Contents
This Constitution is a working governance draft prepared for African Solidarity Civic Organization NPC. It should be formally reviewed, ratified by the Executive Structure, and — where necessary — checked against the organization's Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) on file with the CIPC before being treated as final and binding.
1. Name and Legal Status
The organization shall be known as the African Solidarity Civic Organization, operating under the trading name ASCO ("the Organization").
The Organization is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) of the Republic of South Africa as a Non-Profit Company, Registration Number 2026/521895/08, Tax Reference 9322812265, with its registered address at 49 Rif Road, Manor Gardens, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4001.
The Organization is a juristic person with perpetual succession, capable of suing and being sued in its own name, and of holding property independently of its members.
2. Vision and Mission
Vision: To build a united Africa where all people live in dignity, peace, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
Mission: To promote African solidarity, defend human rights, encourage civic participation, combat xenophobia, and advocate for social justice, accountability, and inclusive development — with youth cultural exchange and social cohesion as the Organization's flagship focus.
3. Objectives
In pursuit of its mission, the Organization shall:
- Promote civic education, active citizenship, and public participation in democratic processes;
- Advocate for social justice, human rights, accountability, and the rule of law;
- Facilitate youth cultural exchange programmes that build intercultural understanding and peaceful coexistence;
- Promote disability inclusion, accessibility, and the removal of barriers to full participation in society;
- Advance climate resilience, environmental peace, and sustainable community development;
- Reject and campaign against xenophobia, vigilantism, and unlawful collective action of any kind;
- Build partnerships with community organisations, faith-based bodies, civil society, business, and government institutions in pursuit of these objectives;
- Undertake any other lawful activity consistent with its Vision and Mission.
4. Membership
Membership of the Organization is open to any individual or organisation that supports its Vision, Mission, and Objectives, and agrees to abide by this Constitution and the Organization's Code of Conduct.
Membership may be granted, suspended, or terminated by resolution of the Executive Structure, in accordance with fair and transparent criteria to be set out in the Organization's internal membership policy.
5. Governance Structure
The Organization is governed by an Executive Structure accountable for its strategic direction, financial integrity, and lawful conduct. As at the date of this Constitution, the Executive Structure comprises the following offices:
- National Chairperson — provides strategic leadership and governance, and guides the Organization's vision and strategic partnerships.
- Deputy National Chairperson — supports the National Chairperson and strengthens stakeholder engagement.
- Executive Director — provides executive leadership and oversees implementation of the strategic plan, programmes, and day-to-day operations.
- Director of People and Culture — leads human capital development, volunteer coordination, and organizational culture.
- Head of ICT & Communications — leads digital transformation, communications, branding, and cybersecurity.
- Head of Legal Services — provides legal guidance, governance support, and compliance oversight.
- Chief Disability Officer — champions disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion across the Organization's work.
- Head of Operations — oversees day-to-day operations, programme coordination, and resource management.
- Official Spokesperson — serves as the Organization's official public representative and voice in media and public engagements.
Office-bearers serve on terms to be determined by the Executive Structure and recorded in the Organization's internal governance records, and may be removed for cause by resolution of the Executive Structure in accordance with fair process.
6. Meetings
The Executive Structure shall meet regularly to review the Organization's programmes, finances, and governance. An Annual General Meeting shall be held at least once per financial year to report on activities and finances to members. Minutes of all formal meetings shall be kept as part of the Organization's governance records.
7. Finances
The financial year of the Organization ends in July. All funds received — including donations, grants, and sponsorships — shall be applied solely towards the Organization's Objectives and reasonable administrative costs. No portion of the Organization's income or property may be distributed to any member, office-bearer, or related person, except as reasonable compensation for services actually rendered.
The Organization shall maintain proper accounting records and, in accordance with the Companies Act, 2008, file annual returns and financial statements or financial accountability supplements as required of a registered Non-Profit Company.
8. Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by resolution of the Executive Structure, provided that any amendment is consistent with the Organization's Memorandum of Incorporation as filed with the CIPC, and that a formally amended Notice of Incorporation is filed where the amendment requires it.
9. Dissolution
Should the Organization be dissolved, its remaining assets, after settlement of liabilities, shall be transferred to another non-profit organisation with similar objectives, and shall not be distributed to any member or office-bearer, in accordance with the Companies Act, 2008 and the Organization's Memorandum of Incorporation.