May 2021
CONSTITUTION
1. IDENTITY
1.1 The name of the association is the South African Radio League, also known as the SARL and hereinafter referred to as the League. The head office of the League shall be in Gauteng Province or at such place within South Africa as its members in general meeting may from time to time decide. The League is a voluntary association, a juristic person, with perpetual succession, having all the powers in law of a juristic person, together with such powers as may be specifically conferred on it by this Constitution, including the right to acquire property in its own name, both moveable and immoveable.
1.2 All legal proceedings by and against the League may be brought and defended in the name of the League. The Chairperson, Vice-chairperson and/or the Secretary of the League, shall have the power to sign all documents when the League has decided to institute or defend any such proceedings on its behalf and in its name, or to sign other documents pertaining to the execution of decisions of the League from time to time.
2. INTERPRETATION
In the interpretation of this constitution and its rules, the words listed hereunder shall have the meanings set out, unless inconsistent with the subject or context:
2.1 Words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa; words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender.
2.2 “In writing” shall mean written or printed, or partly written and partly printed
and includes any communication by way of electronic means.
2.3 The “League” or “SARL” means the South African Radio League.
2.4 “Member” means a duly elected member of the South African Radio League.
2.5 “Council” means the Council of the League as constituted in the rules.
2.6 “Headquarters” means the head office of the League and venue of Council.
2.7 “Constitution” refers to the Constitution and Rules of the South African Radio League and the two documents should be read as if one.
2.8 An SADC member shall be a radio amateur licensed and resident in a SADC country and shall be a paid-up member of the national amateur radio organisation of the said SADC country, which in turn have to be a paid-up member of the IARU Region 1.
3. OBJECTIVES
The sole or principal object of the League is to promote social and recreational amenities or facilities for the members in a non-profit manner. This will include:
3.1 To encourage, develop and promote all activities, matters and studies connected with amateur radio, television, computer technology and radio science throughout Southern Africa.
3.2 To provide the members of the League a recognised channel for negotiation with the government, in particular ICASA and any other authorities.
3.3 To give the members of the League the advantage of collective representation and control in all matters affecting amateur radio.
3.4 To promote international goodwill and understanding between South Africa and other countries by means of international amateur radio communication.
3.5 To promote and obtain recognition for amateur radio in all spheres of South African society.
3.6 To provide emergency communications facilities, through its members by means of amateur radio, to the government and people of the country in times of disaster or emergency.
3.7 To provide radio communications in support of community activities.
3.8 To undertake any other matters that may arise and concern the interests of the League, its members or amateur radio.
3.9 To invest and apply any monies not immediately required for the purposes of the League in such manner as the League may from time to time think fit
3.10 To purchase, take on lease or exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any real or personal property, moveable or immovable, or interest therein or any other rights and privileges which the League may think necessary or convenient for its purposes.
3.11 To raise, receive, control and administer funds by levy of subscriptions from its members and by contributions, gifts and bequests by its members and others; with the power to borrow, or provide, or secure payment of, monies in such manner as may be thought fit and mortgage or charge on all or any part of the property of the League (both present and future) and to repay and redeem such loan, mortgage or charge.
3.12 To associate, affiliate, or amalgamate with, or incorporate, such similar bodies as the League may from time to time consider advisable.
3.13 The League is established for the mutual benefit of the members who contribute to share the cost of providing a collective benefit. The common objective therefore excludes the personal financial gain of the individual members and trading for a profit.
4. MEMBERSHIP
4.1 The League shall consist of honorary life members, members, senior members, spouse members, student members, corporate members, affiliated clubs, shortwave listeners and others as defined in the rules. Members will belong directly to the League and will be under no obligation to join a club to exercise their rights or vote.
4.2 No candidate shall be accorded membership unless he complies with all the conditions attached to such membership as provided for in the rules.
4.3 Any member of the League may be expelled if found guilty of any wilful or gross negligent contravention of the rules or of conduct rendering his continued membership undesirable. The procedures for expulsion and appeal are contained in the rules.
4.4 A member is free to join any other club or association provided that the other club or association is not in conflict with the aims and objectives of the League.
4.5 Members are prohibited from selling their membership rights or any entitlement in terms thereof.
5. GOVERNMENT OF THE LEAGUE
5.1 The government of the League shall be in accordance with its constitution and rules, which shall be binding upon all members of the League.
5.2 The affairs of the League shall be administered, controlled and conducted by a body which shall be known as “Council”. Council may, subject to any conditions or limitations imposed by the rules, delegate any of its powers or functions to anybody or committee constituted in terms of the rules.
5.3 Council shall consist of 10 (ten) members referred to as “the full number of Council.”
5.4 The members of Council will accept a fiduciary responsibility for the association and will not be connected persons in relation to each other and no single person, directly or indirectly, controls the decision-making powers relating to the League.
6. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND RULES
6.1 This constitution may only be amended by two thirds majority of votes cast at a special general meeting (SGM) or annual general meeting (AGM) of the League, provided that the notice convening the meeting shall contain a copy of every proposed amendment, rescission or addition.
6.2 No alteration, rescission or addition shall be made by postal ballot unless such proposal has been referred to an AGM or SGM of the League in the first instance.
6.3 A quorum for any motion to be considered for the amendment of the Constitution and/or the Rules of the League, shall consist of not less than fifteen (15) percent of the total number of League members entitled to vote, whether present at the meeting or represented by proxy.
6.4 All members of the League, excluding associate members, are entitled to vote in person or by proxy.
6.4.1 For purposes of this Constitution and Rules associated member shall mean:
6.4.1.1 A Corporate member.
6.4.1.2 Shortwave Listener.
6.4.1.3 Affiliated Club.
6.4.1.4 SADC member.
6.4.2.5 Overseas member.
6.5 A special general meeting may be combined with an annual general meeting.
6.6 The rules of the League may be amended by either:
6.6.1 A simple majority of members in favour of the resolution present at an annual general meeting of the League, or
6.6.2 By a simple majority of votes in favour of the resolution, returned by the members entitled to vote, in a postal ballot.
6.7 Council is obliged to submit a copy of all amendments to the constitution and/or rules to the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service.
7. AFFILIATES
7.1 The League may approve the affiliation of clubs or other organisations that have similar interests and aims in common with the League. The conditions of affiliation are as laid down in the rules.
8. INCOME
8.1 The income and property of the League, when so ever derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of the League as set forth in this constitution and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred, directly or indirectly, by way of dividend, bonus, or otherwise howsoever by way of profit, to the members of the League; provided that nothing therein shall prevent the payment in good faith for remuneration to any employee
or person acting on behalf of the League in return for any service rendered to it.
8.2 The mentioned preferential tax treatment relates to a special tax dispensation in terms of Section 10(1)(c0) of the Income Tax Act (the act); donation tax exemptions in terms of section 56(1)(h) and certain capital gains tax concessions.
8.3 No surplus funds will directly or indirectly be distributed to any person unless the remuneration is reasonable and for work done or for services rendered or for materials supplied to the League.
8.4 No remuneration will be paid to any person, which is excessive having regard to what is considered reasonable in the sector and in relation to the service rendered, nor may any remuneration be determined as a percentage of any amounts received or accrued to the League.
8.5 The sharing of expenses by various members does not generate additional taxable income for the League and it is to this extent that the League enjoys preferential tax treatment as set out hereunder.
8.6 Council is obliged to submit a copy of the financial statements and an annual income tax return.
8.7 To qualify for preferential tax treatment, Council will submit the necessary application form and annual income tax returns together with the relevant supporting documents thereto to the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service.
8.8 The League shall not knowingly be a party to, or shall not knowingly permit itself to be used as a part of any transaction, operation or scheme of which the sole or main purpose is or will be the reduction, postponement or avoidance of liability for any tax, duty or levy that would have been or would have become payable by any person under the Income Tax Act or
any other act administered by the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service.
8.9 The Council shall appoint a place in the Republic of South Africa at which any notices or instruments under the Income Tax Act may be served or delivered on the League. The Council shall inform the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service of such address.
8.10 Council shall inform the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service within 14 days of the change in representative or service address.
9. WINDING UP AND DISSOLUTION
9.1 The League may be wound up, dissolved or amalgamated with another body by unanimous consent of the members of the League represented in a special or annual meeting convened for that purpose. The meeting shall decide on the disposal of assets. Assets, or their proceeds, may however only be distributed to:
9.1.1 Any other association, league or club that enjoys a tax-exempt status as a recreational club in terms of Section 30A of the Income Tax Act and then only if the assets are divided pro rata amongst all such member leagues; and or
9.1.2 Any public benefit organisation as envisaged in paragraph (a)(l) of the definition of a ‘public benefit organisation’ in Section 30(l) which has been approved in terms of Section 30(3) of the Act and which has similar purposes as the League; and or
9.1.3 Any institution, board or body which is exempt from tax in terms of Section 10(1)(cA)(i) of the Act which has as its sole or principal object the carrying on of any public benefit activity; or
9.1.4 The government of the Republic of South Africa in the national, provincial or local sphere, contemplated in Section 10(1)(a) of the Act.
9.2 Postal ballots as provided for in the rules shall be considered legal at such a meeting.
9.3 Adoption of such a resolution shall require that not less than 25 percent of all members entitled to vote, shall cast their votes and not less than two-thirds of these votes shall be in favour of the resolution.
9.4 Upon winding up or dissolution of the League and after settlement of all debts and liabilities, if any property whatsoever remains, such property shall not be paid or distributed among the members but shall be given or transferred to such other institution having objectives similar to those of the League. This is to be determined by the members of the League at the time of dissolution.
10. INDEMNITY
10.1 The office bearers, council members and employees of the League are indemnified by the League against all costs, losses and expenses arising from anything done by them in the bona fide administration of the League, or in connection with any other matter or thing concerning the affairs of the League save for wilful or dishonest wrongdoing on the part of the person who is sought to be made liable.
11. VICARIOUS LIABILITY
11.1 No member of Council, or of any sub-committee of the League shall be liable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of any other member of Council, or of any sub-committee, or for any loss, damage or misfortune which happens in the execution of his duty, unless it happens through his own wilful or gross negligent act or default.
11.2 The League is liable only for the debts on its behalf and any assistance granted to any person or body whether corporate or unincorporated, shall not render it liable for the debts of such person or body.
RULES
1. MEMBERSHIP
1.1 There shall be two classes of members:
1.1.1 Members in good standing who are entitled to vote –
1.1.1.1 Honorary life member.
1.1.1.2 Ordinary member.
1.1.1.3 Senior member.
1.1.1.4 Spouse member.
1.1.1.5 Student member.
1.1.2 Associated Members who are not entitled to vote –
1.1.2.1 Affiliated club.
1.1.2.2 Shortwave listener.
1.1.2.3 Corporate member.
1.1.2.4 Southern African Development Community (SADC) member.
1.1.2.5 Overseas member.
1.2 Any member of the League under its superseded constitution shall be a member under this constitution and shall automatically fall under the appropriate class mentioned above.
1.3 The League may, upon recommendation of Council, create additional classes of members and may determine the rights and privileges of such classes.
1.4 Only persons normally resident within South Africa shall be eligible for honorary life membership.
1.5 The qualifications for membership shall be as follows:
1.5.1 Honorary Life Member: That he shall have rendered exceptional or outstanding service to:
1.5.1.1 The South African Radio League, or
1.5.1.2 South Africa by means of radio science, or,
1.5.1.3 To radio science itself, or,
1.5.1.4 To amateur radio generally, or
1.5.1.5 That he or she shall have been a member of the League for an unbroken period of 20 years and during that time shall have rendered long and meritorious service to the South African Radio League and always have fully supported the South African Radio League in
matters pertaining to it. [Being a good operator, or excellent DX operator, or member of a local affiliated club committee for any period, shall not be grounds for election as an honorary life member.]
1.5.2 Ordinary Member:
That he shall be a licensed radio amateur and subscribes to the aims and objectives of the League.
1.5.3 Senior Member:
That he shall be a licensed radio amateur and be over the age of 65.
1.5.3.1 The onus is on such a member to notify the League that he is over the age of 65.
1.5.4 Spouse Member:
That he or she shall be a licensed radio amateur and be the husband or wife or life partner of a paid-up member.
1.5.5 Shortwave Listener:
That he is not a licensed radio amateur but has an interest inter alia in amateur radio or electronics and subscribes to the aims and objectives of the League. He shall not be entitled to vote.
1.5.6 Affiliated Club:
That the group or club that has an interest in amateur radio or electronics and subscribes to the aims and objectives of the League, may have their application for affiliation approved by Council, subject to such conditions and privileges imposed or granted by Council from time to time.
1.5.7 Student Member:
1.5.7.1 A student member shall be a licensed radio amateur and be under 25 years of age and be a full-time student, or learner at a recognized educational institution. Upon application the student/learner must present a copy of his/her student registration card or a supporting letter from the principal or parent in the case of home schooling.
1.5.7.2 A student member shall enjoy the same benefits as an ordinary member, provided that a student member shall not receive a printed copy of Radio ZS but will receive same by way of electronic communication.
1.5.8 Corporate Member:
A corporate member shall be a juristic person who subscribes to the aims and objectives of the League. Council in its sole discretion may sub-divide this class of membership in different classes and may from time to time prescribe the membership fees attached to such different classes. A corporate member shall have no vote but shall have full access to the SARL web facilities.
1.5.9 SADC Member:
1.5.9.1 A SADC member shall be a radio amateur licensed and resident in a SADC country and shall be a paid-up member of the national amateur radio organisation of the said SADC country, which in turn is to be a paid-up member of the International Amateur Radio Union Region 1.
1.5.9.2 SADC members shall only have access to the SARL website including all services currently available to SARL members through the website.
1.6 Save as in these rules otherwise provided, a member in good standing shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges and be subject to all the duties of membership of the League, including the right to be elected to Council and to attend at any general meeting of the League provided that.
1.6.1 a member who is:
1.6.1.1 domiciled outside the Republic of South Africa, (overseas member), or
1.6.1.2 is in arrears with his membership subscription, or
1.6.1.3 is under suspension as provided for in these rules, or
1.6.1.4 belongs to the class of associated members,
shall not be eligible for election to any office nor to Council, nor shall he be entitled to vote or ballot on any matter or thing concerning the League.
1.7 Membership shall commence as from the date upon which a candidate is either elected or reinstated.
1.8 No candidate shall be accorded membership unless he complies with all the conditions attaching to such membership as provided in these rules.
1.9 Membership shall terminate:
1.9.1 if a member resigns; or
1.9.2 if a member’s subscription remains unpaid for a period of more than two months after due date; or
1.9.3 if a member is expelled or his name removed from the register as hereinafter provided.
2. ELECTION
2.1 Honorary life members refer to Rule 28.2.1.
2.2 An application for membership shall be in writing and in such form as Council may from time to time determine and shall be lodged with the League Secretary accompanied by the annual subscription fee for the relevant class of membership.
2.3 A candidate for student membership shall submit satisfactory evidence of his date of birth and student status, if so, requested by the League Secretary.
2.4 Council shall have full discretion to accept, postpone or reject an application or to call for any additional information. The League Secretary shall notify the applicant of Council’s decision.
2.5 If the applicant is not accepted, the League Secretary shall, forthwith, refund the applicant’s subscription fee.
2.6 A student member on attaining the age of 26 years shall be deemed to have become an ordinary member.
2.7 When a student member becomes an ordinary member it will not be necessary to pay any additional fees until his subscription becomes renewable at the appropriate rate.
3. RESIGNATION
3.1 A member may resign from the League upon written notice to the League Secretary. If a fully paid-up member resigns from the League, he will not be entitled to a refund of the subscription or a part thereof.
4. REMOVAL FROM REGISTER
4.1 Any member who fails to pay his annual subscription within two months after due date shall be removed from the register of members whereupon he shall cease to be a member.
4.2 If during the said period of two months such member shall state his reasons and apply in writing to the League Secretary for permission to pay his subscription by instalments within six (6) months from the due date thereof, Council may grant such application upon good cause being shown.
4.3 The name of any member shall be removed from the register of members if such action is unanimously recommended by Council after a ballot and decided upon by a general meeting of the League.
5. DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
5.1 Any complaint against a member for contravention of the rules or for misconduct shall be referred to the League Secretary, who must refer the complaint to the League’s Disciplinary Committee.
5.2 The proceedings before the Disciplinary Committee shall be subject to the following provisions:
5.2.1 Council shall give the member at least thirty (30) days written notice of its meeting and outline briefly therein the nature of the complaint.
5.2.2 The member may present his case before the Disciplinary Committee or on appeal personally, in writing, or by representation by another member.
5.2.3 The Disciplinary Committee shall advise the member concerned and report its decision to the League Secretary.
5.2.4 Any decision by the Disciplinary Committee or by Council shall be given to the member within seven (7) days.
5.2.5 Should the member wish to appeal against the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, he may lodge an appeal in writing, stating the basis of his appeal to the League Secretary within 30 days after receiving the ruling of the Disciplinary Committee.
5.2.6 The Secretary shall table the matter at the next council meeting.
5.2.7 Councils decision in the matter shall be final and binding on all members.
5.2.8 A recommendation or decision to expel shall only be valid if passed by at least two-thirds majority of all council members, who are eligible to vote at such a meeting.
5.2.9 If such member is a member of Council, he shall not be entitled to vote at any such meeting, nor to take part in the deliberations thereof other than as stated in paragraph 5.2.2 above.
5.2.10 If the member holds any office in the League, Council may suspend him from office pending the final decision upon the complaint. Written notice of suspension with immediate effect may be included in the notice to the member in respect of the complaint to be investigated.
5.3 Any member who has been suspended by Council as in these rules provided, shall, until further notice, forego all rights and privileges enjoyed by him. He shall be deemed to have vacated any office held by him as from the date of such suspension and Council may appoint another member to hold such office temporarily, pending the election of such other member to the office.
6. REINSTATEMENT
6.1 Any person whose membership was previously terminated by resignation, expulsion or the removal of his name from the register of members, for any reason whatsoever, may apply to be reinstated as a member.
6.2 The provision of these rules relating to the election of new members shall apply to such application for reinstatement; provided however, that in the case of removal owing to default in the payment of his annual subscription fee, such defaulting member shall, in addition, be required to pay all arrears or so much thereof as Council in its discretion may determine.
7. SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FEES
Membership tees or subscriptions are payable by the members to contribute to the cost of running the association and maintaining its services, facilities or amenities.
7.1 Subscriptions shall, on recommendation of Council, be adjusted by an AGM as and when it is necessary.
7.2 All subscriptions shall be payable in advance on the first day of July in each year and shall expire on the 30th day of the following June provided, however, that any person who is elected as a member during the first six months of the financial year, shall pay the full subscription rate; Members joining at any time after six months shall pay a reduced subscription as determined by Council from time to time.
7.2.1 All members will be entitled to annual or seasonal membership.
7.3 All subscriptions shall be paid in South African currency, without deduction, to the League Treasurer, who shall be responsible to Council for collection and receipt of all monies due to the League.
7.4 On payment of his annual subscription a member shall be entitled to request an official League receipt, issued by the League Treasurer.
7.5 Council may arrange promotional fees as part of a membership drive. These may be in the form of an introductory discount for new members for a period not exceeding one year. Provision to be made in the annual budget for this purpose.
8. FINANCE
8.1 Council shall be responsible to the members of the League for the due and proper administration of the funds that may accrue or may be due to and/or received by the League and of any other monies that may be received by the League from any source whatsoever on behalf of the League.
8.2. The treasurer shall prepare and present to the AGM a budget for the current financial year, as well as a proposed budget for the next financial year in respect of activities paid for by members annual subscription to the League.
8.2.1 These budgets shall be distributed to the members at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the AGM.
8.2.2 After adoption of the budgets at the AGM, Council shall operate according to these budgets, provided that no un-budgeted expenditure in respect of members annual subscription shall be incurred.
8.2.3 Expenditure on any line item paid for by members annual subscription to the League, shall not exceed the budget by more than 10 percent and in total, the expenditure shall not exceed the budget in aggregate.
8.3 Should Council wish to incur expenditure not provided for in the budget, then Council must inform the members of this in writing with the necessary motivation. Members shall have thirty (30) days after receipt of such notification in which to respond in writing and Council may only proceed with the proposed expenditure if supported by the majority of the
responding members.
8.4 Council shall decide upon a commercial bank of standing at which an account, hereinafter referred to as “SARL account”, shall be opened in the name of the League and save as in these rules otherwise provided, all moneys received by the League shall be deposited to such account.
8.5 Council shall have the right to change the bankers of the League at its discretion from time to time.
8.6 The League Treasurer shall administer the SARL account in accordance with the direction of Council.
8.7 Council shall have the authority to determine from time to time the manner in which deposits to and withdrawals from such SARL account shall be made, provided however, that all withdrawals from such account shall be approved and confirmed by Council.
8.8 The Treasurer shall as soon as possible after the end of each month prepare, in such form and manner as Council may decide, a statement of receipts and payments in respect of that month, which statement shall be examined and considered at the first meeting of Council (or any committee thereof, as in these rules provided) held subsequent to the end of the aforementioned month.
8.9.1 Copies of the audited accounts, ending 30th June annually, shall be uploaded to the League web site within 14 days after receipt thereof from the auditors.
8.9.2 The Secretary shall immediately notify members of the uploading of the audited accounts by way of electronic communication and members will have 30 calendar days from date of such notification, to consider the accounts, where after, subject to the provisions of 8.9.3 and 8.9.4 below, an electronic vote will take place to accept or reject the audited accounts.
8.9.3 Any written complaints or enquiries regarding the audited accounts must contain a detailed analysis of such complaint/enquiry and should be received by the League Secretary before the expiration of the 30 calendar day period referred to in 8.9.2 above.
8.9.4 The complaint/enquiry referred to in 8.9.3 above together with the answer of the Council, shall be posted on the League web site at least 14 calendar days prior to the date set for the electronic voting to take place.
8.9.5 In the event that a written request, supported in writing by at least 20 (twenty) members eligible to vote at the AGM, is received by the League Secretary prior to the expiration of the 30 calendar day period referred to in 8.9.2 above, requesting that the audited accounts be debated at the AGM, an electronic vote shall not be held but the audited statements referred to the AGM for approval.
8.9.6 The half-yearly draft accounts, ending 31st December of each year, shall be posted or forwarded by way of electronic communication to all members at least thirty (30) days before the AGM.
8.10 The correctness of the annual account and balance sheet shall be ascertained and certified by the auditor, appointed in accordance with these rules and shall in addition be signed by the President and the League Treasurer.
8.11 Council shall also have prepared a general balance sheet as of the 30th of June each year, incorporating all the assets and liabilities as disclosed in the balance sheet of the League.
8.12 Council may require any one or more members of the League, having custody or control of money belonging to the League, to furnish security for the due performance of his duties. The security shall take such form as Council may from time to time approve.
8.13 No person shall have the right to pledge or encumber the credit or assets of the League without the prior written permission of Council.
9. AUDITOR
9.1 An auditor shall be appointed at each AGM to hold office until the next AGM, provided that Council shall appoint the first auditor.
9.2 The retiring auditor shall be eligible for re-appointment without being nominated.
9.3 Any member wishing to nominate a person other than the retiring auditor shall lodge his written nomination with the League Secretary not later than the 31st day of January immediately preceding the next AGM.
9.4 Only a person permitted to practice as an accountant or auditor may be appointed auditor, provided that he is not a member of Council, nor shall he be the League Secretary or Treasurer.
9.5 Subject to the provisions of the foregoing rule, Council may, until the next AGM, fill any casual vacancy that may arise in the office of auditor.
9.6 The auditor shall examine and verify the correctness of all accounts relating to the income and expenditure of the SARL account for the financial year and of the relevant balance sheet and shall furthermore either duly certify as to the correctness of such account and balance sheet or report to the members of the League as to the correctness thereof.
9.7 The auditor shall have the right of access to the securities, books, accounts, vouchers and other documents of the League and, in addition, may require from the members of the Council and other officers of the League, such information as may be necessary for the due performance of his duties as an auditor.
10. GENERAL MEETING
10.1 General meetings of members of the League shall consist of the annual general meeting (AGM) and special general meetings (SGM).
10.2 At a general meeting of the League, whether annual or special, the President, or in his absence the Vice-president, shall be entitled to take the chair or failing both the meeting shall, from its own number, elect a member as chairman, provided that in the event of a special general meeting convened upon requisition by members, the delegates so assembled shall elect from their own number a chairman for that meeting and any adjournment thereof.
11. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (AGMS)
11.1 The AGM shall be held every year at such date, time and place as determined by Council from time to time, before 31 May of every year.
11.2 The business of the AGM shall be:
11.2.1 declaration of proxies.
11.2.2 to approve the rules of debate using the rules of debate attached hereto as a guideline.
11.2.2.1 The proposer of a motion gets ten minutes to discuss the motion and put it to the meeting.
11.2.2.2 The seconder and each person who would like to speak on the topic gets two minutes.
11.2.2.3 A person gets one opportunity to speak on a motion or agenda item and only if he/she has additional inputs to make to the discussion is he/she allowed to make a further input.
11.2.2.4 After discussion the proposer gets five minutes to sum up, after which the matter is put to the vote.
11.2.3 to approve or otherwise amend the minutes of any previous general meeting.
11.2.4 to receive the annual report of the Council.
11.2.5 to receive and consider the un-audited interim accounts of income and expenditure and balance sheet as of 31st December following.
11.2.6 to receive a budget for the ensuing year.
11.2.7 to declare the election of members of the Council.
11.2.8 to elect an auditor for the ensuing year.
11.2.9 to adopt the subscriptions for the following year.
11.2.10 to consider and vote on any intra vires motion of which due notice shall have been given. Such an intra vires motion may be Withdrawn by the proposer only with the approval of the meeting without dissenting vote. Any motion considered to be ultra vires shall be returned to the proposer for amendment or withdrawal. Should Council and/or the legal adviser deem it necessary to append an explanatory note or notes, the proposer’s approval therefore and of the wording of such note/s should first be obtained in writing. The substance and wording of any note/s thus appended shall be such that they cannot reasonably be construed as argument in support of or against the contents of the motion, or likely to marshal opinion for or against the motion in advance of the meeting.
11.2.11 to consider any matter arising out of the foregoing and such other business which may be transacted, or ought to be transacted, at an AGM.
11.3 A member who desires to give notice of any matter or business which is to be considered or transacted at the AGM shall, not later than the 31st of January preceding the AGM, lodge with the League Secretary, in writing a resolution in the form to be proposed at the meeting. Such notice shall be signed by the member, as proposer and by another member as seconder.
11.4 The AGM shall be convened by the League Secretary by notice which shall be published on the SARL website, posted, or sent by electronic communication, to all members of the League, at least thirty (30) days before the AGM and shall specify the date, place and hour of the meeting and the nature of the business to be transacted. Such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of the general balance sheet of the League. The publication of the notice mentioned above, to be posted or sent by way of electronic communication at least thirty (30) days before the AGM, shall be considered to be in compliance with the requirements of this rule.
11.5 Any member or associated member may attend the AGM, but only members in good standing may vote. Participants in any discussion shall be confined to members, members of Council, the Honorary Legal Adviser and the Honorary Technical Advisor.
11.6 Any member who is not able to personally attend an AGM, is entitled to appoint any member of the League, entitled to vote, to attend the AGM and vote on his behalf. Any vote so cast shall be binding as if cast by the member. The provisions of rule 1.8 shall apply to any person appointed as a proxy holder. The format of the proxy shall be prescribed by Council from time to time.
11.7 For transacting any business at the AGM, except for a motion in respect of any proposed amendment of the Constitution and/or the Rules as is provided for in paragraph 6.3 of the Constitution, a quorum shall consist of not less than ten (10) percent of the total number of League members entitled to vote, whether present at the meeting or represented by proxy.
11.8 All decisions taken at the meeting shall require a majority of the votes cast by the members present thereat and shall be decided in the first instance by a show of hands, provided that any ten (10) members may request that the motion at issue be decided by ballot in lieu of a show of hands.
11.9 In the event of a ballot, the members shall appoint three ordinary members, other than members of Council, as scrutineers to compute the votes and report to the chairman.
11.10 In the event of an equality of votes, the chairman shall have a casting vote, but he shall have no deliberate vote.
11.11 Not less than one third of members present, either before or immediately after any vote upon a motion has been taken, may call for a general ballot of all members of the League in which event, in so far as the motion at issue only is concerned, it shall be dealt with as hereinafter provided.
11.12 Before the conclusion of the AGM the members shall, for the aforesaid ballot, appoint scrutineers, other than members of Council and the League Secretary and Treasurer, to count and check the votes cast in the general ballot, as hereinafter provided. Should the members omit or fail to appoint the said scrutineers, Council shall do so.
11.13 Council shall, within fifteen (15) days from the date upon which the aforementioned ballot was demanded, cause voting papers to be prepared and posted, or sent by way of electronic communication, to every member of the League entitled to vote, together with a pre-addressed envelope (if applicable) or e-mail address, directed to the scrutineers of the ballot.
11.14 Such voting paper shall:
11.14.1 clearly indicate the motion at issue.
11.14.2 provide for an affirmative or negative vote.
11.14.3 require the name, signature and call sign, if any, of the voter; and furthermore, require the return of the voting paper, either by post or by way of electronic communication, to the scrutineers by 16:00 on the closing date. Such closing date shall not be earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days after the conclusion of the AGM.
11.15 At the close of the ballot, the scrutineers appointed shall count the votes, rejecting the doubtful and spoiled papers and report to the chairman of the AGM the result of the voting and such report shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting as the decision of the members of the League upon the question at issue.
11.16 The decision as to the eligibility of any member to vote and/or the validity of the voting paper, shall rest entirely with the scrutineers who, if necessary, shall have full access to all the books and records of the League for this purpose and may call upon the League Secretary and/or Treasurer for such assistance as may be required.
12. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS (SGMS)
12.1 A special general meeting may be convened at any time:
12.1.1 by Council.
12.1.2 upon requisition lodged with the League Secretary and signed:
12.1.3 by at least four members of Council. or
12.1.4 by not less than twenty members of the League entitled to vote.
12.2 The purpose of the SGM shall be clearly stated either by Council, or in the requisition referred to in paragraph 12.1.2 above.
12.3 Upon receipt of Council’s instructions or the requisition for the SGM, the League Secretary shall call the SGM for a date not sooner than sixty (60) days and not later than ninety (90) days thereafter and shall, within fifteen (15) days, post or send by way of electronic communication notices to every member entitled to vote. The notice shall state the date, time and place of the SGM and shall indicate at whose instance the meeting is convened and the purpose thereof.
12.4 The relevant rules governing an AGM shall mutatis mutandis apply to an SGM with regard to:
12.4.1 the place where the meeting shall be held.
12.4.2 the quorum.
12.4.3 the right to call for a general ballot.
12.4.4 the right of any member to take part in the discussion and to vote upon a resolution submitted by such member to the SGM in terms of Rule 11.3.
12.4.5 the chairman’s vote.
12.4.6 any matter not inconsistent with these rules, except that:
12.4.6.1 the SGM shall elect its own chairman if the meeting has been convened by requisition of twenty or more members.
12.4.6.2 the League Secretary shall hand to the chairman of the SGM at the commencement of the meeting a list showing the number of qualified voters and proxies attending the meeting.
12.4.6.3 the business of the meeting shall be restricted to the purpose thereof.
12.4.6.4 if, at the time appointed for the meeting or within thirty minutes thereafter, there is no quorum, the meeting shall be adjourned to a date and time not sooner than thirty (30) days and not later than sixty (60) days hence, at which time provided there are no fewer than twenty (20) members present, those present shall be considered a quorum.
13. MINUTES
13.1 Minutes of the proceedings at all general meetings of the League shall be kept by the League Secretary and shall be ratified by the Council not later than at its second meeting after the AGM or SGM and confirmed at the next general meeting of the League and shall be signed by the chairman of such meeting. A copy of the minutes shall be forwarded to the honorary legal advisor within sixty (60) days after such meeting. A synopsis of the minutes shall be circulated to the members in the first newsletter following the ratification.
14. POSTAL BALLOTS (PBS)
14.1 A postal ballot on any matter affecting the interest of the League shall be taken:
14.1.1 at the request of Council. or
14.1.2 upon the signed requisition of four Council members.
14.1.3 upon the requisition signed by at least twenty members of the League, entitled to vote, or
14.1.4 as otherwise prescribed by these rules.
14.2 The request for the PB shall clearly state the subject matter of the ballot and shall be lodged with the League Secretary.
14.3 The League Secretary shall fix a closing date for the ballot which shall not be sooner than thirty (30) days, nor later than sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of such request, provided that if the request is at the instance of Council, such date shall be as determined by Council, provided reasonable notice thereof is given to the members.
14.4 Within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the request, the League Secretary shall post, or send by way of electronic communication, ballot forms to every member entitled to vote. The ballot form shall, inter alia:
14.4.1 state clearly the question at issue and indicate at whose instance the ballot is being held.
14.4.2 provide for an affirmative or negative vote.
14.4.3 require the name and signature of the voter, together with his call sign, if any.
14.4.4 state the closing date of the ballot.
14.4.5 notify the voter that he must transmit his ballot form to reach the scrutineers before 16:00 on the closing date.
14.5 Thereafter the provisions of rule 11.15 shall be followed, save that Council shall appoint the three scrutineers from ordinary members, who shall not be council members.
14.6 The PB shall be subject to the following provisions:
14.6.1 only a member who has been on the register of members prior to the notice of the PB shall be eligible to vote, provided he is otherwise entitled to vote.
14.6.2 the eligibility of a member to vote and/or the validity of his voting paper shall rest entirely with the scrutineers who, if necessary, shall have full access to all the books and records of the League for this purpose.
14.6.3 the result of the ballot, as declared by the scrutineers, shall be in the form of a certificate signed by the scrutineers and League Secretary and shall state:
14.6.3.1 the total number of votes for and against.
14.6.3.2 the total number of voting papers rejected for any valid reason.
14.6.3.3 the majority result of the total number of votes for and against shall be the decision of the PB on the question at issue and such decision shall thereupon be duly minuted, whereupon it shall be binding on the League and effect thereto shall be given as soon as practicable.
14.7 The League Secretary shall transmit true copies of the certificate by the scrutineers to Council.
15. OMISSIONS
15.1 The accidental omission to post, or send by way of electronic communication, a notice of any general meeting of the League, or a Postal B allot form to any Member, or the non-receipt of such notice or form by any Member, shall not vitiate any decision made by such meeting or ballot.
16. COUNCIL
16.1 Candidates for membership of Council shall only be nominated by affiliated clubs or by members of the League who are entitled to vote.
16.2 No nomination shall be valid unless:
16.2.1 it is submitted in writing, duly signed by a duly authorised representative of the proposing club and seconded by a duly authorised representative of the seconding affiliated club or by ten members as proposers and seconders, together with a statement containing details of the specific qualifications, abilities and membership of any related amateur radio organizations of their candidate and
16.2.2 it discloses the candidate’s name and address and
16.2.3 it is accompanied by a written statement signed by the candidate whereby he consents to serve as a member of Council and
16.2.4 it is lodged with the League Secretary not later than the 31st of January of any year.
16.3 No person shall be eligible for election to Council who:
16.3.1 is not a member in good standing at the date of his nomination.
16.3.2 is otherwise disqualified in terms of these rules or whose name has been removed from and not restored to, the register of members.
16.3.3 is an immediate family member of an employee of the SARL.
16.4 Members of council shall be elected by the ordinary members of the League entitled to vote. Such election shall be conducted before the AGM by electronic means under the following conditions:
a. Only voting on the secure website will be permitted
b. Council shall appoint two independent scrutineers that are not councillors nor directly connected to a nominated person.
c. Online voting will open on the day that AGM notices are dispatched.
d. Online voting can be accepted up to midnight, eight days before the AGM.
The same electronic voting system is accepted for use in other instances where a postal ballot would have been required.
16.5 In the event of the nominees for election not being greater than the number of members to be elected, such nominees and retiring members shall be declared by the chairman of the relevant AGM to be duly elected.
16.6 If two or more candidates obtain an equal number of votes, the candidate or candidates to be elected, shall be determined by lot at such AGM.
16.7 The members of Council for the ensuing year shall be declared by the chairman at the AGM.
16.8 The League Secretary shall, immediately after the AGM, notify a member of his election to Council.
16.9 Councillors elected at an AGM shall hold office for a period of no longer than two years but will be eligible for re-election after that period. At the end of every year of office subsequent to this amendment, 50% of the elected councillors shall stand down alternating, but may stand for re-election. A retiring member may offer himself for re-election only if he is proposed and seconded as provided for in these rules.
16.10 Whenever a casual vacancy occurs on Council, the remaining members may appoint any qualified member of the League to fill that vacancy until the next AGM.
16.10.1 Where a casual vacancy occurs after the close of the annual nominations and before the notice of the AGM has been posted, Council shall call for nominations to be submitted to the SARL secretary on the morning of the AGM. The members present shall vote for the nominees per the procedure set in rules 11.7, 11.8, 11.9 and 11.10.
16.10.2 The candidate elected under 16.10.1 above, shall hold office for the unexpired period of office of the vacating member.
16.11 Any member of Council or any office-bearer may at any time resign his office upon giving thirty days written notice of his intention to do so, to the League Secretary and such resignation shall take effect upon expiration of such notice or upon its earlier acceptance by Council.
16.12 A member of Council shall, ipso facto, cease to hold office if, infer alias.
16.12.1 he, without obtaining permission from Council, absents himself from three consecutive meetings thereof, except where he can prove to the satisfaction of Council that his absence was due to circumstances beyond his control and which precluded him from obtaining leave of absence.
16.12.2 he ceases to be, or is suspended as, a member of the League, as in these rules provided.
16.12.3 upon a resolution adopted by not less than two-thirds majority of the full number of Council, he be requested to resign.
16.12.4 he be requested to resign upon a resolution – of which due notice has been given – adopted by the members of the League, or their appointed proxy assembled in general meeting as provided for in these rules.
16.13 The person who held office as League Secretary prior to the last AGM, or failing him any member of Council, shall within thirty (30) days after such AGM, convene the first meeting of the incoming Council. Council must budget for an annual sum to be used for travel assistance or assistance for transmission of documents.
16.14 Hereafter Council shall meet as often as necessary for the transaction of business of the League, provided, however, that a full meeting be held at least twice a year where a quorum of councillors is physically present.
16.15 Council shall also meet whenever summoned by the League Secretary, who may convene a meeting at any time.
16.16 Any two members of Council may, upon a requisition signed by them, require the League Secretary to convene a meeting of Council.
16.17 Any League member may attend any meeting of Council; but at any such meeting he shall not be entitled to take part in the discussion on any subject, nor be privileged to cast a vote.
17. QUORUM
17.1 Not less than 51% of council members shall form a quorum at council meetings and all matters shall be decided by a majority of the members participating either in person or remotely through telephone conference.
17.1.1 Councillors from areas more than 100 km from the National Amateur Radio Centre should as often as possibly participate by telephone conference.
17.1.2 Councillors participating by telephone conference shall make available all documents relevant to their participation in the meeting, to the SARL office and all councillors by way of electronic communication or telefax. This is to be done eat least 72 hours before the commencement of the meeting.
17.2 Each member shall have one vote only and in the case of equality of votes, the chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote as well as a deliberative vote.
18. NOTICE
18.1 At least seven days written notice shall be given to each member of council of the date of the first meeting after the AGM, but subsequent meetings shall be convened in such manner and form as Council may from time to time decide. the League Secretary shall, however, be entitled to convene a meeting to be held directly after the AGM of councillors present at the general meeting and those not present, to attend by way of teleconference, solely for purposes of electing the President and Vice-president and appointing a Treasurer, Secretary and persons acting in an honorary capacity.
19. OFFICE BEARERS
19.1 At every first meeting held after the AGM the council members shall, from among their number, elect a chairman and a vice-chairman who shall also be the President and Vice-president of the league, respectively.
19.2 Council shall also at such first meeting, or as soon as possible thereafter, appoint in either an honorary or paid capacity a secretary and a treasurer, provided that Council may, in its discretion, combine the office of secretary and/or treasurer with any other portfolio or office within the Council.
19.3 An Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer shall attend all meetings of Council but shall not be entitled to vote thereat unless they have been elected to Council as provided for in these rules.
19.4 Council may also, in its discretion, from time to time appoint in an honorary capacity any other office bearer, including an editor, advertising and/or business manager, technical adviser and a legal adviser.
19.5 The honorary legal adviser (and the honorary technical adviser) shall be entitled:
19.5.1 to receive the notice and agenda of every Council meeting and the minutes thereof.
19.5.2 to attend any meeting of Council.
19.5.3 to take part in the deliberations of Council meetings, but he shall have no vote thereat unless he be an elected member of Council.
19.5.4 to submit, in person or in writing, for consideration at any meeting of Council, AGM or SGM, his views or opinion upon any matter concerning the interests of the League.
19.6 All honorary office bearers shall hold office until the AGM immediately following the date of their appointments whereupon they shall retire, provided that Council, in its discretion, may extend the date of such retirement for a period not exceeding three months from the date of the aforementioned AGM.
19.7 Any of the office bearers, not being members of Council, shall at the request of Council attend any or all its meetings but shall not be entitled to vote thereat.
19.8 Save as otherwise in these rules provided, all members of Council and/or office bearers shall act in an honorary capacity, but nothing therein contained shall be deemed to prohibit the payment by Council to any office bearer, not being a member of Council, of any sum of money for services rendered and to a member of Council of any sum of money for special services rendered, but such payment shall be subject to the funds of the League permitting and provided further that such payment shall first have received the approval of members assembled in AGM, as provided for in these rules.
19.9 Council shall appoint a representative as the public officer of the League. The name of the representative and his / her position in the League must be furnished to the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service. The representative must be a responsible member of Council and his position as a member of Council must constantly be kept filled by the League.
20. MINUTES
20.1 Council shall cause minutes to be kept of the proceedings of all its meetings and of the resolutions passed thereat and such minutes shall, after approval, be signed by the chairman of the next succeeding Council meeting.
20.2 Copies of the minutes of every Council meeting shall, within thirty days after confirmation of the minutes, be sent to the honorary legal adviser and a summary to any member on his written request.
20.2.1 No resolution of Council shall be amended, or rescinded, unless prior notice be given of the intention to bring forward a resolution to this effect at a subsequent meeting and at least two-thirds of the full number of council members vote in favour of such amendment or rescission.
21. POWERS
21.1 Subject to the provision of these rules, Council may, in addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon it by these rules, exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the League and are not by themselves expressed or directed to be done only by the members of the League, assembled in general meeting.
21.2 Without prejudice to the general powers conferred upon Council by these rules, it is hereby expressly declared that Council shall have the following additional powers, which is to say, power:
21.2.1 to appoint and, in its discretion, remove or suspend such managers, secretaries, officers, clerks, agents and servants for permanent, temporary or special services as it may think fit and to determine their powers and duties and fix their salaries or emoluments and to require security in such instances and to such amount as it may think fit.
21.2.2 to appoint from time to time and upon such conditions as it may think fit and to remove honorary officials and, from available funds of the League, recommend that their services be rewarded.
21.2.3 to determine who shall be entitled to sign on behalf of the League bills, notes, receipts, endorsements, cheques, releases, contracts and documents.
21.2.4 to make and give receipts, releases and other discharges for monies payable to the League and for the claims and demands of the League.
21.2.5 to enter into such negotiations and contracts and rescind and vary any or all such contracts and execute and do all such acts, deeds and things in the name and on behalf of the League as it may consider expedient for, or in relation to, any of the matters aforesaid or otherwise for the League.
21.2.6 to secure the fulfilment of any contracts or agreements entered by the League, by mortgage or charge, of all or any of the property of the League, for the time being, or in such manner as it may think fit.
21.2.7 at its discretion to raise or borrow or secure payment of any sum or sums of money for the purpose of the League.
21.2.8 to purchase or otherwise acquire for the League any property rights or privileges which the League is authorised to acquire, at such price and on such terms and conditions as it may deem fit and to nominate the officers or trustees of the League in whom by law such property shall require to be vested, with the power to vary same.
21.2.9 to institute, conduct, defend, compound or abandon any legal proceedings by or against the League, or its officers, or otherwise concerning the affairs of the League and to compound and allow time for payment or satisfaction of any debts due and any claims or demands by or against the League.
21.2.10 to refer any claims or demands by or against the League to arbitration and observe and perform the awards.
21.2.11 to invest and deal with any of the monies of the League not immediately required for purposes thereof upon such securities and in such manner as it may deem fit and from time to time to vary or release such investments.
21.2.12 to arrange with any other club or association for reciprocal concession or otherwise.
21.2.13 to appoint sub-committees from its own number or from members of the League for such purposes and with such powers as it may deem fit and to dissolve them. The chairman of Council or, in his absence the vice-chairman, shall be ex officio a member and the chairman thereof, failing whom the sub- committee shall elect one of its members to be chairman.
21.2.14 on recommendation of the AGM or SGM:
21.2.14.1 to appoint a patron or patrons of the League.
21.2.14.2 to confer special recognition in suitable form upon any member of the
League for outstanding services to his country, radio science, amateur radio, or other ideal.
21.2.15 to take any urgent measures that may be necessary to carry out the objects of the League, where delay would be to the detriment of the League or its Members.
21.2.16 to establish:
21.2.16.1 a technical committee, responsible to Council, under the chairmanship of the technical adviser to Council.
21.2.16.2 The President, or in his absence the vice-chairman of Council, shall be ex officio member of the technical committee and the President may elect to lead any official delegation of the committee, by arrangement with the chairman thereof.
21.2.16.3 Council may delegate to the technical committee such of its powers as an AGM or SGM may by resolution request.
22. VALIDITY OF ACTS
22.1 Every act of Council purporting to be done on behalf of the League shall be deemed to be the act of the League and no omission or defect in the qualification or election of any member of Council shall invalidate any such act, provided that such omission or defect was not known at the time when the said act was done.
23. PROXY
23.1 Every member entitled to vote shall be entitled to be represented by proxy, provided that no person shall act as a proxy unless he is entitled on his own behalf to be present and vote at the meeting at which he acts as proxy.
23.2 The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the grantor and shall be in such form as Council may from time to time decide, provided that Council may accept any other form of proxy which clearly and adequately indicates the intention of the person granting it and provided further that it is duly signed in accordance with law.
23.3 Unless specifically otherwise stated therein, no instrument of proxy shall be valid for more than one meeting and any adjournment thereof and no such instrument shall be used at an adjourned meeting which could not have been used at the original meeting.
23.4 The form of proxy shall be lodged with the League Secretary at least half an hour before the meeting, at which it is to be used and Council’s decision, as the case may be, as to whether the form so received is in order or not, shall be final.
24. RULES BINDING
24.1 These rules shall be binding upon the League and all members and officials thereof.
25. CONSTITUTION AND RULES
25.1 Council shall cause copies of the Constitution and Rules and any amendment from time to time made thereto, to be sent to the league auditor and honorary legal adviser of the League and to any member on request.
26. INTERPRETATION
26.1 Should any question arise as to the interpretation or meaning of these rules, or the procedure to be adopted hereunder, or as to any action to be taken in respect of any matter affecting the League and not provided for, Council shall decide such question in consultation with the honorary legal adviser and such decision shall be final and binding upon the League, its office bearers and members, unless and until the League should decide such question otherwise at any AGM, SGM or by postal ballot of the League.
27. REGISTER OF MEMBERS
27.1 There shall be kept and maintained by the League in such form as Council may direct, clearly showing in accessible manner:
27.1.1 the name, address and call sign, if any, of every member of the League.
27.1.2 the class of membership.
27.1.3 the date of election of each member.
27.1.4 whether the member’s subscription has been paid for the current year and the date of payment.
27.1.5 changes made from time to time through transfer, resignation, suspension, expulsion or otherwise.
27.2 The register shall be open for inspection by any member of the League, the scrutineers and by the League auditors.
27.3 Council, the chairman at any AGM or SGM of the League and any other person authorised by these rules, shall be entitled to receive forthwith from the League Secretary a certificate giving any details called for with regard to membership. Such certificate shall be signed and dated by the League Secretary and by the President, failing whom, any member of Council.
27.4 Council shall be directly responsible for keeping the register up to date, provided Members have complied with any request for details required by these Rules.
28. AWARDS
28.1 The following shall be, in order of honour, awards which may be conferred upon members:
28.1.1 Honorary Life Membership.
28.1.2 Willie Wilson Gold Badge Award.
28.1.3 Jack Twine Merit Award
28.2 The qualifications of these awards shall be:
28.2.1 Honorary Life Member:
28.1.1 Honorary life membership may be bestowed upon a member of the South African Radio League, who qualifies for such an honour, in the following way:
28.1.1.1 Upon a motion from Council at its own instance.
28.1.1.2 After receiving a nomination signed by 10 members of the League, supported by a memorandum fully stating the reasons and facts underlying such nomination.
28.1.2 Council may accept or reject such nomination, at its discretion.
28.1.3 Council shall ensure that the nominee is fully qualified in terms of these rules. No more than five (5) honorary life members may be elected in any one year.
28.1.4 Upon such election, he shall enjoy the rights and privileges of an ordinary member and in addition shall be exempt from the payment of any membership subscriptions during such membership.
28.1.5 The League Secretary shall table the motion or nomination at a full council meeting and a decision to bestow honorary life membership on a member shall only be valid if passed by at least 80% majority of all council members who are eligible to vote at such meeting and that no nomination will be accepted if the election of another honorary life member will result in a total of more than fifty (50) honorary life members.
28.1.6 Upon having been elected to honorary life membership by Council, the award shall be announced and presented at the next League AGM.
28.2.2. The Willie Wilson Gold Badge Award for exceptional and meritorious service to the League, awarded:
28.2.2.1 at Council’s own instance.
28.2.2.2 On a proposal, with full motivation and signed by 10 members of the League in good standing.
28.2.3 The Jack Twine Merit Award. To recognise qualities such as unselfishness, clean operating and a genuine interest in amateur radio and its affairs. This award shall be made to amateurs who, in the opinion of their fellow amateurs and/or the League’s Council, exemplify the qualities desirable in a radio amateur. The award will be known as The Jack Twine Merit Award. It will be made:
28.2.3.1 At the Council’s own instance, provided that 80 per cent of the councillors present and voting are in agreement.
28.2.3.2 On a proposal, with full motivation and signed by 10 members of the League in good standing.
Provided it can be certified.
28.2.3.2.1 In the case of a transmitting member, he is considered to be an efficient and courteous radio amateur, whose transmissions are known to be good, clean signals above reproach; and provided further, that in cases falling under this sub-paragraph, he has been a member of the League for any unbroken period of not less than five years and supports the aims and objectives of the League,
and/or
28.2.3.2.2 He deserves the award because he performed some other outstanding services in the cause of amateur radio and/or in support of the League.
28.3 Nothing contained in this constitution and rules shall prejudice awards bestowed under the League’s superseded constitution which awards shall remain in full force and effect.
29. SARL HAMNET
29.1 Any member of SARL HAMNET must be a member in good standing of the League as provided for in these rules. Such a person shall cease to be a member of HAMNET if he no longer is a member of the League.
29.2 The activities of HAMNET shall be governed by the rules as laid down by Council from time to time and managed and executed by an appointee of Council, called the National Director: SARL HAMNET.
29.3 The National Director as referred to in paragraph 29.2 shall be entitled, in his own unfettered discretion, to permit licensed radio amateurs who are not members of the League, to partake in any activities of SARL HAMNET on such terms and conditions as he may deem fit.
30. AFFILIATION
30.1 Council may approve the affiliation of clubs or other organisations which have aims and objectives in common with those of the League, subject to the criteria set out in rule 30.3 below.
30.2 Council shall have the right to review an organisations affiliation should its aims and objectives no longer be in common with those of the League, or should it not meet the criteria specified in rule 30.3.
30.3 Affiliated organisations shall have in place the following principles and criteria:
30.3.1 The organisation shall have a recognisable name.
30.3.2 The objectives shall be consistent with the promotion of the Amateur Radio Service.
30.3.3 The managing committee shall be elected from the ranks of its members, by its members.
30.3.4 Provision shall be made to secure the members assets and ensure the proper administration thereof.
30.3.5 Membership should be open to all South Africans.
31. ELECTRONIC VOTING AT AN AGM OR SGM
31.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Constitution of the SARL, or the Rules promulgated in terms thereof, the Council may decide at a duly constituted meeting of Councillors to authorize voting at any AGM or SGM by means of secure electronic voting and shall communicate this decision to the members at least 14 (fourteen) days prior to the date of such AGM or SGM.
32. ELECTRONIC VOTING REGARDING ANY MATTER NOT FINALISED AT AN AGM OR SGM
32.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Constitution of the SARL or the Rules promulgated in terms thereof, the Council may decide at a duly constituted meeting of Councillors to authorize voting by members by means of secure electronic voting on any matter subject to the following:
32.1.1 Any member in good standing supported by 10 other members, can submit a written motion to Council at any time of the year.
32.1.2 The Council and/or the legal advisor will examine the motion for being technically correct. If not, same is referred back to the proposer for amendment.
32.1.3 Once the wording of the motion is approved by Council, the motion is placed on the SARL website for discussion by members. Council will notify members of the motion.
32.1.4 After the lapse of 30 (thirty) days from date of posting the motion on the SARL website, the original motion, or any amendment thereto ratified by Council, shall be made available for secure (authenticated and authorized) electronic voting. Council will inform members that the motion is open for voting.
32.1.5 The motion will be put to the vote on the electronic voting system for a period of 10 (ten) days.
32.1.6 For the voting to be valid at least 10% of the SARL members in good standing as at the date of the posting of the motion for voting, shall participate in the vote.
32.1.7 For the voting to be valid in respect of amendments to the Constitution and/or Rules of the SARL, at least 15% of the SARL members in good standing as of the date of the posting of the motion for voting, shall participate in the vote.
32.1.8 For a motion, except in the case of a motion to amend the constitution, to be carried, a simple majority of members participating in the vote shall be required.
32.1.9 For a motion to amend the constitution to be carried, a majority of two thirds of the members participating in the vote shall be required.
32.1.10 Once voting is completed and verified, the result will be announced on the SARL Website and shall not be later than 7 days from the closing of the vote.