CONSTITUTION

 

  1. Adopted at the Annual General Meeting

    2.

Held on __________________

ARTICLE 1: DEFINITIONS, NOT EXPLAINED IN TEXT

1.1 Unless specifically otherwise provided for in this Constitution, or in any Act, Ordinance, Regulation, or other Regulation, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings: -

      1. Adjournment – a cessation of a meeting and its continuation at an appropriate time, as decided by a vote by the Life Members.

      2. Agenda – things to be done – order of business.

        3.

      3. Amendment – an alteration made, or proposed to be made, in the terms or wording of a motion submitted to a meeting for adoption – also a motion proposed instead of, or in opposition to, another motion.

      4. Casting vote – a vote given to the presiding officer at a meeting for the purpose of avoiding a deadlock which could otherwise ensue when the numbers voting on either side of a motion are equal.

      5. Committee – an individual, or a body of persons, delegates for a particular duty, or who have taken upon themselves to perform a duty in the expectation of their act being confirmed by the body for whom they profess to act or represent.

      6. Division – a detailed account of those for and against a motion by the counters appointed by the President for each side of the proposal.

      7. Due notice – a written notification dispatched by post to the last registered address of the person concerned at the commencement of the period of notice required.

      8. Gathering – any gathering, concourse, procession in, through or along any place, of any number of persons, having a common purpose, whether such purpose be lawful or unlawful.

      9. General Meeting – a General Meeting of members of the BGOASA, lawfully constituted and acting in accordance with its Constitution.

      10. Interrupting motion - a device for securing a speedy decision on a point or question that has been sufficiently discussed for a specified time – introduced for the purpose of preventing obstructions on the part of a determined minority, who by protracting discussions, could effectively prevent the business of any meeting being carried out.

      11. Last registered address – the address appearing on the application form or any such other address as having been given written notice of to the Administrative Officer of the BGOASA.

      12. Male – shall include female and vice-versa, unless specifically provided for.

      13. Meeting – a gathering or assembly of a number of people for the purpose of intercourse, entertainment, discussion, regulating, and deciding upon any one or more issues involving the interests of the BGOASA, the coming together of two or more persons for the transaction of business of common interest concerning the BGOASA.

      14. Member –

1.1.14.1 Associate member consisting of any natural or legal person not being a Corporate, Honorary, Life or Ordinary member, and being a person or body whose privileges are in some degree restricted, and his subscription to BGOASA may be correspondingly adjusted, or to whom BGOASA facilities are made available by reason of his or its membership to some affiliate body or association;

        1. Corporate member consisting of any juristic rather than natural person that pays and/or donates a minimum of the annual fees for this type of membership;

        2. Honourary member consisting of a Patron and/or the Honorary Vice-Presidents of the BGOASA, who may be elected by the BGOASA, in a general Meeting from time to time (in the event of such persons not already being ordinary members); or person(s) nominated and seconded by Life members for outstanding dedication or achievements in promoting the primary mission of BGOASA;

        3. Life member consisting of the members present at the adoption of this constitution and/or members who are voted into this category by the existing body of life members;

        4. Ordinary member consisting of individual natural persons who are paid-up members of the BGOASA.

      1. Minutes – essentially a record of things done and the decisions reached at a meeting – minutes are not intended to be a verbatim account of the proceedings, and are only prima facie evidence of what was resolved or transacted.

      2. Motion – strictly a proposal moved at the meeting, which, when agreed to, or resolved upon, becomes a resolution. The words motion and resolution are not synonymous.

      3. Officer – any individual appointed by the BAB to manage the affairs of the BGOASA or any manager, principal, officer, treasurer, secretary, clerk, or other agent or employee of the BGOASA, but not an auditor.

      4. Office-bearer – a member of the BAB.

      5. Point of Order – an appeal to the President for his ruling on a manner concerning the conduct of a meeting.

      6. President – the occupier of a chair of authority – the person chosen to preside over a meeting and conduct its proceedings.

      7. Proxy – an authority given to a person to act for another.

      8. Quorum – the minimum number of members of a body required to be assembled to establish legal competence for the transaction of business.

      9. Resolution – a formal and binding decision, determination or expression of opinion on the part of a meeting.

      10. Ordinary resolution – a resolution carried by a majority of the votes cast by the members present and voting, or in the event of equality of votes, carried by the casting vote of the president.

      11. Special resolution – a resolution carried by a specified majority of votes in a meeting – such a majority to be a two-thirds majority of a quorum.

      12. Reckoning of the number of days – days shall be reckoned exclusively of the first and inclusively of the last day, unless the last day happens to fall on a Sunday or any public holiday, in which case the time shall be reckoned exclusively of the first day and also exclusively of every such Sunday or public holiday, but inclusively of the first business day thereafter.

      13. Service by post – in all transactions of the BGOASA, where any document is required to be served by post or authorised to be served by post, upon any member of the BGOASA, service shall deemed to be effected by properly addressing, pre-paying, and posting a registered letter containing that document or notice, to the said member, at his/her last registered address.

      14. Singular – shall include the plural and vice-versa, unless specifically otherwise provided for.

      15. Violence – the unjustified, unwarranted, immoral use of force.

ARTICLE 2: NAME

    1. The name of the organisation shall be the Black Gunowners Association of South Africa, which may be abbreviated to BGOASA.

ARTICLE 3: AFFILIATION

    1. The BGOASA shall be affiliated with any such body of persons or organisation that has a common interest with that of the BGOASA, as may be decided upon from time to time by the Administrative Board of the BGOASA.

ARTICLE 4: PRIMARY MISSION

    1. The primary mission of the BGOASA, a non profit organisation is:

      1. To protect and promote the right to possess and bear arms and to use those arms for the protection of life against violence.

      2. To represent the interests of firearm owners in South Africa at National and International fora at the discretion of the Administrative Board of the BGOASA.

      3. To strive to live in a community where it is accepted that firearms may be legitimately used for the protection of life against violence.

      4. To promote the safe use of firearms.

      5. To promote research in all aspects of firearms.

      6. To work with any other body or bodies, for legislation supportive of this Association’s Primary Mission.

      7. To promote all aspects of recreational shooting.

      8. To promote the collecting, study, restoration, preservation and use of arms and ammunition and other items thereby connected.

      9. To create such offices, rules and regulations as may be necessary for the conduct of its affairs from time to time.

      10. To invest and re-invest and realise investments.

      11. To carry out any business calculated to further the objectives of the BGOASA.

      12. To open close and operate any banking account, building society account or any like account.

      13. To deal in any manner in moveable or immovable property in the cause of advancing the objects of the BGOASA.

      14. To remunerate any officer or employee for services rendered or to be rendered.

      15. To grant any normal benefit and to participate in any pension scheme, medical aid scheme or the like for the benefit of any member of the BGOASA.

      16. To perform any act or to sign any document necessary to carry out any of the objectives of BGOASA.

      17. To engage such advisors and or consultants as may be necessary from time to time.

      18. To employ employees.

      19. To enter into any agreement for the benefit of the BGOASA.

      20. To discipline members.

      21. To cancel or suspend membership.

      22. To perform any act authorised by this Constitution.

      23. To consider applications for membership of the BGOASA and to either approve or refuse applications, in its sole discretion, which decision shall be final and binding.

ARTICLE 5: LEGAL CAPACITY

    1. The BGOASA shall have legal personality and may sue or be sued in its own name, properly represented by its members or officers or office bearers, as set out in this Constitution.

    2. The BGOASA Administrative Board (BAB) shall be entitled by special resolution to appoint any member of the BGOASA to sign all documents and take all steps necessary to institute action or proceedings or defend any action or proceedings instituted against the BGOASA, in any court of law or in any forum in the Republic of South Africa or elsewhere, and such resolution shall be minuted and reduced to writing and be signed by the Administrative Officer and President of the Administrative Board of the BGOASA, to do such things as is contemplated by this Article.

ARTICLE 6: MEMBERSHIP

    1. Membership will only be open to persons who have satisfied the BAB (or a sub-committee established for that purpose) that they are, or desire to become, owners of arms and ammunition, or support the aims and aspirations of the BGOASA.

    2. Members will have to satisfy the BAB that they subscribe to the primary mission.

    3. Clauses 6.1 and 6.2, Section 9(3) of the Constitution, (Act 60 of 1996) shall apply, subject to Articles 6.1 and 5.2 above.

    4. A prospective member shall be introduced by two members of good standing, with paid up membership.

ARTICLE 7: GENERAL MEETINGS
    1. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held on such date, time and at such place as the BAB designate.

    2. Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM) shall be called by the BAB when called upon to do so by two thirds of the fully paid up members.

    3. The members of the BGOASA shall hold an AGM in the course of each Calendar year upon 21 days due notice being given.

    4. Block SMS’s may be used to inform members of events or other matters affecting the BGOASA.

    5. The date for such AGM shall be a date considered suitable by the BAB and approved by the President.

    6. The venue of such AGM shall be at the discretion of the BAB.

    7. The agenda shall be available at the AGM.

    8. At such AGM of the BGOASA, the following matters shall be dealt with:

    9. Consideration and adoption or rejection of the minutes of the immediate previous AGM of the BGOASA, with or without, amendments.

    10. The annual report by the President.

    11. Consideration and adoption or rejection of the annual financial statements for the preceding financial year, and all other financial matters.

    12. Election from persons nominated in writing not less than thirty days prior to the said meeting, of a person to the office of "Patron" for the following year, if so desired.

    13. Election from persons nominated in writing not less than thirty days prior to the said meeting, a person or persons as Honorary Vice-President(s), if so desired, upon the same considerations as set out in regard to the Patron in this Constitution.

    14. Any other contingency of which an member has given notice to the Administrative Officer of the BGOASA in writing, during the course of the year preceding the date of the AGM; provided that such notice be given no less than thirty days prior to the date of such AGM.

    15. To conduct and conclude any such other business, as may be allowed by the President to be discussed and resolved upon.

    16. Voting upon all such motions at an AGM of the BGOASA shall be effected by a show of hands, alternatively by private written ballot, as the President may, in his discretion direct.

    17. Each Corporate member shall be entitled to nominate one person to represent it at such AGMs of the BGOASA.

    18. Four members, or their representatives, shall constitute a quorum at an AGM or EGM.

    19. If a quorum is not present within thirty minutes of the time laid down for the AGM in question, then such meeting shall stand adjourned for a period of between fourteen and twenty-one days, as directed by the President, when it shall be held upon not less than seven days due notice to those persons entitled to receive notice of the adjourned meeting shall then constitute a quorum of the AGM of the BGOASA.

    20. The President of the BGOASA shall reside at each AGM where he shall have a casting vote; if for any reason the President of the BGOASA is unable to take the Chair then the Administrative Officer, then any other member nominated by the BAB, shall preside as President provided that such substitute President, other than the Administrative Officer in his capacity as Chairman, shall have NO casting vote.

ARTICLE 8: FEES

8.1 Members shall pay an annual fee and new members shall pay an additional fee one-time registration fee as determined by the BAB from time to time.

8.2 There shall be no fees payable for circulation of documentation to fully paid-up members.

ARTICLE 9: DISCIPLINARY RULES

    1. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein the Administrative Board of the BGOASA may receive and consider any written complaint with reference to the conduct and or omission of any ordinary member or other member (hereinafter the "Member").

    2. Such a complaint shall be in writing and shall contain a detail description of the conduct and/or omission complained of.

9.3 The Administrative Board shall upon receipt of the complaint, notify the Member of such a complaint in writing, and provide the Member a copy of the complaint.

9.4 The Member shall have the right to ask for further particulars with regard to the complaint within seven days after receipt of such a complaint by the Member.

9.5 If the Member avails himself of this right to ask for further particulars, such particulars shall be given by the Administrative Board within seven days after the receipt of the request for further particulars.

9.6 The Member may then within seven days furnish the Administrative Board with a detailed explanation with regards to the complaint.

9.7 Upon receipt of the explanation and in any event no later than fourteen days after the further particulars have been furnished, the Administrative Board shall:

9.7.1 Formulate charges against the Member, or

9.7.2 Dismiss the complaint, and

9.7.3 Shall notify the Member forthwith of the Administrative Board’s decision.

9.8 In the event that the Administrative Board decides to formulate charges against the Member, the Administrative Board shall furnish the Member with a copy of the charges within seven days of so deciding.

9.9 The member shall within seven days after receipt of the charges plead to the said charges, and give a detailed explanation of the plea.

9.10 In the event that the Member does not furnish the Administrative Board with such a plea and detailed explanation, the Administrative Board may, on the evidence before it, decide to refer the matter to a sub-committee for a decision.

9.11 If the member does furnish the Administrative Board with a plea, the Administrative Board may in its discretion refer the matter to a sub-committee for a disciplinary hearing if the Administrative Board is of the opinion that a disciplinary hearing is warranted by the circumstances or it may refer the matter to a sub-committee for a decision on the evidence available.

9.12 The Administrative Board shall summons the member to appear before a disciplinary hearing, and at the same time notify the Member of the date and venue of the disciplinary hearing, which date shall not be less than seven days and not more than twenty-one days after the date on which the plea was to be furnished or was indeed furnished.

9.13 The terms of reference of such a said sub-committee shall be clearly stipulated in writing and shall be furnished to the Member at the same time as the notice referred to in 9.12, above.

9.14 The Administrative Board shall appoint the members of the sub-committee.

9.15 The President of such a committee shall be elected by a majority of the members of such a sub-committee and any decision shall be taken on the majority of the votes, and in the event of a deadlock, the President shall have a casting vote.

9.16 No legal representation shall be allowed at any disciplinary hearing, however the Member may elect an ordinary member to represent him; likewise the Administrative Board may appoint an ordinary member to represent the Association.

9.17 If there is no good reason for the non-appearance by the Member at the time and place appointed for the disciplinary hearing, the matter shall be decided in the Member’s absence on the evidence available.

9.18 The Member shall be notified forthwith of the sub-committee’s decision and the reasons thereof in writing.

9.19 In the event of the sub-committee finding the Member guilty, the sub-committee shall allow the Member sufficient opportunity to address the sub-committee at the disciplinary hearing or to furnish the sub-committee with written arguments in mitigation, which written arguments shall be furnished within seven days after the Member has been informed of the sub-committee’s finding.

9.20 Such a sub-committee which finds a member guilty of misconduct may, regard being had to the nature and seriousness of the conduct complained of:

9.20.1 Warn such a member to desist from such conduct as gave rise to the complaint.

9.20.2 Suspend such a member for such a time and subject to such conditions as the sub-committee in its discretion may decide.

9.20.3 Terminate such a member’s membership.

9.20.4 Impose a fine.

9.20.5 Reprimand the Member.

9.20.6 Deal with the Member as it deems fit, which may include a combination of any of the above where such combination is possible.

9.21 In the event of the Member being found guilty, the Member may within seven days of being notified of the finding and the reasons thereof, appeal to the Administrative Board in writing and at the same time furnish detailed grounds for the appeal and pay an appeal fee of R250.00.

9.22 The Administrative Board shall, when receiving such an appeal, have the right to:

9.22.1 Uphold such an appeal.

9.22.2 dismiss such an appeal.

9.22.3 Uphold or dismiss in part such an appeal.

9.22.4 Set aside any part of the findings or order including the sentence passed, issued by the sub-committee.

9.22.5 Replace any order or finding including the sentence passed, of the sub-committee with its own order of finding.

9.23 In the event of the appeal being substantially successful, the appeal fee of R250.00 shall be refunded to the member.

9.24 Documents in this article shall be deemed to have been properly served if faxed or posted by registered post to the number or postal address of the Member as it appears in the Association’s records.

9.25 Should the Member intentionally or otherwise fail to follow procedures outlined in this Constitution or fail to comply with any of the time limits herein, the Member shall be deemed to be in serious breech breach of this Constitution.

9.26 This Constitution does not preclude the member from enforcing any right that he may have in a court of law, but the member shall exhaust all internal remedies before doing so.

9.27 Any Member who has disciplinary procedures instituted against him accordance with clause 9.7.1 shall be suspended from participating in any BGOASA sanctioned event for the duration of the disciplinary procedure and until such time as the procedures are terminated.

9.27 Any Member who has disciplinary procedures instituted against him may not represent BGOASA, be on any form of committee, sub-committee or any other body created by the BAB until such time as the procedures are terminated.

ARTICLE 10: MEMBER GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

    1. The member must put in writing the nature of the complaint and send it by registered mail to the BGOASA Administrative Officer; alternatively, the complaint may be sent by e-mail or fax.

    2. The member must accompany the complaint with a fee (to be determined by the BGOASA Administrative Officer) in order to lodge the complaint; if the payment is to be made by bank transfer, a copy of the transfer confirmation should be sent to the BGOASA Administrative Officer.

    3. Unless sending documentation and payment by registered mail, the onus is on the Member to ensure that the BGOASA Administrative Officer has received the complaint and the Payment.

    4. The BAB must acknowledge receipt of the complaint within seven working days of the receipt of the registered letter or confirmation that the complaint was received via e-mail or fax.

    5. The BAB will then assess the complaint.

    6. If an Administrative Board Meeting is scheduled within thirty days of receipt of the complaint, then the matter will be placed on the Agenda for that meeting.

    7. If an Administrative Board Meeting is not scheduled within thirty days of the receipt of the complaint, then the matter must be resolved via telephonic/e-mail discussion by the BAB within thirty days of receipt of the complaint.

    8. If the nature of the complaint is such that the Member deems it acceptable that the matter could wait until the next Administrative Board Meeting, then agreement should be obtained in writing from the Member.

    9. After full discussion and consideration by the BAB, the decision will be sent to the Member via registered mail; a copy of the decision may be sent by fax or e-mail, but confirmation must be obtained that the Member has received such fax or mail.

    10. If the complaint is substantially upheld, the appeal fee of R250.00 shall be refunded to the member.

    11. If the complaint is not upheld, the Member will forfeit the fee paid.

    12. Upon receipt of the BAB decision, the Member may choose to accept or reject the decision.

    13. Should the Member reject the decision, then the Member must notify the BAB within seven working days from receipt of the decision; the rejection notice may also be sent by fax or e-mail, but the onus is on the Member to ensure that the document is received by the BGOASA Administrative Officer.

    14. The BGOASA will then utilise the arbitration services of a mutually agreed third party.

    15. This procedure does not preclude the Member from exercising his SA Constitutional rights or from recourse to the courts, but all internal BGOASA remedies must be fully exhausted before doing so.

    16. Should the Member deviate from this grievance procedure, the BGOASA will automatically instigate disciplinary procedures against the Member under the grounds of "unreasonable conduct".

    17. The arbitrary threatening or implied threatening of legal action (whether verbal or written) without first utilising the dispute procedure, against the BGOASA or any of its categories of members, clubs, Corporate members or affiliated associations will constitute a direct contravention of this grievance procedure and will be considered as "unreasonable conduct"; and this may automatically invoke the disciplinary procedure as outlined in Article 10.

ARTICLE 11: COMMITTEES

    1. Each Corporate member may be allowed to nominate one representative to relevant committees.

    2. Each representative, complying with the conditions in this Constitution, shall be entitled to one vote.

    3. The BAB may, from time to time, appoint such special committees to fulfil such functions, as the BAB deems fit and necessary.

    4. Such committees shall within their terms of reference, conduct such business or perform such acts as it is instructed, and shall report on all findings made by it, to the BAB.

    5. At the first Meeting of the BAB, which follows the AGM, the Administrative Board shall elect a person to fill the position of FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT, if so required by that committee.

ARTICLE 12: ADMINISTRATION

    1. The business of the BGOASA shall be conducted by an Administrative Board (BAB) which shall be constituted and comprise of representatives of Life Members as described in this Constitution.

    2. An Administrative Officer shall manage correspondence and funds.

    3. The Administrative Board shall ensure that the BGOASA keeps such records of its affairs as may be necessary from time to time.

    4. Without limitation it shall maintain the following:

      1. A register of members.

      2. A Minute Book recording the business of Annual and Special General Meetings.

      3. A Minute Book recording the business of the Administrative Board Meetings.

      4. An adequate set of Books of Accounts.

    5. The Administrative Board shall have a President who shall be the President elected by the first SAM of the Calendar year, as provided for in the Constitution.

    6. The President of the BAB shall be the President of the BGOASA.

    7. The BGOASA Administrative Board will consist of a minimum of the President and Administrative Officer.

    8. The past President shall be an ex-officio member of the BAB until such time as a new President is elected.

    9. The BAB shall be elected by Life Members at the first Special Administrative Meeting (SAM) of the calendar year.

    10. There shall be a minimum of one SAM in each calendar year.

    11. Special Administrative Meetings shall be called by the BAB when called upon to do so by two-thirds of the fully paid-up Life members.

    12. Each proposal for the election of a person as contemplated in this Constitution at such a SAM shall be made by a Life member, and be seconded by another Life member in good standing.

    13. The date for such SAM shall be a date considered suitable by the BAB and approved by the President.

    14. The President shall have a casting vote in a Committee Meeting.

    15. The President shall furthermore have a casting vote in general meetings of the BGOASA.

    16. Each member of the Administrative Board is indemnified by the BGOASA against any loss which he may suffer as a result of any act or omission performed or omitted in good faith, in the conduct of the business or affairs of the BGOASA.

    17. The powers of the Administrative Board shall be as described in this Constitution.

    18. A quorum at any meeting of the Administrative Board shall be constituted by the President and one other Life Member, as provided for in this Constitution.

    19. A majority of votes cast by the designated representatives of the Life Members present at the first SAM of the calendar year shall constitute an election.

    20. The President shall preside at all meetings of the BAB, provided that if the president is not available to preside, as contemplated herein, then the Administrative Board shall elect a President from the Office Bearers amongst them, for the duration of the Meeting; it is further provided that such substitute President shall have NO casting vote.

    21. The President elect of any such meeting shall be entitled to nominate one additional person to represent Association or body or shooters whom he represents.

    22. The Administrative Board shall have the right to appoint one or more persons to represent it at any meeting or on any committee of any body or association, whose activities are related to those of the objects of the BGOASA.

    23. In the event of a meeting of the BAB having been duly called and no quorum as provided for in this Constitution, be present within thirty minutes of the time appointed of that meeting, then such meeting shall stand adjourned for fourteen days or for such period as the President of the BGOASA may direct, thereupon such members present at such adjoined meeting, shall constitute a quorum.

    24. Each meeting of the Administrative Board shall be called on notice, of not less than ten days given to each duly nominated representative save in respect of any such representative who has in writing to the Administrative Officer of the BGOASA waived such right to receive written notice.

    25. The BAB shall appoint and dissolve such sub-committees as are, from time to time, deemed necessary by them.

      1. Each committee or sub-committee appointed by the BAB shall have powers equal to those of the BAB, but subject to its terms of reference, and subject to an appeal in regard to decisions made by such committee or sub-committee to the BAB as provided for in this Constitution.

    26. BAB Meetings shall be called by the Administrative Officer of the BGOASA giving due notice to the representatives who are sitting on the BAB.

    27. Any such representative may waive in writing, the right to receive such notice.

    28. Due notice in this regard shall be given to the said representatives at their last registered address.

    29. The Administrative Board may deal with all material relevant to the BGOASA and may pass resolution in regard in regard to such matters as are permitted by this Constitution.

    30. All decisions made and/or resolutions properly passed by the BAB during any Board Meeting, properly convened, shall insofar as same may be authorised by this Constitution, be binding upon all members of the BGOASA as well as on the BGOASA.

    31. At all BAB Meetings, resolutions shall be passed by a majority of votes.

    32. The BAB shall be authorised to consider applications for membership of the BGOASA and shall be empowered, from time to time, to consider the continued membership of any member of the BGOASA and may:

      1. Resolve to approve an application for membership or to allow the continuation of a members’ membership.

      2. Resolve to refuse an application for membership, or to resolve to terminate the membership of any existing member.

    33. The resolutions in the above regard shall be at the sole discretion of the BAB and such decision shall be final and binding.

    34. The BAB shall not meet less than twice in each calendar year.

ARTICLE 13: AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE BGOASA

    1. This Constitution may be amended at any Special Administrative Meeting of the BGOASA provided that:

      1. Notice of the proposed amendment is given simultaneously with, and to those persons entitled to receive, notice of the meeting.

      2. The notice of the proposed amendment shall contain a draft of the said amendment together with such motivation for the proposed amendment, as the proposer may wish to present to the Special Administrative Meeting of the BGOASA in support of the motion for amendment

      3. Not fewer than two-thirds of those persons present and voting at such meeting vote in favour of the proposed amendment.

      4. Provided that, if notice of a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the BGOASA is given to be moved at an AAM or SAM, for which the Administrative Officer of the BGOASA is bound in terms of this Constitution, to give due and proper notice, such notification must be given by the proposer, to reach the Administrative Officer of the BGOASA not later than forty days before the date of such AGM.

      5. Provided further that in the event of notice of the proposed amendment is given to be moved at a Special Administrative Meeting, such notice of amendment shall reach the Administrative Officer of the BGOASA not later than thirty days before the proposed date for the Special Administrative Meeting of the BGOASA.

ARTICLE 14: ACCOUNTS

14.1 The Administrative Board shall appoint an officer to control its financial affairs to the satisfaction of the Administrative Board and to the satisfaction of the BGOASA’s auditors.

ARTICLE 15: AUDITORS

    1. The Administrative Board shall appoint a firm of public accountants and auditors who shall audit the BGOASA’s Annual Financial Statements each year

    2. The BGOASA’s Administrative Officer shall deliver draft annual financial statements to the auditors within four months of the end of each financial year.

ARTICLE 16: APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

    1. Applications for Corporate and associate membership of the BGOASA shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Board and to Article 12.22.

    2. Any person who is an ordinary member of any Corporate member of the BGOASA shall automatically be a member of the latter upon paying the annual subscription applicable from time to time but subject to the provisions of Article 12.22.

    3. Each Corporate member shall compel each of its ordinary members to pay the aforesaid subscription fee.

ARTICLE 17: MEMBERSHIP FEES

    1. The Administrative Board shall lay down the membership fee payable by each class of member from time to time.

    2. Members will be classed as unpaid members if the fees due are not received by the 31st of March in the year that the fees are due.

    3. Payment to a BGOASA registered club or any other third party does not constitute payment to the BGOASA.

ARTICLE 18: RESIGNATION

    1. Any member of the BGOASA may resign his membership on not less than six calendar months’ notice in writing provided that he is in good standing at the time that such notice is given.

ARTICLE 19: FINANCIAL YEAR

    1. The BGOASA’s financial year shall end on the 31st day of December each year.

ARTICLE 20: AFFILIATION

    1. Each Corporate member shall provide the Administrative Board with such information about its affairs and its Constitution as may be called for from time to time.

ARTICLE 21: AGENCY

    1. No person shall have the authority to perform any act or to sign any document on behalf of the BGOASA other than upon the authority of the Administrative Board.

ARTICLE 22: DISSOLUTION

    1. The BGOASA may be dissolved upon resolution passed by not fewer than two-thirds of the members present and voting at a Special Administrative Meeting called specifically for the purpose and attended by the representatives of no fewer than five Corporate members.

    2. Should the BGOASA be possessed of assets at the time of its dissolution then:

      1. The aforesaid meeting shall decide upon the distribution of or use to which those assets shall be put.

      2. The Administrative Board shall constitute a board of trustees for the purpose of carrying out the directions of the meeting.

ARTICLE 23: GENERAL

    1. No employee of the BGOASA may represent a Corporate member at any meeting.

ARTICLE 24: POWERS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OR SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING TO CONDONE CERTAIN ASPECTS

    1. Upon good cause existing or being shown, a Special General Meeting of the BGOASA may in its discretion, by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting, condone:

      1. Any non-compliance with any period specified by this Constitution in regard to notices to be given.

      2. Any other matter or non-compliance with this Constitution provided that that such condonation does not unreasonably or adversely affect the rights of any member in terms of this Constitution.

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