CONSTITUTION OF INDEPENDENCE COMMISSION AFRICA

We are the bridge which carries all nations in Africa towards a dignified lifestyle.
Independence Commission Africa was created by concerned people who say: ENOUGH is ENOUGH!! We call the leaders of all organizations and political parties to stand together, here, today with a common vision of a country able to respond to the needs of its people into the future. Independence Commission Africa co-operates with the international community to create a bridge of freedom for the entire African continent.

DECLARATION

• ​Independence Commission Africa is a Voluntary Association of people irrespective of political persuasion who form a Civic Organization with the necessary ingredients to being a strategic structured link between Governments and the people it serves.
• Independence Commission Africa believes in the inalienable right of all people to be economically free, decide for themselves what they want out of life and how to attain it, without infringing on the rights of any other person.
• We believe in the right to private property, and the right of every person to put his product, including his labour, on the market, at the prices that he decides, and the individual shall hold all right to decide if he rejects or accepts an offer.

Vision

• ​The vision of Independence Commission Africa is SMART action: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reliable and Timebound.
• It has become clear that the future of the African democracy is in the hands of its people and NOT the elected privileged few.

Vision for Africa

• ​All countries in Africa should run like a well-oiled machine, with total harmony between the people who make it work, and those who do the work.
• Independence Commission Africa has the desire to see all people in Africa to be free from political oppression, irrespective of race, colour, creed, sex and religion, to work the land in unity for the benefit of all Africans.

Vision for the World

​Independence Commission Africa supports the right of self-determination of every person and nation in the world, and will be the promoter of a wider global anti-colonial movement where expedient.

Mission ​

• For every person in Africa to be able to have a safe and comfortable lifestyle.
• To protect our wildlife, ecology and economic infrastructures.
• We endorse transparency of all matters concerning Africa; Wealth which has been taken illegally from the African countries needs to be restored; Wealth which is generated in Africa should be applied to the progress of the nations in Africa.

STRATEGY

• To build a solid foundation of support where the desires of the people are clearly stated.
• To promote our vision of citizens equipped mentally and physically for the challenges of the future.
• To maintain transparency in all matters, including our open support as a voluntary rallying point for the social and economic needs required to create the perfect citizen full of ability and opportunity, who is not scared to make a new path in the ever changing world landscape.
• We embrace principles of government which serve the people and do not elect self serving individuals. Responsibility is an honour, and politicians are civil servants paid by the people and should recognize this honour.
• We open dialogue and discussion in which all positive contributions are acted upon to grow unified nations able to profit from its assets, and not be a pawn in the industrial revolutions of other countries, who have traditionally exploited resources to their own ends.
• We support the finding of wealth for the peoples of African countries from which they can draw economic independence.
• We support the recovery of wealth which has been channeled away from African nations illegally, to generate wealth for the future.
• We campaign and access funding so as to support and promote self-help projects in order to make them self-sufficient and eradicate poverty.
• We seek and expose the truth of our past, present and future leadership.
• We implement measures to enforce zero tolerance for crime.
• We support actions to create an independent Africa through agriculture and industry.
• We promote education in all spheres.
• We support the education of peoples in Africa in the political arena.
• We support the establishment and maintenance of infrastructures in Africa which would allow the country to run like a well-oiled machine.
• We cooperate with like minded individuals and organizations.
• We network with other organizations who promote economic independence.
• We propose a decentralization of power in the system of governance for Africa, based on the Swiss canton confederation of States.

THE ORGANIZATION

The Organization shall: ​
Exist in its own right separate from its members. Be able to own property and other possessions. Be able to sue and be sued in its’ own name. Continue to exist even when its membership changes and there are different office bearers. Organization proceeds/profits shall not be shared as dividends to some or all of its members, but will be used for reasonable reimbursement for services performed and agreed to by a two thirds majority quorum.

Objectives of the Organisation ​
To promote, support and assist in the development of both hard and soft skills. To build the capacity of the unemployed women, men, youth and other vulnerable groups to become economically independent. To campaign and access funding so as to support and promote self-help projects in order to make them self-sufficient and eradicate poverty To network with other organizations catering for the upliftment of the conditions of the underprivileged communities. We will use persons with previous experience in positions as mentors for occupiers of posts which need the skills.

Area of Operation

The activities of the organization shall be vocal globally and speak out against atrocities, genocides and injustices world over. The organisation is able to affiliate to civic organisations globally and attend global conferences on affiliated issues. Initial operation is within South Africa and will spread across Africa but not exclude global activity

Income and Property ​

The organization may not give any of its money or property to its members or office bearers, unless it is to pay for work that a member or office bearer has done for the organization. The payment must be a reasonable amount for the work that has been done. A member of the organization can only get money back from the organization for expenses that he/she has paid for on behalf of the organization. Members or office bearers of the organization do not have rights over things that belong to the organization.
Closing Down of the Organization ​The Organization may be closed down if at least two-thirds of the members present and voting at a meeting convened for the purpose of considering such matter, are in favour of closing the Organization down. When the Organization closes down it has to pay off all its debts. After doing this, if there is property or money left over, it should not be paid or given to members of the organization, but should be given in some way to another non-profit organization that has similar objectives. The Organization’s general meeting can decide what organization this should be.

THE PRINCIPALS OF ICA

Each person is held responsible for their own deeds’ ● Socially acceptable standards should be reviewed regularly by society based on facts; ● The human rights of every individual should be upheld by all other members of society; ● Lessons from the past gives direction of our future; ● Truth should be exposed to bring transparency to the nation in all matters which concerns their past, present and future.

MEMBERSHIP ​

Independence Commission Africa members believe in the ethical values of: ● Honesty, ● Openness, ● Social responsibility, ● Caring and respect for others.

Membership

Members shall be those individuals, groups and organizations who have similar objectives, and whose application for membership shall have been accepted by the executive committee.
Membership does not give any member any right to claim or demand any of the monies or assets of the organization, but only confers upon such members the right and privileges of using the facilities of the organization subject to the rule of the organization.

Office Bearers and their duties ​

Office bearers share the burden of service but are not confined in their departmental duties. Duties mentioned will only save as guidelines and will not limit the responsibilities of any official.

Chairperson ​

• Chairperson shall chair all executive meetings.
• Shall be signatory in all documents that involves the organization.
• Shall approve any document, article and advertisements done in the name of the organization.
• Shall serve as self-liaison officer to all executive members for the information and operating structures of the organization.

To avoid any conflict of interest, the chairperson shall be unable to do any officials’ work.

Deputy Chairperson ​

Deputy Chairperson shall work hand in hand with the chairperson, and would assume all duties of the chairperson during his/her absence or if the chairperson is not within the reach.

General Secretary ​

• The bookkeeping of the organization shall be the sole responsibility of the Secretary.
• Shall keep minutes of all meetings.
• Shall draft agendas, read minutes of the previous meeting and notify members about the meetings.
• Should be converse with all matters pertaining to the organization (these entail letters, documentation and every correspondence relating to the Organization).

Deputy Secretary

​Shall fulfill duties of the Secretary when the Secretary is absent or unable to carry out any official responsibility.

Treasurer ​

• Shall authorize all financial transactions and keep records.
• Shall be the signatory of ICA in all financial matters.
• All financial books shall be at the safety of the Treasure.
• Shall be held liable for any misappropriation of funds.
• Shall be obliged to attend when financial report and respond to clarity seeking questions.

Appointment of the Executive Members ​

Members of the executive will be elected annually. Election will be by means of a secret ballot. They should be elected at a properly constituted meeting.

Powers and Functions of the Executive Committee

​The Executive Committee shall have the power to:

• Carry out objectives and the missions of ICA.
• Shall collect and administer funds for the purpose of the organization.
• To institute, defend and abandon any legal proceedings by or against the organization.
• To take action which may deem necessary in the general interest of the organization i.e. suspension or expulsion of any member who misuses the monies of the organization.
• May raise funds for the benefit of the organization.
• May enter into any contract on behalf of the organization

Financial Matters ​

• The organization shall keep full records of all financial matters pertaining to the Organization and its work as necessary to fairly reflect the state of affairs and business of the Organization and explain the transactions and financial position of the organization to any party or member concerned at a reasonable time and place to all concerned.
• The chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary are to sign bank related issues, and will be held liable for misuse of the funds.
• Financial transactions of the Organization shall be conducted by means of a banking account.
• The financial year of the Organization starts on 1 April and ends 31 March

Rights and Liabilities of Members

• ​All members shall have the right to be elected democratically to the executive committee.
• Abide by rules and regulations of the organization.
• A member may terminate or resign if he/she wishes but a one month notice must be given.
• Have the right of transferring e.g. financial statements.
  

Constitution Amendments ​

The Constitution can be changed by a Resolution. The Resolution has to be agreed upon and passed by not less than two thirds of the members who are at the annual general conference or a special general meeting. Members must vote at this meeting to change the Constitution. Two thirds of the members shall be present at the meeting (the quorum) before a decision to change the constitution is taken. Any annual general meeting may vote upon such a notion, if the details of changes are set out in the notice referred to in the previous paragraph.

A written notice must go out not less than fourteen (14) days before the meeting at which the changes to the constitution are going to be proposed. The notice must indicate the proposed changes to the constitution that will be discussed at the meeting.

Term of Office ​

The term of office of the Executive Committee shall be three years. Elected members shall serve in unity until their respective successors are elected.

Quorum ​

Quorum shall be formed by two thirds of the Executives Committee, and a decision will be taken by a simple majority. Director and staff members are an ex-officio and are expected to give reports and clarities when needed to do so.

Meetings ​

• The Executive Committee shall meet twice in a month. The Chairperson/deputy may convene a meeting at their discreet. The agenda of such a meeting will be specified.
• Notices for general meetings will be done at least a week before the meeting.
• The minutes of all meetings must be kept safely and be on hand for members to peruse.

Annual General Meetings ​

• Annual general meetings shall be held once every year, towards the end of the organization financial report.
• Agree to items to be discussed on the agenda
• Mark the register and read out apologies.
• Reading and confirming the previous minutes with matters arising.
• Chairperson and treasure must report.
• Amendments to the constitution when necessary.

Code of Conduct ​

The Executive Committee will carry out the obligations that may be in the interest of the organization, and shall lay down the code of conduct which all members shall adhere to, and will contain the following principle: Refrain from committing acts that may cause conflicts within the objective of the organization.

Constitution Adoption
The constitution was approved and accepted by the members of ICA at a special meeting held on 26 October 2012, at Port Shepstone and signed by the Chairperson.