We are committed to create a society based on the following. We assert the right of every person to:
7.1 Participate in a democratic system of governance.
7.2 Free speech, freedom from censorship, access to information, freedom of association and political activity co-dependant on the right of every person to be protected from harm.
7.3 Adequate and suitable health care, a safe vital environment and quality of life.
7.4 An education with sensitivity for people, culture and nature, relevant to South Africa, accessible and open to all, free from any ideological bias or imposition from the state or any other group.
7.5 Freedom from prejudice due to age, gender, sexuality, Sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, culture, personal beliefs, predilections, conscience, attire, appearance, economic status, intellectual or physical ability.
8 OBJECTIVES
8.1 Campaign for an environment conducive to intellectual, physical and spiritual development.
8.2 Promote good relations between members and the public.
8.3 Advance the ethical standing of the Gauteng Green Party, that Gauteng Green Party members be treated with respect and dignity, and participate in decisions concerning their lives.
8.4 Promote concern for all beings, species, eco-systems, and natural materials in the interest of a just and fair society free of abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
8.5 Confront economic, social, political and environmental inequities in our society.
8.6 Build and strengthen the Gauteng Green Party.
8.7 Initiate awareness of Social-Environmental issues, indigenous cultures, appropriate technologies and healing arts.
8.8 Cooperate with any individual(s) or organization(s) to further the above clauses.
9 FUNCTIONS
9.1 Campaign for any beings, species, ecosystems, or natural materials, in any appropriate manner.
9.2 Promote a holistic view of the inter-relationship of all beings, species and natural materials.
9.3 Highlight appropriate issues to the public.
9.4 Initiate and provide democratic, effective and positive leadership.
9.5 Participate, and have an appropriately substantive say, in structures that make decisions impacting on members.
9.6 Ensure that participatory democratic principles and practises are pursued within the Gauteng Green Party
9.7 Campaign for the same participatory principles and practices to be pursued in society generally.
9.8 Monitor the Selection of Admin Collective Members, Candidates and PR Councillors.
9.9 Facilitate matters concerning meetings, collections, petitions and protests organised by Gauteng Green Party members.
9.10 Inform as many Gauteng Green Party members as possible of the activities of the Gauteng Green Party.
9.11 Deliver regular progress reports to Gauteng Green Party members.
9.12 Fundraise for the Gauteng Green Party.
9.13 Fund community initiatives in line with the Gauteng Green Party visions, principles and financial policy, as and when agreed to by a Public or Members Meeting.
10 POWERS
10.1 Hold members, groups and committees accountable to the collective membership of the Gauteng Green Party.
10.2 Exercise jurisdiction or withdraw membership in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.
10.3 Control the use of the name, motto and symbols of the Gauteng Green Party
10.4 Assess reports and functioning of committees and members, and make any changes as and when required.
10.5 Administer all funds for use by Gauteng Green Party members as herein provided.
10.6 Take the actions necessary to advance the aims, objectives and policies of this constitution.
10.7 Appoint any special commission for investigating and reporting on any matter connected with the work of the Gauteng Green Party.
11 MEETINGS
11.1 Public Meetings
11.1.1 One or more Public Meetings may be held each year for a Report on Finance, a report on progress regarding the Programme of Action, and Selection of Admin Collective Members, Candidates or PR Councillors.
11.1.2 Admin collective must convene Public Meetings. Any report or motion to such Public Meetings must be given to the Admin Collective Administrator to be put on display, with a copy of the agenda, before the Public Meeting.
11.1.3 Notice of Public Meetings must be given at least seven (7) days before the Public Meeting.
11.1.4 Anyone attending may vote at a Public Meeting.
11.2 Members Meetings
11.2.1 Admin collective must convene a Members Meeting when at least three (3) Gauteng Green Party members of good standing petition it to do so. The petition must state the matter to be discussed. The petition is to be put on display before the Members Meeting.
11.2.3 Notice of Members Meetings must be given to all Gauteng Green Party members at least seven (7) days before the start of the Meeting.
11.2.4 Only Gauteng Green Party members may vote at a Members Meeting.
11.3 The minutes of any Public or Members Meeting must be displayed at the following Admin Collective Meeting, Public and Members Meetings.
11.4 A referendum must be held upon the resolution of; an Admin Collective, a Public Meeting, or a Members Meeting calling for that action.
11.5 Quorum The quorum of any Public or Members Meeting consists of 50% of, the total number of Gauteng Green Party members less any who gave apologies. If the Meeting has not obtained a quorum within thirty minutes, this must be announced. That Meeting will recommence within one month without the requirement of a quorum. Anyone who is absent from both the initial and reconvened Meetings without apologies can lose their Gauteng Green Party membership.
11.6 Facilitator Admin Collective may appoint a Facilitator or Chairperson for any Meeting.
12 ADMIN COLLECTIVE MEETINGS
12.1 Admin Collective must convene regular Meetings as required.
12.2 An Admin Collective Meeting must be convened on request of any Gauteng Green Party member.
12.3 No less than half (1/2) of the Admin Collective Members plus Councillors is a quorum, if that is not less than three (3) Admin Collective Members. If there is no quorum at an Admin Collective Meeting, the Admin Collective stands adjourned and reassemble within ten (10) days. The Gauteng Green Party members then present form a quorum.
12.4 Any Gauteng Green Party member may attend Admin Collective Meetings, take part in any discussion and be invited to participate in the consensus decision-making; avoiding marginal decisions that may lead to substantial disagreement.
12.5 Admin Collective Meeting minutes are displayed at the following Admin Collective Meetings. 12.6 At all times Admin Collective must consist of no less than three (3) members. At any time that the Admin Collective falls below three, the required members must be co-opted to the Admin Collective until Selection is completed.
13 ADMIN COLLECTIVE CODE OF CONDUCT Powers, duties and functions. It is necessary for and the obligation of Admin Collective Members and Councillors to:
13.1 Effect policy without prejudice.
13.2 Be accountable as noted in this constitution; individual Admin Collective Members and Councillors are accountable to the Admin Collective as a whole; Admin Collective in turn is accountable to the Gauteng Green Party as a whole;.
13.3 Help other Gauteng Green Party members and treat all Gauteng Green Party members equally and fairly, and deal with any opinions, complaints or grievances brought to their attention.
13.4 Not use their position to pursue their own gains or further the private interests of their friends. Not use their position to give any advantage to any other organisation to which they belong or favour.
13.5 Not give official statements on behalf of the Gauteng Green Party without the Gauteng Green Party's Admin management committee's prior consent.
13.6 Not represent The Gauteng Green Party in any formal manner.
13.7 Use their initiative to fulfil their portfolios to the best of their ability.
13.8 Devote as much time and effort as necessary to deal properly with any Gauteng Green Party matters.
13.9 Attend Admin Collective Meetings regularly, assist with internal administration and also assist in drawing up and carrying out resolutions on political issues, i.e. fulfill both the management and leadership responsibilities.
13.10 Participate in various structures relevant to their portfolio, in dealings with the public, NGOs, CBOs, political parties and Government bodies.
14 ADMIN COLLECTIVE COMPOSITION
Admin Collective consists of volunteer Gauteng Green Party members, unless the Admin Collective decides to have a selection of any of its Portfolio holders.
14.1 Admin Collective must function together, no hierarchy is implied by using portfolios or by the order in which they are listed. New portfolios may be proposed or existing portfolios changed as required.
14.2 Portfolios may be filled voluntarily, by consensus or after each Selection by Gauteng Green Party members. There is no compulsion to fill any portfolio. Multiple Portfolio holders can be appointed to a single position if necessary.
14.5 Admin Collective may provide for the following portfolios: Administrator, Chairperson, Cultural Campaigner, Empowerment Coordinator, Liason Officer, Media Manager, Publicity Spokesperson, Secretary, Treasurer,
14.6 The duties of any unfilled portfolio must be carried out collectively by the remaining Admin Collective Members.
14.7 The scope of each portfolio should be developed responsibly and accountably, to the fullest extent of the abilities of each particular portfolio holder.
14.8 The following portfolio definitions are mandates for the portfolio holder concerned.
15 ADMIN COLLECTIVE PORTFOLIOS
15.1 Liaison Officer
15.1.1 Facilitate communication between Gauteng Green Party members and similar supporters in other communities.
15.1.2 Facilitate communication between the Gauteng Green Party and bodies that research or make decisions impacting on environments, ecologies, communities and the economy.
15.1.3 Bring to the notice of Admin Collective matters raised at national or provincial gatherings that are relevant to Gauteng Green Party members.
15.2 Cultural Campiagner
15.2.1 Liaise with youth, cultural, community, environmental, political and other organisations, to help arrange events.
15.2.2 Keep the Gauteng Green Party aware of initiatives and developments in these fields.
15.3 Publicity Spokesperson
15.3.1 Promote the Gauteng Green Party locally, nationally and internationally.
15.3.2 Publicise campaigns, meetings, workshops, seminars, activities and protests.
15.3.3 Liaise with the press to obtain coverage of the Gauteng Green Party activities.
15.3.4 Issue press statements for the Gauteng Green Party after consultation with the Admin Collective. Issue copies of those statements to all Admin Collective Members, Councillors and Candidates.
15.4 Media Manager
15.4.1 Publicise the Gauteng Green Party activities via appropriate means (posters, flyers, newsletters, electronic media etc.)
15.4.2 Post the confirmed minutes of all Meetings on the Gauteng Green Party's web site.
15.4.3 Publish a newsletter from material supplied by Gauteng Green Party members, and provide a news service and forum of debate for the community.
15.4.4 Assist with merchandise and media skills training
15.4.5 Produce media and merchandise for the Gauteng Green Party.
15.5 Administrator
15.5.1 Deal with all matters relating to internal administration, supervise offices and ensure the running of facilities and resources, maintain and upgrade equipment.
15.5.2 Compile, in consultation with the Admin Collective, a schedule of and agendas for Admin Collective, Public and Members Meetings and display them with other relevant documents at the appropriate Meetings.
15.5.3 Invite all Gauteng Green Party members to attend Admin Collective Meetings, at least two days prior.
15.6 Secretary
15.6.1 Conduct routine correspondence and keep in safe custody copies of all letters written by Admin Collective Members, Councillors and Candidates in their official capacities.
15.6.2 List and circulate mandates.
15.6.3 Produce a list of all the Selection nominees' manifestos, and details of voting.
15.7 Empowerment Coordinator
15.7.1 Promote cohesion, unity and coherence in the Gauteng Green Party. When necessary arrange for Conflict Resolution.
15.7.2 Organise an ongoing programme of Organisational Development and team-building Workshops. Liase with individual members to include items that suit their needs.
15.8 Chairperson
15.8.1 Review this constitution, and amendments thereto, and ensure that these accord with policy and principles.
15.8.2 Ensure that copies of the constitution and policy documents are maintained and kept up to date and copies are made available to as many Gauteng Green Party members as possible.
15.8.3 Formulate procedures for the smooth running of the Gauteng Green Party; an efficient decision making process, that allows for full discussion and participation by any Gauteng Green Party member.
15.8.4 In emergencies, make decisions and take appropriate actions to support, build and protect the Gauteng Green Party.
15.9 Treasurer
15.9.1 Treasurer's duties, powers and functions must accord with the Finance Policy and this constitution.
15.9.2 The treasurer must make disbursements and pay all accounts only as certified and requested by Treasury.
15.9.3 The treasurer must ensure that the Admin Collective knows, understands and abides by the Finance Policy.
16 GROUPS PROJECTS AND COMMITTEES
Are open to all Gauteng Green Party members with no financial or other restriction, besides those specified below.
16.1 There may be at least the following groups:
Appropriate Technology - Renewable Energy Project Zero Waste, (Reduce - Reuse - Recycle) Project Permaculture and Skills Project, Empowerment Group, Fundraising Committee, Selection Committee, Media Action Group, Election Drive Treasury.
16.2 The Admin Collective may form any other task group or committee as and when required.
16.3 Groups and committees are accountable and must submit reports.
17 TREASURY
Treasury's duties, powers and functions must accord with the Finance Policy and this constitution, including:
17.1 Assist the Treasurer in their duties.
17.2 Formulate and propose amendments to Finance policy.
17.3 Administer finances.
17.4 Treasury consist of the Treasurer, Chairperson and Administrator.
17.5 Unless otherwise explicitely directed by the Admin Collective, control of all monies rests with Treasury, they are the custodians of all monies allocated, and must secure and account for all monies received by the Gauteng Green Party.
17.6 Treasury duty is to consider financial policy and to advise on the allocation of funds of whatever kind.
17.7 Finance
17.7.1 The Financial Year is from, The 1 March to the end of February.
17.7.2 The Treasurer must present to the Admin Collective for acceptance an Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet (subject to audit) as soon as possible after the close of the financial year. These accounts must be published at least ten (10) days before a Public Meeting. The Treasurer must be present at those Admin Collective and Public Meetings to answer any queries.
17.7.3 The auditors of the accounts can make their work know to any Gauteng Green Party member on request.
17.8 Procedure regarding grants
17.8.1 The Treasurer must draft a budget for the ensuing financial year, before the 1 March. It must include a statement of probable Income and Expenditure for that period, including details of each item budgeted for and it must show any items of Capital Expenditure. Those sums of money allocated to the administrative functions of the Admin Collective must also be included in the budget. The Treasurer must prepare in support of this budget a statement showing:
17.8.1.1 The expenditure under each heading referred to in
17.8.1 above in the year preceding the year for which the budget is to serve.
17.8.1.2 Recommendations on the economic viability of the intended expenditure and/or income expected in respect of each of those items, and the amount they recommend be granted in respect of each of those items.
17.8.2 Treasury will consider that budget and allocate certain sums of money as required. These amounts can be paid only after approval by the Admin Collective. The Admin Collective can grant any sum more than its original budget, and may deduct sums from the budget.
17.8.3 An application for a grant, or for sanction of expenditure, cannot be granted where the returns required have not been duly submitted. However a late application after the 1 February may be considered with good reasons.
18 CANDIDATES AND COUNCILLORS
Must:
18.1 Not use their position to pursue their own gains or the private interests of their friends.
18.2 Not use their position to give any advantage to any other organization to which they belong or favour.
18.3 Not give official statements on the behalf of the Gauteng Green Party without their prior consent.
18.4 Not to represent the Gauteng Green Party in any formal manner.
18.5 Be accountable to the Admin Collective, and in turn to the Gauteng Green Party as a whole.
18.6 Meet together regularly with their Support and Reference Group.
18.7 Ward Councillors must also meet with their Ward Councillor Support and Reference Group.
19 SELECTION COMMITTEE
19.3.1 No member of the Committee may be a nominee.
19.3.2 No member of the Selection Committee may by any act or omission, other than legitimate voting, attempt to influence the outcome of a selection and may not propose any nomination.
19.3.3 The powers, duties and functions of the Committee are to administer any Selection of Admin Collective Members, Candidates or PR Councillors according to this constitution and policy.
19.3.4 The Selection Committee must display media giving the names of all nominees and their manifestos.
20 SELECTION
Admin Collective Portfolio holder, PR Councillor and Candidate status is either voluntary or determined by consensus. Otherwise, Synergy can call for a Selection. After that, the position of a Synergy Member, PR Councillor or Candidate becomes vacant if:
20.1 S/he submits a written resignation.
20.2 S/he is absent from three (3) consecutive (Admin Collective / Support and Reference Group) Meetings without apology.
20.3 The Admin Collective passes a motion of no confidence in her/him, as s/he was unwilling to or incapable of fulfilling her/his duties. A Public or Members Meeting may confirm or revoke this decision.
20.4 Selections
20.4.1 The Selections to fill vacant positions are in Public or Members Meetings.
20.4.2 Selected Admin Collective Portfolio holders, PR Councillors, and Candidates have a one year term of office, volunteers have an indefinite term of office.
20.4.3 If the number of Admin Collective Members falls below three (3), they must call for Selections.
20.5 Nominations
20.5.1 The name of the nominees for Selection shall be displayed to the Gauteng Green Party members.
20.5.2 Any Gauteng Green Party member may be nominated except members of the Selection Committee.
20.5.3 A valid objection to any nomination from any Gauteng Green Party member of good standing must be confirmed as a lack of consensus, and that nomination is thus rejected.
20.5.4 If no Admin Collective Portfolio holders are nominated or all nominations are rejected, then participant Gauteng Green Party members can continue the duties, rights and functions of the Admin Collective voluntarily.
20.5.5 Only if a particular position cannot be decided by consensus may voting then take place.
20.6 Voting
20.6.1 The Selection Committee stipulates the times, places and methods of voting.
20.6.2 The counting of votes takes place immediately and the Committee must display the results of the poll immediately after that.
20.6.3 Voting by proxy is not allowed. All nominees for Selection must be present or forfiet their nomination.
20.6.4 No nominee may act as a scrutineer.
20.6.5 Any objections must be lodged with the Selection Committee within two (2) days of the closing of the poll. The Selection Committee then considers any objection. If they uphold that objection, they shall hold re-selection in the same manner as provided for above.
20.6.6 The Selection Committee must declare Selected nominees Admin Collective Portfolio holders, PR Councillors or Candidates within five (5) days of the closing of the poll.
20.7 Selected Admin Collective Portfolio holders, PR Councillors or Candidates must declare their acceptance or not of their succsesful nomination within two (2) days of their Selection.
20.8 The newly selected Admin Collective Portfolio holders must participate in their first Admin Collective Meeting within ten (10) days of their Selection.
20.9 The previous Admin Collective Members can work with the newly selected Admin Collective Portfolio holders to ensure that the transition occurs smoothly.
21 POLICY RESOLUTIONS AND PROCEDURES
Are afforded equal status to this constitution and are to be published in a comprehensive form with the Conduct of Meetings and Programme of Action as an appendix to supplement this constitution. They must have at least a majority vote for acceptance, change or rescission, coming into effect after confirmation, as in 22 below.
22 CHANGES IN CONSTITUTION
22.1 This constitution (Conduct of Meetings, Policy, Programme of Action, Position Statements and Procedures) may be adopted, changed or recinded by consensus at a:Public or Members Meeting, only being effective when confirmed at the following Admin Collective, Public or Members Meeting.
22.2 This constitution (Conduct of Meetings, Policy, Programme of Action, Position Statements and Procedures) may be adopted, changed or recinded by consensus at a:Admin Collective Meeting, being effective after confirmed at the following Public or Members Meeting.
22.3 Notice of a proposed change of this constitution must be given with the notice calling the relevant Meetings, at least ten (10) days before the time fixed for the relevant Meetings.
22.4 If there is a dispute as to the meaning or interpretation of any clause, section, amendment, work or words in this constitution, the decision of the Gauteng Green Party is conclusive as to that meaning or interpretation.
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