3 Submit to the National Conference a report showing the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet of the AFR for the period since the previous National Conference, and shall submit periodic reports to the NEC and the NWC;
17.10.4 is responsible, with the National Finance Committee, for working out and executing plans for fund raising;
17.10.5 Present to the National Conference and National General Council a comprehensive statement of the state of the finances of the AFR.
Act 18: PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE
18.1 Subject to the decisions ot the National Conference and the National General Council, and the Overall guidance of the NEC, the Provincial Conference shall be the highest organ of the AFR in each Province.
18.2 The Provincial Conference shall:
18.2.1 Be held at least once every 4 (four) years and more often if requested by at least one third of all Branches in good standing in the Province.
18.2.2 Be composed of:
Voting delegates as follows:
18.2.2.1 At least 90% (ninety per cent) of the delegates at the Conference shall be from Branches, elected at properly constituted Branch General Meetings. The number of delegates per Branch shall be in proportion to their paid-up membership, provided that each Branch in good standing shall be entitled to at least 1 (one) delegate.
18.2.2.2 All members of the Provincial Executive Committee shall attend ex-officio as full participants in and as delegates to the Conference.
18.2.2.3 The remainder of the voting delegates at the Conference shall be from among members the AFR Youth Liberation and the AFR Women’s Liberation, as allocated by the PEC.
Non-voting delegates
18.2.2.4 The PEC may invite individuals, who have made a special contribution to the struggle or who have special skills or experience, to attend the Conference. In addition, the PEC shall permit representation as non-voting delegates to structures, which do not have the minimum requirement to form a Branch.
18.2.2.2 The Provincial Conference shall:
Appoint a Conference Preparatory Committee which shall circulate Conference information in advance, determine the procedure for the selection of delegates and indicate how the provincial membership can ensure that their concerns are on the agenda;
18.2.2.6 Determine its own procedures in accordance with democratic principles and practices;
18.2.2.7 Vote on key questions by secret ballot if at least one third of the delegates at the Provincial Conference request it; and
18.2.2.8 Vote for the election of the PEC by secret ballot. Each voting delegate shall vote once in each ballot.
18.3 The Provincial Conference shall:
18.3.1 Promote and implement the decisions and policies of the National Conference, the National General Council, the NEC and the NWC;
18.3.2 Receive and consider reports by the Provincial Executive Committee, which shall include the Chairperson’s address, the Secretary’s report, which shall include a report on the work and activities of the AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation in the Province, and the Treasurer’s report;
18.3.3 Elect the Provincial Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer and the 30 (thirty) additional members of the Provincial Executive Committee, who will hold office for four (4) years.
(The Provincial Secretary shall be a full-time functionary of the Organisation);
18.3.4 Carry out and develop the policies and programmes of the AFR in the Province;
18.3.5 Have the right and power to review, ratify, confirm, alter or rescind any decision taken by any of the constituent structures or officials of the AFR in the Province; and
18.3.6 Have the power to elect or appoint any commission or committee and assign specific tasks and duties to such commission or committee.
18.4 A member elected to the PEC shall resign from any position held in a lower structure in the AFR.
Act 19: THE PROVINCIAL GENERAL COUNCIL
19.1 A Provincial General Council shall be convened between Provincial Conferences.
19.2 The PGC shall meet at least once a year. A PGC shall, on good cause shown, be convened by the PEC upon the request of one-third of Branches in the Province. Composition.
19.3 The PGC shall consist of all members of the PEC and delegates representing Branches in proportion to their membership, with a minimum of 1 (one) delegate per Branch.
PECs. The REC shall be appropriately represented as determined by the PEC. Powers and duties of the PEC or REC???
19.4 The PGC may discuss and decide any issue it deems necessary, including any matter brought before it by the PEC, and may decide on any matter falling within its competence, subject always to the policies and directives of the National Conference, the National General Council, the Provincial Conference and the NEC.
Filling of vacancies.
19.5 The PGC may fill any vacancy on the PEC, provided that the filling of vacancies does not exceed 50% (fifty per cent) of the membership of the PEC.
Act 20: PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Authority
20.1 The PEC is the highest organ of the AFR in a Province between Provincial Conferences and has the authority to lead the Organisation in the province, subject to the provisions of this Constitution. Composition
20.2 The elected members shall consist of the Provincial Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer and not more than 30 (thirty) other persons elected by the Provincial Conference.
20.3 A person must have been a member in good standing of the AFR for 7 (seven) MONTHS before she or he can be nominated to a Provincial Executive Committee of the AFR.
20.4 Each Region in the Province shall be equally represented in the PEC, by the Chairperson and/or the Secretary, as determined by the PEC, with ex-officio status, provided that the number of regional representatives on the PEC does not exceed the number of elected members of the PEC.
20.5 The AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation in the Province shall be represented by the Chairperson and Secretary of the respective Leagues in the PEC with ex-official Status.
20.6 The PEC may co-opt not more than 3 (three) persons, in order to provide for a balanced representation that reflects the true character of the South African people.
20.7 The PEC may invite any AFR member in good standing to attend its meetings. The number of invitees shall be limited by the PEC. An invitee may be given a specific assignment by the PEC but may not speak on behalf of the PEC. An invitee may speak and participate at such meeting but shall not vote.
Powers and duties
20.8 The PEC shall:
20.8.1 Meet as soon as possible after its election to elect the Provincial Working Committee and thereafter meet at least once a month;
20.8.2 Carry out the policies and programmes of the AFR in the Province and do all things necessary to further the interests, aims and objectives of the Organisation;
20.8.3 Carry out the decisions and instructions of the Provincial Conference, the PGC, the NEC and the NWC;
20.8.4 Provide broad political and organisational perspectives to the Provincial Working Committee. (For this purpose it shall receive reports, supervise the work of and delegate such functions to the PWC, as it considers necessary);
20.8.5 Manage and control the funds and assets of the AFR in the Province;
20.8.6 Submit reports to the NEC, the Provincial Conference and the Provincial General Council, as often as is required, on the state of the organisation, the financial position of the Province, and such other matters as may be specified;
20.8.7 Supervise and direct the work of the AFR and all its organs in the Province, including the AFR provincial and local government caucuses;
20.8.8 Develop and implement social cohesion programmes;
20.8.9 Audit the functioning of branches and take remedial action;
20.8.10 Oversee the work of the AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation in the Province;
20.8.11 Ensure that the Provincial and Regional Branch, and other structures of the AFR in the Province function democratically and effectively. In this regard, the PEC is empowered:
20.8.11.1 To organise, establish and service Branches in the Province and supervise the work of the Regions in the Province;
20.8.11.2.2 To suspend, dissolve and re-launch Branch Executive Committees and Regional Executive Committees where necessary, subject to any directives from the Provincial Conference.
20.8.11.2.1 A suspension of a BEC shall not exceed a period of 1 (onej month. During this period, the PEC shall, pursuant to an investigation, either lift the suspension or dissolve the BEC;
Act 21: PROVINCIAL WORKING COMMITTEE Composition
21.1 The Provincial Working Committee (PWC) shall consist of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Treasurer of the Province and the Chairperson or Secretary of the AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation in that Province and not less than one quarter of its directly elected members. The PEC shall elect the additional members of the PWC from amongst the directly elected additional members of the PEC.
21.2 Not less than 50% (fifty per cent) of the members of the PWC shall be women. Powers and duties
21.3 The PWC shall:
21.3.1 Carry out decisions and instructions of the Provincial Conference, the NEC and the PEC;
21.3.2 Conduct the current work of the AFR in the Province and ensure that Regions, Branches and all other AFR structures, such as parliamentary caucuses, carry out the decisions of the AFR; and
21.3.3 Submit a report to each PEC meeting.
21.4 The PWC shall meet as often as is necessary, but at least once every two weeks Invitees
21.5 The PWC may invite any AFR member in good standing to attend its meetings. The number of invitees shall be limited by the PWC. An invitee may be given a specific assignment by the PWC but may not speak on behalf of the PWC. An invitee may speak and participate at such meeting for the purpose for which he or she was invited, but shall not vote.
Act 22: REGIONS
22.1 The PEC, under the supervision of the NEC, shall divide the Province into regions for the more efficient and democratic functioning of the AFR.22.2 Provincial Regions shall be demarcated to correspond strictly to district and metro municipal boundaries in each Province. Regional Conference
22.3 Each Region shall hold a Regional Conference once every 3 (three) years.
22.4 The Regional Conference shall be composed of:
Voting delegates as follows:
22.4.1 At least 90% (ninety per cent) of the delegates at the Conference shall be from Branches in the Region, elected at properly constituted Branch General Meetings. The number of delegates per Branch shall be in proportion to their paid-up membership, ensuring that each Branch in good standing shall be entitled to at least 1 (one) delegate.
22.4.2 All members of the Regional Executive Committee shall attend ex-officio as full participants in and as delegates to the Conference.
22.4.3 The remainder of the voting delegates at Conference shall be from among members of the AFR Youth Liberation and the AFR Women’s Liberation.
Non voting delegates
22.4.4 The REC may invite individuals, who have made a special contribution to the struggle ot who have special skills or experience, to attend the Conference. In addition, the REC shall permit representation as non-voting delegates to structures, which do not have the minimum requirement to form a Branch.
22.5 The Regional Conference shall:
22.5.1 Promote and implement the decisions and policies of the PGC, the PEC and the PWC;
22.5.2 Receive and consider reports by the Regional Executive Committee, which shall include the Chairperson's address, the Secretary’s report, which shall include a report on the work and activities of the AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation in the Province, and the Treasurer’s report;
22.5.3 Elect the Regional Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer and 20 (twenty) additional members who shall hold office for 3 (three) years. In addition the Chair and Secretary of the AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation in that Region shall be ex-officio members of the Regional Executive Committee.
A person must have been a member of the AFR for at least 5 (five) years before he or she can be nominated to a Regional Executive Committee of the AFR. The Regional Secretary shall be a full- time functionary of the AFR.
22.6 Each Branch in good standing within a Region shall be entitled to send delegates to the Regional Conference in proportion to its members.
22.7 A member elected to the REC shall resign from any position held in a lower structure in the AFR.
22.8 There shall be at least one Regional Council Meeting in the course of each year with each Branch being entitled to send at least one delegate. Additional Regional Council meetings may be Convened by the Regional Executive Committee or the PEC or at the request of at least one third of the delegates. Powers of REC 22.9 The REC shall be accountable to the PEC for its functioning.
22.10 The powers of the REC are those as may be delegated to it by the PEC. In addition, the REC may, subject to the directions and instructions of the PEC, exercise the following powers:
22.10.1 Meet as soon as possible after its election to elect the Regional Working Committee and thereafter meet as and when necessary but at least once a month; 22.10.2 Carry out the policy and programme of the AFR in the Region and do all things necessary to further the interests, aims and objectives of the Organisation;
22.10.3 Carry out the decisions and instructions of the Provincial Conference, the Provincial General Council, the PEC, the Regional Conference and the Regional Council;
22.10.4 Provide broad political and organisational perspectives to the Regional Working Committee. It shall further receive reports, supervise the work of and delegate such functions to the RWC, as it considers it necessary;
22.10.5 Manage and control the funds and assets of the AFR in the Region;
22.10.6 Submit reports to the PEC, the Regional Conference and the Regional General Council, as often as is required, on the state of the Organisation, the financial position of the Region and such other matters as may be specified;
22.10.7 Request and receive reports from the Branches and other substructures in the Region;
22.10.8 Supervise and direct the work of the AFR and all its organs in the Region, including the AFR local government caucuses;
22.10.9 Recommend to the PEC the suspension or dissolution of a BEC, a Zone Committee or a Sub-Regional Committee; and
22.10.10 Monitor the work of branches in the building of stable communities and the establishment of street committees and alliance relationships with community-based organisations and provide logistical support to branches to achieve these objectives.
22.11 The REC may co-opt no more than 2 (two) persons, in order to provide for a balanced representation that reflects the true character of the South African people.
22.12 Not less than 50% (fifty per cent) of the directly elected and co-opted members of the REC shall be women Invitees
22.13 The REC may invite any AFR member in good standing to attend its meetings. The number of invitees shall be limited by the REC. An invitee may be given a specific assignment by the REC but may not speak on behalf of the REC. An invitee may speak or participate at such meeting but may not vote.
22.14 The Regional Working Committee
22.14.1 The Regional Working Committee (RWC) shall consist of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Oeputy Secretary and Treasurer of the Region and not less than one quarter of its directly elected members plus officials, including the Chairperson or Secretary of the AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation in that Region. The REC Shall elect the RWC from among the directly elected additional members of the REC.
22.14.2 The RWC shall:
22.14.2.1 Carry out decisions and instructions of the NEC, PEC, REC, the Regional Conference and the Regional General Council;
22.14.2.2 Conduct the current work of the AFR in the Region and ensure those Branches and all other AFR structures, such as municipal council caucuses, carry out the decisions of the AFR; and
22.14.2.3 Submit a report to each REC meeting. Meetings and representation
22.15 The RWC shall meet as and when necessary but at least every two weeks.
22.16 Not less than 50% (fifty per cent) of the members of the RWC shall be women Invitees
22.17 The RWC may invite any AFR member in good standing to attend its meetings. The number of invitees shall be limited by the RWC. An invitee may be given a specific assignment by the RWC but may not speak on behalf of the RWC. An invitee may speak and participate at such meeting for the purpose for which he or she was invited but may not vote.
Act 23: PROVINCIAL CHAPLAINCIES
23.1 Provincial Chaplains may be appointed by the PEC on the same basis as the National Chaplaincy.
Act 24: BRANCHES, ZONAL AND SUB-REGIONAL STRUCTURES
24.1 Every member of the AFR shall belong to a Branch, which is the basic structure of the Organisation.
24.2 The Branch shall:
24.2.1 Be registered with the PEC and have a minimum of 100 (one hundred) members, provided that the PEC may confer special recognition, where due to exceptional circumstances, the Branch has fewer than 100 (one hundred) members;
24.2.2 Meet as provided for in the rules and regulations, at least once every 2 (months) in a branch general meeting;
24.2.3 is the place where members exercise their basic democratic rights to discuss and formulate Policy:
24.2.4 Be the basic unit of activity for members.
24.3 Branches covering an extensive geographical area, or in respect of which some special circumstance exists, may divide into smaller manageable sub-branches or units. Such sub-branches or units shall only be used as a co-coordinating and administrative tool by the Branch and shall not possess any decision-making powers. These units shall operate on the basis of acceptable democratic principles and practices.
4.4 Not less than 50% (fifty per cent) of the directly elected and co-opted members of the BEC shall be women.
24.5 The quorum for a Branch Meeting, including Annual Branch meetings or any other Branch meetings where the Branch makes nominations of candidates for elections within the AFR or for public representatives or takes decisions relating to policy matters, shall be 50% (fifty per cent) plus 1 (one) of the total paid-up members of the Branch.
24.6 The Branch Executive Committee (BEC) shall:
24.6.1 Meet as soon as possible after its election and allocate tasks and functions among its members to enable it to carry out the day-to-day activities of the Branch;
24.6.2 Carry out the publicity and organisational work in its area in furtherance of the policies, programmes and decisions of the AFR;
24.6.3 Meet at least once per fortnight and meet with the community bi-monthly in the respective wards;
24.6.4 Submit reports on its work to the Branch meeting and at least each month to the Regional Executive Committee;
24.6.5 Co-opt not more than 3 (three) persons, if it considers it necessary, to ensure greater representivity.
24.7 The quorum for each meeting of the Branch Executive Committee shall be 50% (fifty percent) plus 1 (one) of the total BEC membership.
24.8 The duties of the BEC at community meetings shall be:
24.8.1 To identify basic service needs and grievances of residents in the community;
24.8.2 To enter into collaborative partnerships with civic, sport, cultural, religious, business, women and youth organisations in the community with a view to forming a common front to accelerate the delivery of basic services;
24.8.3 To initiate the formation of street committees in urban areas to deepen democracy and to safeguard the personal security of residents;
24.8.4 To foster trust and cross-cultural relations among residents in an endeavour to build stable communities; and
24.8.5 To receive and consider reports from ward councillors and make recommendations to councillors on basic service needs and other challenges of residents. Zone structures and sub-regions.
24.9 The PEC, under the guidance of the NEC, must establish Sub-Regions within a Region. Sub- Regions shall be demarcated to correspond strictly with B-type or metro sub-council municipal boundaries, depending on their location, with similar arrangements and powers that apply to Zones.
24.10 Any 3 (three) or more Branches within a Region for the purpose of co-ordinating activities and better organisational efficiency, shall be formed into a Zone at the instance of the Regional Executive Committee after consultation with the relevant Branches, or on application to the PEC, by at least 2 (two) Branches within an area of a proposed Zone.
24.11 Whenever a Sub-Region or Zone has been established, the Branch Executive of constituent Branches, within that Sub-Region or zone, shall at a properly convened meeting elect a Sub-Regional or Zone Committee, as the case may be, consisting of a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer and five (5) additional members elected from constituent Branches in a meeting convened every two (2) years for that purpose.
24.12 Not less than 50% (fifty per cent) of the members of the Sub-Regional Committee and the Zone committee shall be women.
24.13 Where Sub-Regional or Zone structures of the AFR Women’s Liberation and the AFR Youth Liberation exist, they shall be represented by 1 (one) member each, subject to the same provisions relating to the requirement for AFR membership.
24.14 The tasks of a Sub-Regional or Zone Committee shall include the following:
24.14.1 To meet at least once a month;
24.14.2 To co-ordinate the work and activities of the constituent Branches and submit reports to the REC;
24.14.3 To see to the implementation of the instructions of the NEC, the PEC, the PWC or the REC in the Sub-Region or Zone;
24.14.4 To participate in the work of the Regional Council; and
24.14.5 To maintain effective links with all Branches in the Sub-Region or Zone.
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