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CONSTITUTION
Adopted by the Congress National Committee on 23
August 2015 by mandate of the 1st National Congress
(January 2014) and of the Extra-Ordinary National
Congress of 12 – 14 June 2015.
Approved by NOBs 10 October 2015 as delegated by
Congress National Committee on 23 August 2015
President
General Secretary
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1. PREAMBLE ................................................................................................ 2
2. CHARACTER OF COPE ........................................................................... 3
3. VISION OF COPE...................................................................................... 3
4. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF COPE ........................................ 3
4.1 AUTHORITY OF COPE ............................................................................ 3
4.2 HIERARCHY OF COPE ............................................................................ 3
4.3 LOGO AND COLOUR OF COPE ............................................................. 4
4.4 DEMARCATION OF COPE STRUCTURES ........................................... 4
4.5 CHAPTERS OF COPE .............................................................................. 4
4.6 LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY OF COPE ..................................................... 5
5. CONGRESSES OF COPE ....................................................................... 5
5.12 FUNCTIONS OF A CONGRESS ............................................ 6
5.13 DELEGATES TO A CONGRESS ........................................... 6
5.14 QUORUM AND VOTING AT THE NATIONAL CONGRESS .. 7
5.15 VOTING FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS............... 7
5.16 VOTING, OTHER THAN FOR CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENTS ........................................................................................ 7
6. LEADERSHIP ELECTION AT OR DURING A CONGRESS................. 7
6.11 ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT .......................................... 8
6.12 ELECTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ...................................................................... 8
6.13 ELECTION OF THE ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE
NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS COMMITTEE ........................................ 9
6.14 ELECTION OF THE CONGRESS NATIONAL COMMITTEE 9
7. ELECTION OF PROVINCIAL, MUNICIPAL AND BRANCH LEADERS
9
7.1 ELECTION OF THE PROVINCIAL LEADERS............................. 9
7.2 ELECTION OF THE METRO MUNICIPALITY LEADERS ........... 9
7.3 ELECTION OF REGIONAL LEADERS ...................................... 10
7.4 ELECTION OF THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY LEADERS .......... 10
7.5 ELECTION OF THE BRANCH LEADERS ................................. 10
8. EXTRA-ORDINARY NATIONAL CONGRESS ..................................... 10
8.3 DELEGATES TO THE EXTRA-ORDINARY NATIONAL
CONGRESS ........................................................................................... 11
8.4 QUORUM AND VOTING AT THE EXTRA-ORDINARY
NATIONAL CONGRESS ........................................................................ 11
9. POLICY CONFERENCES OF THE PARTY ......................................... 11
10. THE HEAD OFFICE OF COPE .............................................................. 11
11. MEETINGS OF COPE CONSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES:
REGULARITY, QUORUM AND VOTING ...................................................... 11
11.1 REGULARITY OF MEETINGS .............................................. 11
11.2 QUORUM AND VOTING AT MEETINGS ............................. 12
12. FUNCTIONS OF THE CONGRESS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND
DUTIES OF ITS MEMBERS ........................................................................... 12
12.3 DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT .............................................. 12
12.4 DUTIES OF THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT .............................. 13
12.5 DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON ..................... 13
12.6 DUTIES OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY .......................... 13
12.7 DUTIES OF THE DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY .......... 13
12.8 DUTIES OF THE TREASURER ............................................ 13
13. FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS COMMITTEE
14
14. COMPOSITION OF THE ORGANISATIONAL DIVISION OF THE
NOB AND DUTIES OF ITS MEMBERS ......................................................... 14
14.3 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR MEMBERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................... 14
14.4 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR ELECTIONS .............. 15
14.5 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION,
COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY ................................................... 15
14.6 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR ORGANISED LABOUR
AND CIVIL SOCIETY LIAISON .............................................................. 15
14.7 DUTIESS OF THE SECRETARY FOR BUSINESS
COMMUNITY LIAISON ........................................................................... 16
14.8 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT AND OVERSIGHT ...................................................... 16
15. COMPOSITION OF THE POLITICAL DIVISION OF THE NOB AND
DUTIES OF ITS MEMBERS ........................................................................... 17
16. COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CNC .............................. 17
17. THE PROVINCIAL, MUNICIPALITY AND BRANCH LEADERSHIP
STRUCTURES ................................................................................................. 19
17.1 FUNCTION OF THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE (PEC) ................................................................................ 19
17.2 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CONGRESS
PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE (CPC) ......................................................... 19
17.3 The functions of the CPC, as the provincial authoritative
committee in between Provincial Congresses is; ................................... 20
17.4 FUNCTIONS OF THE CONGRESS METRO MUNICIPALITY
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (MMEC) ....................................................... 20
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17.5 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CONGRESS
METRO MUNICIPALITY COMMITTEE .................................................. 20
17.6 FUNCTIONS OF THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(REC) 21
17.7 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CONGRESS
REGIONAL COMMITTEE (CRC) ........................................................... 21
17.8 FUNCTIONS OF THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE (LMEC)............................................................................. 22
17.9 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CONGRESS
LOCAL MUNICIPALITY COMMITTEE (CLMC) ..................................... 22
17.10 FUNCTIONS OF THE BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(BEC) 23
17.11 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CONGRESS
BRANCH COMMITTEE (CBC) ............................................................... 23
18. THE COPE BRANCH .............................................................................. 24
18.1 COPE BRANCH IN SOUTH AFRICA ................................... 24
18.2 A COPE BRANCH OUTSIDE SOUTH AFRICA ................... 24
18.3 VOTING DISTRICT COORDINATING UNITS ...................... 24
19. MEMBERSHIP TO COPE ....................................................................... 24
19.1 CRITERIA FOR PARTY MEMBERSHIP .............................. 24
19.2 RIGHTS OF A COPE MEMBER ........................................... 25
19.3 DUTIES OF COPE MEMBERS ............................................ 25
19.4 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP ...................................... 26
20. LEADERSHIP IN COPE .......................................................................... 26
20.1 ELIGIBILITY TO LEADERSHIP OF COPE ........................... 26
20.2 CEASING TO HOLD OFFICE AS A LEADER OF COPE ..... 26
20.3 MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN A LEADER OF COPE .. 27
21. PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES OF COPE ............................................ 27
22. DISCIPLINARY AND APPEALS COMMITTEES .................................. 27
23. NAMING OF PARTY STRUCTURES .................................................... 27
CONGRESS RESOLUTIONS 2014................................................................ 28
COPE
Constitution
Rev 2 - JUNE 2015
1. PREAMBLE
We, the Congress of the People is are united with our fellow
citizens in pursuing a vision where we graduate to become a
people with a common identity, a patriotic sense of national
belonging and a great and abiding passion to build South Africa
into a country that will enable all its citizens to enjoy equality,
prosperity and freedom.
Our commitment to developing South Africa commences with
its pledge to realise the dreams of our forebears as were first
encapsulated in the Freedom Charter and as well as to take
forward the values deriving therefrom which was were
subsequently embodied in the Constitution of South Africa.
In pursuit of that commitment we will remain bound at all times
by the Constitution and will faithfully and staunchly advocate
constitutional democracy in South Africa and within COPE as
well, in order to foster a culture that promotes the rule of law,
human dignity and accountability.
The defense of the Constitution of South Africa will therefore
always constitute the cornerstone of for our actions.
We pledge ourselves to a South African electoral system
where the ideal that “the people shall govern” is made manifest
through such electoral reform as will make possible the direct
election of the President, Premiers and Mayors by the people
themselves.
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In pursuance of this pledge, members of COPE will participate
in electing the party’s respective candidates for the positions of
President, Premiers and Mayors.
We also pledge our commitment to the principle of “equality
before the law” as enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution.
Furthermore, we undertake that our members will be
disciplined transparent and accountable at all times.
We pledges full commitment to a democratic state and to
democratic processes in South Africa. To foster this
democratic culture COPE will abide fully by internal democratic
principles and processes that make our party more
representative and inclusive by giving effect to gender equality
and greater youth representation.
This is OUR Belief, OUR Commitment and OUR
Promise to South Africa.
2. CHARACTER OF COPE
The Congress of the People is a party established after the
attainment of democracy in South Africa which embodies the
ideological character of social democracy
The Congress of the People aims to increase the quantity and
quality of the middle class in the country and create conditions
that enable a sustainable middle class quality of life for the
majority of South Africans.
At the core of our existence is the belief that South Africans
can only live fulfilled lives in a society that intrinsically values
justice and which is proactively committed to widening
opportunities for all the people and particularly so for those who
are poor and marginalised.
3. VISION OF COPE
The Congress of the People aspires to democratically win
elections, govern such that South Africans – united in their
diversity – eliminate want in society and live in peace with
themselves, the rest of Africa and the world!
4. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF
COPE
4.1 AUTHORITY OF COPE
4.1.1 The Congress of the People which adopted the
Freedom Charter on 26th June 1955 is the political
progenitor of COPE. In choosing to call ourselves
“Congress of the People” we sought deliberately to
create a nexus with that historic Congress of the
People of 1955.
4.1.2 COPE is organised as a unitary structure with a single
constitution where the national authority of COPE is
the central authority in the Party with the right to
delegate powers to any other COPE constitutional
structure and / or COPE Chapter and / or COPE
committee and / or Member of COPE.
4.2 HIERARCHY OF COPE
4.2.1 The National Authority of COPE is the National
Congress, which vests its authority in the Congress
National Committee in between National Congresses.
4.2.2 The Provincial Authority of COPE is subject to the
National Authority and is vested in the Provincial
Congress, which vests its authority in the Congress
Provincial Committee in between Provincial
Congresses.
4.2.3 The Metro Municipality Authority of COPE is subject
to the National Authority and is vested in the Metro
Municipal Congress, which vests its authority in the
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Congress Metro Municipality Committee in between
Metro Municipality Congresses.
4.2.4 The District Municipality (known as the Region)
Authority of COPE is subject to the National Authority
and is vested in the Regional Congress, which vests
its authority in the Congress Regional Committee in
between Regional Congresses.
4.2.5 The Local Municipality Authority of COPE is subject to
the National Authority and is vested in the Local
Municipality Congress, which vests its authority in the
Congress Local Municipality Committee in between
Local Municipality Congresses.
4.2.6 The Branch Authority of COPE is subject to the
National Authority and is vested in the Branch
Congress, which vests its authority in the Congress
Branch Committee in between Branch Congresses.
4.2.7 The Metro Municipality, Regional and Local
Municipality structures of COPE are subject to the
leadership and guidance of the Provincial structures.
4.2.8 The Local Municipality structures of COPE are subject
to the leadership and guidance of the Regional
structures of the Party
4.2.9 The branch structures of COPE are subject to the
leadership and guidance of the Metro Municipality or
Local Municipality structures as the appropriate.
4.3 LOGO AND COLOUR OF COPE
4.3.1 The colours of COPE’s logo are inspired by the
national flag of South Africa.
4.3.2 The cross in the centre reflects the centrality of our
constitutional democracy, and signal the importance
of exercising our right and duty to vote.
4.3.3 The concentric circles represent the unity in diversity
of our people.
4.3.4 The positioning of the logo shall be such that the red
colour is at the top and the blue at the bottom. This
will be in alignment with the national flag.
4.3.5 The official colour of COPE is bright yellow.
4.4 DEMARCATION OF COPE STRUCTURES
4.4.1 The Provincial Boundaries of COPE shall be in
alignment with the provisions of the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa. The Metro Municipality,
District Municipality (Regional) and Local Municipality
and Branch (Ward) Structures of COPE shall be in
alignment with the determination of the Municipal
Demarcation Board (MDB).
4.4.2 The Voting District (VD) coordinating units shall be in
alignment with the determinations of the Independent
Electoral Commission (IEC).
4.5 CHAPTERS OF COPE
4.5.1 The Congress of the People shall also establish
Chapters of COPE that are organised in accordance
with the rules and guidelines as established by the
CNC. These Chapters shall not be autonomous
entities and shall be responsible for carrying out the
duties and functions of COPE within their respective
constituencies in accordance with the rules as
determined by the CNC.
4.5.2 The Chapters of COPE shall be the:
4.5.1.1 Congress of the People Women’s Movement
4.5.1.2 Congress of the People Youth Movement
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4.5.1.3 Congress of the People Students Movement
4.5.1.4 Congress of the People Council of Elders
4.5.1.5 Congress of the People Business and Professionals
Forum
4.6 LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY OF COPE
4.6.1 Any constitutional structure that intends to litigate in
any South African court on behalf of COPE may do so
only upon the written approval of such by the
Congress National Committee. Such written approval
by the CNC must clearly state which structure of
COPE that will be liable for the settlement of the legal
fees and any other costs made by a court.
4.6.2 All members of COPE are required to exhaust all
internal party remedies and independent mediation
before approaching a relevant court for any relief.
4.6.3 Any constitutional structure and / or Member of COPE
that acted in the name of COPE, but without the
express to do so by the Congress National Committee
authorisation to do so, will be directly liable for any
civil claim or demand as instituted by any organisation
and / or person as a result of services rendered to the
constitutional structure and / or the Member of COPE.
5. CONGRESSES OF COPE
5.1 The political mandates of COPE leaders shall be
established through the National Congress, Provincial
Congresses, Metro Municipality Congress, Regional
Congresses, Local Municipality Municipal
Congresses and Branch Congresses.
5.2 All Congresses shall be convened by the respective
authoritative committees (CPC’s, CMMC, CRC’s
CLMC’s and CBC’s) and be conducted in accordance
with the rules and size of delegations as determined
by the Congress National Committee.
5.3 A Congress shall be the highest authority of COPE
within the specific geographical boundary.
5.4 The National and Provincial Congresses shall be
convened at least once within every five (5) years in a
year which precedes South Africa’s National and
Provincial Election.
5.5 The National Congress may only be convened after a
minimum of five (5) Provincial Congresses have been
convened, finalised and confirmed by the CNC to
have been in accordance with the Constitution of
COPE.
5.6 The Provincial Congress may only be convened after
a minimum of 50% plus 1 of the combination of Metro
Municipality and Regional Congresses (in provinces
which have Metro Municipalities) or Regional
Congress have been convened, finalised and
confirmed by the CPC to have been in accordance
with the Constitution of COPE.
5.7 The Metro Municipality Congress may only be
convened when 50% plus 1 of the branches in 50%
plus 1 of the coordinating zonal sub-structures of the
Metro Municipality have been convened, finalised and
confirmed by the CPC to have been in accordance
with the Constitution of COPE.
5.8 The Regional Congress may only be convened when
50% plus 1 of the Local Municipality Congresses in
the District have been convened, finalised and
confirmed by the CPC to have been in accordance
with the Constitution of COPE.
5.9 The Local Municipal Congress may only be convened
after a minimum of 50% plus 1 of the Branch
Congresses within that local municipality ward have
been convened, finalised and confirmed by the CPC
to have been in accordance with the Constitution of
COPE.
5.10 The Branch Congress when 50% plus 1 of the branch
congresses in the ward have been convened,
finalised and confirmed by the CPC to have been in
accordance with the Constitution of COPE.
5.11 The Metro Municipality, Regional, Local Municipality
and Branch Congresses shall be convened at least
once every five (5) years in a year preceding South
Africa’s Local Government Election.
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5.12 FUNCTIONS OF A CONGRESS
5.12.1 The function of a Congress shall be to:
5.12.1.1 Adopt policy, including policies emanating from a
policy conference, and promote these;
5.12.1.2 Approve an election manifesto;
5.12.1.3 Attend to any other matters agreed to by
delegates at the Congress;
5.12.1.4 Evaluate the Reports of the respective
authoritative committees which shall include:
a) The Political Report
b) The State of the Party
c) The Finances of the Party
5.12.1.5 The National Congress shall provide for and
manage the election of the President of the Party,
the Congress Executive Committee, the additional
members of the National Office Bearers
Committee and the additional members of the
Congress National Committee.
5.12.1.6 The Provincial Congress shall provide for and
manage the election of the Chairperson of the
Province, the Provincial Executive Committee as
well as the additional members of the Congress
Provincial Committee.
5.12.1.7 The Metro Municipality Congress shall provide for
and manage the election of the Chairperson of the
Metro Municipality, the Metro Municipality
Executive Committee as well as the additional
members of the Congress Metro Municipality
Committee.
5.12.1.8 The Regional Congress shall provide for and
manage the election of the Chairperson of the
Region, the Regional Executive Committee as
well as the additional members of the Congress
Regional Committee.
5.12.1.9 The Local Municipality Congress shall provide for
and manage the election of the Chairperson of the
Local Municipality, the Local Municipality
Executive Committee as well as the additional
members of the Congress Local Municipality
Committee.
5.12.1.10 The Branch Congress shall provide for and
manage the election of the Branch Chairperson of
the ward, the Branch Executive Committee as well
as the additional members of the Congress
Branch Committee.
5.13 DELEGATES TO A CONGRESS
5.13.1 The number of voting and non-voting delegates that
will attend any Congress will be determined by the
CNC having considered and agreed to:
5.13.1.1 A process that will fairly reflect the membership
base of COPE;
5.13.1.2 A process that will ensure the full, timely and equal
opportunity, for delegates to meaningfully
participate in the Congress;
5.13.1.3 The finances of the Party;
5.13.1.4 Modern technology to include more members of
COPE to participate in the Congress, including the
feasibility of Satellite Congresses.
5.13.2 A minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the voting
delegates to a Congress shall be branch
representatives.
5.13.3 The other voting delegates at the National Congress
shall consist of all direct members of the CNC, all
direct members of the Congress Provincial
Committees, as well as representatives of the
Congress Metro Municipality Committees, Congress
Regional Committees, Congress Local Municipality
Committees, Congress Branch Committees and
delegates from the Chapters as determined by the
CNC
5.13.4 The other voting delegates at a Provincial Congress
shall consist of all members of the Congress
Provincial Committee, all members of the Congress
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Metro Municipality Committees (where there is a
Metro Municipality), Congress Regional Committees
and Congress Local Municipality Committees, as well
as representatives of Congress Branch Committees
and delegates from the Chapters as determined by
the CPC and ratified by the CNC.
5.13.5 The other voting delegates at a Metro Municipality
Congress shall consist of all members of the
Congress Metro Municipal Committee, all members of
the Zonal coordinating Committees as well as
representatives of Congress Branch Committees and
the Chapters as determined by the CRC,
recommended for approval by the CPC and ratified by
the CNC.
5.13.6 The other voting delegates at a Regional Congress
shall consist of all members of the Congress Regional
Committee, all members of the Congress Local
Municipality Committees in the District, as well as
representatives of Congress Branch Committees and
the Chapters as determined by the CRC,
recommended for approval by the CPC and ratified by
the CNC.
5.13.7 The other voting delegates at a Local Municipality
Congress shall consist of all members of the
Congress Local Municipal Committee, all members of
the Congress Branch Committees in the Local
Municipality and all delegates from the Chapters as
determined by the CRC, recommended for approval
by the CPC and ratified by the CNC.
5.13.8 The voting delegates at a Branch Congress shall
consist of the Congress Branch Committee and all the
members of COPE in that municipal ward.
5.14 QUORUM AND VOTING AT THE NATIONAL CONGRESS
5.14.1 It is the responsibility of the Congress National
Committee to pursue and implement in a
progressively manner modern means for delegates at
the National Congress to validate their right to be at
the Congress and to enable them to exercise their
right to vote electronically on each resolution,
provided that the electronic vote does not in any way
compromise the secrecy of the vote.
5.14.2 A vote on each resolution at a Congress may be
enacted by means of a secret manual vote and / or
secret electronic vote.
5.14.3 At all Congresses the quorum of members needed in
order to commence the Congress is 50% plus 1 of the
expected voting delegates.
5.14.4 At all Congresses the quorum of members needed in
order to commence a vote on a resolution is 50% plus
one (1) of the accredited voting delegates to the
Congress.
5.15 VOTING FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
5.15.1 Only the National Congress may amend the
Constitution of COPE.
5.15.2 A constitutional amendment must have the approval
of two-thirds of the voting delegates to succeed.
5.15.3 The results must be announced immediately after the
vote is taken.
5.16 VOTING, OTHER THAN FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
5.16.1 Any other matter must have the approval of 50% plus
1 of the voting delegates in order to succeed.
5.16.2 The results must be announced immediately after the
vote is taken.
6. LEADERSHIP ELECTION AT OR
DURING A CONGRESS
6.1 It is the responsibility of the CNC to formulate policy
and adopt other measures, within available
resources, to achieve and maintain the progressive
realisation of the right of each Member of COPE to
participate directly in the election of party leaders
through secret vote using an electronic or any other
system during the respective Congresses.
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6.2 The CNC must ensure equal gender representation in
the leadership.
6.3 The leaders of COPE to be elected at, or during, the
National Congress are:
6.3.1 The President;
6.3.2 The members of the Congress Executive Committee;
6.3.3 The 12 additional members of the National Office
Bearer Committee;
6.3.4 The 25 additional members of the Congress National
Committee;
6.4 The leaders of COPE to be elected at, or during, the
Provincial Congress are:
6.4.1 The Chairperson of the Province;
6.4.2 The members of the Provincial Executive Committee;
6.4.3 The 13 additional members of the Congress
Provincial Committee.
6.5 The leaders of COPE that to be elected at, or during,
the Metro Municipality Congress are:
6.5.1 The Chairperson of the Metro Municipality;
6.5.2 The members of the Metro Municipality Executive
Committee;
6.5.3 The 13 additional members of the Congress Metro
Municipality Committee.
6.6 The leaders of COPE to be elected at, or during, the
Regional Congress are:
6.6.1 The Chairperson of the Region;
6.6.2 The members of the Regional Executive Committee;
6.6.3 The 13 additional members of the Congress Regional
Committee.
6.7 The leaders of COPE to be elected at, or during, the
Local Municipality Congress are:
6.7.1 The Chairperson of the Local Municipality;
6.7.2 The members of the Local Municipality Executive
Committee;
6.7.3 The 13 additional members of the Congress Local
Municipal Committee.
6.8 The leaders of COPE to be elected at, or during, the
Branch Congress are:
6.8.1 The Branch Chairperson;
6.8.2 The members of the Branch Executive Committee;
6.8.3 The 3 additional members of the Congress Branch
Committee.
6.9 The CNC must establish voting rules, in accordance
with this Constitution, to ensure that voting at, or
during, a Congress occurs in a free and fair manner.
6.10 All leaders as elected at, or during, a Congress shall
assume the elected office at the conclusion of the
Congress event.
6.11 ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT
6.11.1 The National Congress shall provide for the President
of the party to have been the first candidate to be
elected during the National Congress. He / or she
shall then become a member of the Congress
Executive Committee.
6.11.2 After the election, and the announcement, of such
candidate as the President, he / or she shall be
deemed to have been confirmed as the Party’s
Presidential Candidate for the upcoming national
elections of South Africa or in the alternative, he / or
she shall be the Leader of the Party in Parliament.
6.11.3 A member of COPE may not occupy the position of
President for more than two terms.
6.12 ELECTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
6.12.1 The Congress Executive Committee shall be
composed of the President, Deputy President,
National Chairperson, General Secretary, Deputy
General Secretary and the Treasurer with due regard
to the principle of equal gender representation.
6.12.2 The General Secretary of COPE shall immediately
after he / or she is elected in this position or as soon
as reasonably possible become a full time office-
bearer of the Party within a period of 90 days after
election.
6.12.3 The Deputy General Secretary shall immediately after
he / or she is elected in this position or as soon as
reasonably possible become a full time office-bearer
of the Party within a period of 90 days after election.
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6.13 ELECTION OF THE ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS COMMITTEE
6.13.1 The National Office Bearers (NOB) Committee shall
comprise of
6.13.1.1 the Congress Executive Committee (CEC), and,
6.13.1.2 twelve (12) elected additional members with due
regard to the principle of equal gender equality.
6.14 ELECTION OF THE CONGRESS NATIONAL COMMITTEE
6.14.1 The Congress National Committee shall comprise of
6.14.1.1 The CEC
6.14.1.2 Twelve additional members of the NOB, and,
6.14.1.3 Twenty-five (25) elected additional members, of
whom
a) a minimum of ten must be of the opposite gender
b) a minimum of four (4) of equal gender representation,
must be younger than 35 years of age and must not
turn 35 within six months of the time of the election.
7. ELECTION OF PROVINCIAL,
MUNICIPAL AND BRANCH LEADERS
7.1 ELECTION OF THE PROVINCIAL LEADERS
7.1.1 The Provincial Congress shall provide for the election
of the Provincial Executive Committee that would be
composed of the Provincial Chairperson, Deputy
Provincial Chairperson, Provincial Secretary, Deputy
Provincial Secretary and the Provincial Treasurer.
7.1.2 The Provincial Congress shall provide for the
Provincial Chairperson to be the first candidate to be
elected at the Provincial Congress. He / or she shall
then become a member of the Provincial Executive
Committee.
7.1.3 The other members of the Provincial Executive
Committee shall be elected in accordance with the
same process as set out for the election of the
National Executive Committee and with due regard to
the principle of gender equality.
7.1.4 The Provincial Secretary shall immediately after he /
or she is elected or as soon as reasonably possible
become a full time office-bearer of the Party within a
period of 90 days after the election.
7.1.5 The Deputy Provincial Secretary shall immediately
after he / or she is elected or as soon as reasonably
possible become a full time office-bearer of the Party
within a period of 90 days after the election.
7.1.6 The CPC shall be composed of the Provincial
Executive Committee and thirteen (13) additional
members of the Congress Provincial Committee
which shall include a Secretary for Elections;
Secretary for Organising and Membership
Development and a Secretary for Communication as
well as ten other members whose responsibilities
shall be aligned to the functions of the provincial
government with specific responsibilities to keep the
respective functions at the provincial government
under constant scrutiny;
7.1.7 With due regard to gender equality, a further three (3)
additional members must be younger than 35 years of
age must not turn 35 within six months of the time of
the election.
7.2 ELECTION OF THE METRO MUNICIPALITY LEADERS
7.2.1 The Metro Municipality Chairperson, Metro
Municipality Executive Committee and thirteen (13)
additional members to the Congress Metro
Municipality Committee (CMMC) shall be elected at
the Metro Municipality Congress and in accordance
with the same process as set out for the Provincial
Chairperson and Provincial Executive Committee
7.2.2 The additional members of the CMMC shall include a
Secretary for Elections; Secretary for Organising and
Membership Development and a Secretary for
Communication as well as ten other members whose
responsibilities shall be aligned to the functions of the
Metro Municipality government with specific
responsibilities to keep the respective functions at the
10 REV 2
metro municipality government under constant
scrutiny;
7.2.3 With due regard to gender equality, a further three (3)
additional members must be younger than 35 years of
age and must not turn 35 within six months of the time
of the election.
7.3 ELECTION OF REGIONAL LEADERS
7.3.1 The Regional Chairperson, Regional Executive
Committee and thirteen (13) additional members of
the Congress Regional Committee (CRC) shall be
elected at the Regional Congress in accordance with
the same process as set out for the Provincial
Chairperson and the Provincial Executive Committee.
7.3.2 The additional members of the CRC shall include a
Secretary for Elections; Secretary for Organising and
Membership Development and a Secretary for
Communication as well as ten other members whose
responsibilities shall be aligned to the functions of the
District Municipality government with specific
responsibilities to keep the respective functions at the
district municipality government under constant
scrutiny;.
7.3.3 With due regard to gender equality, a further three (3)
additional members must be younger than 35 years of
age and must not turn 35 within six months of the time
of the election
7.4 ELECTION OF THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY LEADERS
7.4.1 The Local Municipality Chairperson, Local
Municipality Executive Committee and thirteen (13)
additional members of the Congress Local
Municipality Committee (CLMC) shall be elected at
the Local Municipality Congress in accordance with
the same process as set out for the Provincial
Chairperson and Provincial Executive Committee
7.4.2 The additional members of the CLMC shall include a
Secretary for Elections; Secretary for Organising and
Membership Development and a Secretary for
Communication as well as ten other members whose
responsibilities shall be aligned to the functions of the
Local Municipality government with specific
responsibilities to keep the respective functions at the
local municipality government under constant
scrutiny;.
7.4.3 With due regard to gender equality, a further three (3)
additional members must be younger than 35 years of
age must not turn 35 within six months of the time of
the election.
7.5 ELECTION OF THE BRANCH LEADERS
7.5.1 The Branch Chairperson and Branch Executive
Committee shall be elected at the Branch Congress
in accordance with the same process as set out for
the Provincial Chairperson and Provincial Executive
Committee
7.5.2 The Congress Branch Committee (CBC) shall be
composed of the Branch Executive Committee and
three (3) additional members. The additional
members shall be a Secretary for Elections; Secretary
for Organising and Membership Development and a
Secretary for Communication.
8. EXTRA-ORDINARY NATIONAL
CONGRESS
8.1 The Extra-Ordinary Congress shall have the powers
of the National Congress but may only be convened
by the Congress National Committee for a specific
purpose and fixed agenda.
8.2 The Congress National Committee must convene an
Extra-Ordinary Congress:
8.2.1 At the request of two thirds of the members of the
Extended CNC; or
8.2.2 At the request of two thirds of the Branches of the
Party nationally; or
8.2.3 Through an official petition signed by two thirds of the
members of the Party whose names appear in the
official record of members kept by the General
Secretary.
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8.2.4 An Extra-Ordinary Congress must also be convened
by the Congress National Committee within ninety
(90) days after a vacancy has occurred in the position
of President of the Party.
8.3 DELEGATES TO THE EXTRA-ORDINARY
NATIONAL CONGRESS
8.3.1 The CNC shall determine the number of delegates
that will attend the Extra-Ordinary National Congress
having considered and agreed to:
8.3.1.1 A process that will fairly reflect the current
membership base of COPE;
8.3.1.2 A process that will afford an opportunity for delegates
to participate freely and fully in the Congress;
8.3.1.3 The finances of the Party;
8.3.1.4 The use of modern communications technologies to
encourage the widest participation of members of
COPE in the Extra-Ordinary National Congress,
including the feasibility of using Satellite Extra-
Ordinary National Congresses to achieve the same
purpose.
8.4 QUORUM AND VOTING AT THE EXTRA-
ORDINARY NATIONAL CONGRESS
8.4.1 The quorum of members needed in order to start the
Extra-Ordinary National Congress will be 50% plus
one (1) of the expected voting delegates to the
Congress.
8.4.2 Voting at the Extra-Ordinary Congress shall proceed
in the same manner as voting at the National
Congress.
9. POLICY CONFERENCES OF THE
PARTY
9.1 The objective of a Policy Conference is to ensure that
COPE formulates policies that meet and contribute to
the ever changing national and global policy
environment, so as to adapt and to evolve.
9.2 The Party shall therefore hold at least one National
Policy Conference between National Congresses, to
decide on policy issues.
9.3 Provinces, Metro Municipalities, Regions, Local
Municipalities, Branches and Chapters may also hold
policy conferences in between their respective
congresses or in preparation for the National Policy
Conference.
9.4 The nature, agenda, composition, time and place of
these Policy Conferences shall be determined by the
respective authoritative committees of the Party that
intend to hold a Policy Conference.
9.5 Taking into account the need to expose delegates and
the Party to a variety of policy options, the Congress
National Committee shall invite individuals and / or
institutions that are involved in policy making as guest
participants to present a variety of policy options and
considerations.
9.6 The purpose of the National Policy Conference shall
be to formulate policy papers or positions
accompanied by resolutions for adoption by the
National Congress or for further deliberation by the
structures of the Party.
10. THE HEAD OFFICE OF COPE
The CNC shall establish a name for the head office of COPE
in accordance with principles as determined by the CNC.
11. MEETINGS OF COPE
CONSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES:
REGULARITY, QUORUM AND VOTING
11.1 REGULARITY OF MEETINGS
11.1.1 Any meeting of the Party may take place
telephonically or through any other electronic means
provided that each member of that Committee is able
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to communicate clearly and simultaneously with all
other members.
11.1.2 The respective Executive Committees of the Party
should meet at least once a month to discuss
progress in implementing the resolutions of the
authoritative committees, the advancement of party
policies, and the effectiveness of the administration
and overall functioning of the Party.
11.1.3 The National Office Bearers committee (NOB) must
meet at least once every two months to discuss the
Executive Reports (Political Report; Organisational
Report; Financial Report) in order to evaluate the
progress of each portfolio as well as the functioning of
this structure and its members.
11.1.4 The authoritative committees (CNC, CPC’s, CMMCs,
CRCs, CLMC’s and CBC’s) of the Party as well as the
Zonal Coordinating Committees (ZCC) of the Metro
Municipalities must meet at least once every third
month of the year to evaluate the political progress of
the Party or in preparation for such an evaluation in
the case of the ZCC.
11.1.5 The Voting District Coordinating Committee (VDCC)
should meet at least once a month.
11.2 QUORUM AND VOTING AT MEETINGS
11.2.1 The quorum needed to start a meeting of COPE is
50% plus one (1) of the current members of that
specific structure. (Resignations, apologies and
absenteeism will be excluded from consideration in
determining the quorum).
11.2.2 If a vote is proposed at any meeting of the Party, such
a vote shall be secret and conducted either manually
or electronically.
11.2.3 A vote on any resolution will require a minimum of
50% plus 1 of the members in the meeting present to
succeed.
11.2.4 Voting by means of a Round Robin Resolution; or e-
mail and / or text messaging (SMS); or by any other
electronic means is allowed provided that the rules for
such voting have been developed by the CNC and
agreed upon for use by the participants of that
meeting.
12. FUNCTIONS OF THE CONGRESS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND DUTIES
OF ITS MEMBERS
12.1 The CEC is the main administrative authority of the
Party and the principal body charged with
implementing the resolutions of the Congress
National Committee.
12.2 It is also the responsibility of the CEC to lead the
policy development of the party and to act within the
best interest of the Party in between CNC meetings.
12.3 DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT
The President shall:
12.3.1 Have the primary responsibility for leading the Party
and to be its key representative both domestically and
internationally;
12.3.2 Be the principal custodian of the policies of the Party
in all spheres of the party’s operations;
12.3.3 Call, and preside over regular meetings with the
Provincial Leaders of the Party in the Legislatures to
ensure that the policies of the Party guide the work of
the Party in Parliament and all the Legislatures; and
as appropriate guide the work of the Party when in
government;
12.3.4 Guide the “Political Education Programme” for the
members and supporters of the party;
12.3.5 Report to the CNC regarding the State of the Party in
Parliament;
12.3.6 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as for the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined by the CNC;
12.3.7 Provide a Political Report to the CNC, the National
Congress and the Policy Congress and any other
Party event as appropriate.
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12.4 DUTIES OF THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
The Deputy President shall:
12.4.1 Deputise for the President;
12.4.2 Collaborate with the Chairpersons of the Provinces to
ensure the effective establishment of Congress
Provincial Committees;
12.4.3 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as for the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined by the CNC.
12.5 DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON
The National Chairperson shall:
12.5.1 Preside over all the meetings convened by the
Congress Executive Committee;
12.5.2 Collaborate with the Chairpersons of the Chapters of
the party to ensure the effective functioning of these
Chapters;
12.5.3 Ensure that the structures of the party outside South
Africa are established;
12.5.4 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as for the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined by the CNC.
12.6 DUTIES OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY
The General Secretary shall:
12.6.1 Put effective measures in place for the smooth
running of the Party;
12.6.2 Upon recommendation by the CEC, issue notices to
convened meetings for the specific purpose agreed
by the committee;
12.6.3 Maintain an the effective record of all minutes of the
meetings convened by the CEC;
12.6.4 Be the custodian of the records and documents of the
party;
12.6.5 Issue all correspondence on behalf of the CEC, NOB
and CNC;
12.6.6 Report to the CNC with reference to the administrative
state of the party structures;
12.6.7 Capacitate the sub-committees of the CNC to perform
their functions;
12.6.8 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / her functions as well as of the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined by the CNC;
12.6.9 Provide an organisational report to the CNC, and
State of the Party Report the National Congress and
any Extra-Ordinary National Congress as appropriate.
12.7 DUTIES OF THE DEPUTY GENERAL
SECRETARY
The Deputy General Secretary shall:
12.7.1 Deputise for the General Secretary;
12.7.2 Establish a political and administrative desk for the
public representatives of the party;
12.7.3 Produce a training manual for public representatives
of the party;
12.7.4 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as of the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined and
allocated by the CNC.
12.8 DUTIES OF THE TREASURER
The Treasurer shall:
12.8.1 Ensure that COPE remains financially viable.
12.8.2 Develop and implement the Party’s financial policies
and plans;
12.8.3 Annually present a financial report and audited
financial statements to the CNC
12.8.4 Present the Financial Report of the party to National
Congress;
14 REV 2
12.8.5 Recommend to the CNC, and once approved
implement, policies and plans for the establishment
and maintenance of an effective, efficient and
transparent system of financial management and
reporting, risk management and internal controls;
12.8.6 Recommend to the CNC, and once approved
implement, frameworks and systems for ethical and
transparent fundraising and investment;
12.8.7 Establish and chair the National Finance Committee
which shall be composed of all Provincial Treasurers
and any other additional members that the Committee
deems fit to invite;
12.8.8 Open and administer the national bank account (s) of
the Party in accordance with the rules as determined
by the CNC;
12.8.9 Approve the opening and administering of bank
accounts by structures of the party at a provincial and
municipal level and any other level as approved by the
CNC;
12.8.10 Receive financial reports from the Chief Whip and or
accounting officer of COPE in Parliament;
12.8.11 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of his /
or her functions as well as for the performance of any
other duties and tasks as determined by the CNC.
13. FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL
OFFICE BEARERS COMMITTEE
13.1 The National Office Bearer Committee shall be
composed of the CEC and twelve (12) additional
members. The twelve additional members will further
be sub-divided into the organisational division and
political division.
13.2 The function of the National Office Bearer Committee
is to build the party and advance its social democratic
ideology national and globally.
14. COMPOSITION OF THE
ORGANISATIONAL DIVISION OF THE
NOB AND DUTIES OF ITS MEMBERS
14.1 The Organisational division of the NOB is composed
of
14.1.1 Secretary for Membership Development
14.1.2 Secretary for Elections
14.1.3 Secretary for Information, Communication and
Advocacy
14.1.4 Secretary for Organised Labor and Civil Society
Liaison
14.1.5 Secretary for Business Community Liaison
14.1.6 Secretary for Projects Oversight and Development
14.2 The functions of the organizational division of the
NOBs as a collective is to ensure that
14.2.1 The party structures and machinery function
smoothly during and in between congresses
of the party, as well as during and in
between the national, provincial and local
government elections
14.2.2 The party is visible in the media, in communities,
nationally as well as internationally and is responsive
to the needs and aspirations of the different
communities of South African society for a better
quality of life, especially the poor, marginalized and
vulnerable
14.3 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
14.3.1 The Secretary for Membership Development shall:
14.3.2 Ensure that a “Membership Orientation Manual” is
readily available to all members of the party and is
regularly updated;
14.3.3 Ensure the continuous training of COPE members on
the Constitution, rule of law and the effective
functioning of government and Party policies;
15 REV 2
14.3.4 Create platforms for the members of COPE to be
active citizens in the functioning of government and in
advancement of the values of social democracy;
14.3.5 Oversee the dissemination of the policies of the party
to all Cope members, including the Chapters of the
party;
14.3.6 In collaboration with the Deputy President, provide
training to the Provincial Executive Committees to
effectively perform their functions;
14.3.7 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as for the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined by the CNC.
14.4 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR
ELECTIONS
14.4.1 The Secretary of Elections shall:
14.4.2 Represent COPE at the IEC as the party’s duly authorised
person;
14.4.3 In collaboration with the National Chairperson and the
Deputy President submit an election strategy, programme
and budget for the National and Provincial Elections as well
as for the Local Government Elections and any By-
Elections.
14.4.4 Provide the CNC with updates regarding voter trends and
concerns;
14.4.5 Develop and implement voter education and voter
mobilisation programmes;
14.4.6 In cooperation with the Congress Provincial Committees
develop and implement party agent training programmes;
14.4.7 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as of the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined and
allocated by the CNC.
14.5 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION
AND ADVOCACY
14.5.1 The Secretary for Information, Communication and
Advocacy shall:
14.5.2 In collaboration with the General Secretary, actively
build and strengthen relations with all media
practitioners as well as political analysts;
14.5.3 In collaboration with the General Secretary, pursue a
variety of means of building and maintaining the brand
and image of COPE;
14.5.4 In collaboration with the Deputy General Secretary,
develop and implement programmes for the advocacy
skills of all public representatives and spokespersons
of the Party;
14.5.5 Constantly provide positive news regarding COPE;
14.5.6 Monitor the media and advise the National Office
Bearers and the Congress National Committee about
means to increase voter interest in COPE;
14.5.7 Be the official Spokesperson of COPE and provide
capacity to the other spokespersons of the party;
14.5.8 Submit to the CNC a “Communication Strategy
Report” for adoption and the implementation of a
broader Communication and Advocacy Plan;
14.5.9 Ensure that COPE utilises social media effectively
and remains up to date with media instruments as
they develop;
14.5.10 Ensure the national production and distribution of the
Party’s paraphernalia to all its constitutional
structures;
14.5.11 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as of the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined and
allocated by the CNC.
14.6 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR
ORGANISED LABOUR AND CIVIL
SOCIETY LIAISON
14.6.1 The Secretary for Organised Labor and Civil Society
Liaison shall:
14.6.2 Develop relations between the Party and civil society,
sector forums, traditional leaders and cultural
practitioners; faith-based leaders and religious
16 REV 2
practitioners; persons with disabilities and culture
based organisations.
14.6.3 14.6.1.2 Take overall responsibility for ensuring that
the issues of the above-mentioned constituencies are
taken into account in the development of party
policies;
14.6.4 Develop a database of members of the party and
general public who are activists in the labor and civil
society arenas so as to encourage them to contribute
to the policy-making processes of the party in those
areas;
14.6.5 Attract the above-mentioned organizations so as to
encourage their constituencies to vote for and support
COPE;
14.6.6 Report to the CNC regarding measures and
possibilities for the strengthening of relations between
the party and civil society and organised labor.
14.6.7 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as of the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined and
allocated by the CNC.
14.7 DUTIESS OF THE SECRETARY FOR
BUSINESS COMMUNITY LIAISON
14.7.1 The Secretary for Business Community Liaison shall:
14.7.2 14.7.1.1 Ensure that the CNC adopts a policy and a
programme for local business establishments and
community to assist in the development of the that
sector;
14.7.3 Facilitate a healthy and sustainable relationship
between the party and the business community and
seek to understand their issues so as to take them
into account when shaping party policy;
14.7.4 Working with the congress business and
professionals chapter of the party develop a database
of members of the party and general public who are
in the business community so as to encourage them
to contribute to the policy-making processes of the
party in those areas;
14.7.5 Ensure that the party, in all its formations, is well
informed and participates effectively on matters
related to the business community, especially small
and medium size enterprises
14.7.6 Ensure that information is provided to the business
establishments and communities regarding
developments in Parliament and / or Government that
could affect their businesses;
14.7.7 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as of the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined by the CNC.
14.8 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND
OVERSIGHT
14.8.1 The Secretary for Project Development and Oversight
shall
14.8.2 Identify and develop projects where COPE members
can contribute to the upliftment of communities;
14.8.3 Guide the identification of needs in communities and
sections of society and the designing of possible
business plans as well as seeking of sponsors for
projects to address the challenges identified;
14.8.4 Identify communities for, and develop a well-planned
strategy of allocation of projects ensuring a fair and
equitable allocation of project initiatives across the
country prioritising the most needy;
14.8.5 Oversee the implementation of projects and provide
regular updates to the party
14.8.6 Initiate and monitor campaigns as approved by
National Congress and CNC;
14.8.7 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
his / or her functions as well as for the performance of
any other duties and tasks as determined by the CNC.
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15. COMPOSITION OF THE POLITICAL
DIVISION OF THE NOB AND
DUTIES OF ITS MEMBERS
15.1 The political division of the NOB is composed of-
15.1.1 Deputy for the Economic Cluster;
15.1.2 Deputy for the Land and Agriculture Cluster;
15.1.3. Deputy for the Social Cluster;
15.1.4 Deputy for the International Relations Cluster;
15.1.5 Deputy for the Safety and Security Cluster and
15.1.6 Deputy Governance and Administration
Cluster.
15.2 The duties of the Deputies are cluster specific with
their main purpose being too politically advance the
principles of social democracy that COPE advocates
and is committed to. Their duties are to:
15.1.3 Monitor all the Bills in Parliament relating to the
specific Cluster and propose bills to be introduced by
the party;
15.1.4 Actively inform South African citizens about these
Bills;
15.1.5 Monitor all the policies, projects and programmes of
Government in the specific cluster and to actively
inform South African citizens on how they can benefit
from, or be adversely affected by, these policies,
projects and programmes of Government;
15.1.6 Be the spokesperson of the Party on any relevant
cluster related issue;
15.1.7 Determine the agenda for news in the specific cluster;
15.1.8 Advise the CNC on policy positions with regard to the
relevant cluster and to lead policy discussions on the
specific cluster at the National Policy Conference;
15.1.9 Advocate COPE’s policy amongst citizens of South
Africa regarding the relevant cluster;
15.1.10 Establish and maintain sound relations with
stakeholders within the relevant cluster;
15.1.11 Collaborate with the Deputy General Secretary to
provide the public representatives of COPE in this
cluster with updated information and issues to be
raised in Parliament, or the Legislatures or within the
Municipal Councils.
15.1.12 Report to the CNC regarding the performance of all
their respective duties as well as for the performance
of any other duties and tasks as determined and
allocated by the CNC.
16. COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS
OF THE CNC
16.1 The Congress National Committee shall be
composed of:
16.1.1 The National Office Bearer Committee;
16.1.2 The twenty-five (25) elected additional
members of the CNC;
16.1.3 The Provincial Chairpersons and Secretaries
of the Congress Provincial Committees;
16.1.4 The Chairpersons and Secretaries of the
Chapters of COPE as established by the CNC
or their deputies.
16.1.5 Not more than nine (9) ex-officio members with
no right to vote and only for participation on a
specific issue or meeting;
16.2 The functions of the CNC, as part of the national
authoritative committee in between National
Congresses are;
16.2.1 to implement the resolutions of the National
Congress.
16.2.2 to convene the National Congress; any
Extra-Ordinary Congress; the National
Policy Conference; the annual extended
CNC meeting which includes all Congress
Provincial Committees without the
municipality and chapter representatives,
all Metro Municipality and Regional
Executive Committees and the members of
18 REV 2
the National Executive Committees of all
COPE Chapters).
16.2.3 Subject to the provisions of this Constitution,
to have general authoritative responsibility
over the affairs of COPE guided by the
resolutions of the National Congress, the
Extra-Ordinary Congress, and the National
Policy Conference.
16.3 To perform these functions the CNC shall:
16.3.1 Convene the National Office Bearer
Committee and the Congress National
Committee;
16.3.2 Guide, Instruct and / or advise members
and structures of COPE;
16.3.3 Consider all matters as referred to the CEC,
provided that due processes were followed
within the structures of the Party;
16.3.4 Overrule unilateral decisions and / or
intervene when affairs of the party are
conducted inappropriately or irregularly at
all levels of the Party;
16.3.5 Meet at least once a year with each
Provincial Executive Committee to further
improve the state of affairs of COPE within
the respective provinces;
16.3.6 Regularly monitor the political mandates
and the performance of the Members of
Parliament representing the Party;
16.3.7 Appoint the whips of COPE in Parliament;
16.3.8 Establish the roles and responsibilities of all
the public representatives, including the
whips;
16.3.9 Establish the terms of reference for the
evaluation of all the public representatives;
16.3.10 Align the CNC to the functions of the
national government and assign to
additional CNC members specific
responsibilities in order that the respective
functions at the national government are
kept under constant scrutiny;
16.3.11 Conduct the National Congress election
campaign in accordance with the “Rules of
Fair Campaign Practices” as determined by
the CNC;
16.3.12 Establish the number of delegates,
standards and rules of procedure for
Congresses and Policy Conferences to
afford all members of COPE fair
opportunities to participate in the decisions
of these Congresses and Conferences;
16.3.13 Establish and implement rules for the
dissolution of any constitutional structure of
the Party that is unable to fulfil its
constitutional mandate;
16.3.14 Fill any vacant positions within the CNC with
the exception of that of President of the
Party;
16.3.15 Formulate, implement and distribute
statements of COPE’s policies;
16.3.16 Establish a National Electoral College that
will propose to the CNC COPE candidates
for the National and Provincial Elections.
This Electoral College will consist of ten (10)
independent persons who will not avail
themselves as candidates for that election
and have no conflict of interest of any kind;
16.3.17 Establish a procedure and system for
members of COPE to directly elect those
members who stand as Premier or and
Mayoral candidates of the party and who
shall lead the party in the respective
provincial legislatures and municipality
councils in the case that the party does not
win the election to occupy the premier or
mayoral posts;
16.3.18 Produce candidate lists for the National and
Provincial Elections as well for the Local
Government Elections and to submit these
lists in time, in order of preference, to the
19 REV 2
Independent Electoral Commission (“the
IEC”);
16.3.19 Establish, in consultation with the Congress
Provincial Committees, Provincial Electoral
Colleges that will propose to the CPC’s
COPE candidates for the Municipal
Councils during the Local Government
Elections. This Electoral College will consist
of ten (10) independent persons who will not
avail themselves as candidates for that
election and have no conflict of interest of
any kind;
16.3.20 Determine the membership fee and fee
structure that will benefit all relevant
structures of COPE;
16.3.21 Determine the monthly public
representative levy, the procedure for the
payment of such and the processes for
dealing with those who default in this
regard;
16.3.22 Determine the criteria for the eligibility of
public representatives as well as the code
of conduct and terms of reference for the
evaluation of public representatives;
16.3.23 Suspend and / or remove a member of
COPE, including a public representative
who violates the “Code of Conduct” as
adopted by the CNC;
16.3.24 Establish guidelines for substantive rules
for ethical conduct by public officials and
employees in national, provincial and local
COPE-led governments, so as to ensure
that the public is served by a party operating
on the basis of integrity and high moral and
ethical standards;
16.3.25 To receive and deliberate on the progress
reports of all the members of the NOB;
16.3.26 Act upon all other matters as appropriate in
order to carry out the provisions of this
Constitution and the objectives of COPE.
17. THE PROVINCIAL, MUNICIPALITY
AND BRANCH LEADERSHIP
STRUCTURES
17.1 FUNCTION OF THE PROVINCIAL
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (PEC)
17.1.1 The PEC is the main administrative
authority of the Party in the province and the
principal implementation body of the
resolutions of the Congress Provincial
Committee.
17.1.2 It is also the responsibility of the PEC to
lead the policy development within the
Province and to act within the best interest
of the Party in between CPC meetings.
17.1.3 The PEC shall further perform similar
functions as their counterpart members of
the Congress Executive Committee,
provided that the Chairperson of the
Province shall assume the similar functions
as the President of the Party except for
leading the party in the provincial legislature
in the case that he or she is not the one
elected as premier candidate of the party.
17.2 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF
THE CONGRESS PROVINCIAL
COMMITTEE (CPC)
17.2.1 The Congress Provincial Committee shall be
composed of:
17.2.1.1 The Provincial Executive Committee;
17.2.1.2 Thirteen (13) elected additional members of the
CPC of equal gender, ten of whom shall be
assigned tasks aligned to the provincial
government;
17.2.1.3 The Chairperson and Secretary or their
Deputies, of the Metro Municipality Executive
Committee as appropriate and of the Regional
Committees;
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17.2.1.4 The Provincial Chairperson and Secretary of
the respective COPE Chapters within the
Province as established by the CPC.
17.3 The functions of the CPC, as the
provincial authoritative committee
in between Provincial Congresses is;
17.3.1 to implement the resolutions of the Provincial
Congress. It shall thus have general authoritative
responsibility over the affairs of COPE based on the
resolutions of the Provincial Congress and the
Provincial Policy Conference and to perform this
function the CPC shall establish sub-committees to:
17.3.1.1 Align the CPC to the functions of the provincial
government and assign to ten of the additional CPC
members specific responsibilities in order that the
respective functions at the provincial government
are kept under constant scrutiny;
17.3.1.2 Conduct the Provincial Election campaign in
accordance with “Rules of Fair Campaign Practices”
as determined by the Congress National
Committee;
17.3.1.3 Fill any vacant positions within the Congress
Provincial Committee pending the approval of such
at the CNC;
17.3.1.4 First submit candidate lists for the Local
Government Elections to the CNC and thereafter to
submit these approved lists, in order of preference,
to the Independent Electoral Commission (“the
IEC”);
17.3.1.5 Monitor and evaluate the performance of the public
representatives of COPE in the Provincial
Legislature and those members of the province that
represent COPE in Parliament, in accordance with
the rules as determined by the CNC;
17.3.1.6 Formulate, implement, and disseminate statements
and policies of the party;
17.3.1.7 Adopt and / or amend reports from the Provincial
Disciplinary Committee;
17.3.1.8 Assist the Congress Metro Municipality Committees,
Congress Regional Committees and Congress
Local Municipality Committees with their election
campaigns and the education of voters;
17.3.1.9 Receive and deliberate on progress reports of all CPC
members;
17.3.1.10 Act upon all other matters as appropriate in order to
carry out the provisions of this Constitution and the
objectives of COPE within the province.
17.4 FUNCTIONS OF THE CONGRESS
METRO MUNICIPALITY EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE (MMEC)
17.4.1 The MMEC is the main administrative authority of
the Party in the Metro municipality and the principal
implementation body of the resolutions of the
Congress Metro Municipality Committee.
17.4.2 It is also the responsibility of the MMEC to lead the
policy development within the Metro Municipality
and to act in the best interest of the Party in between
CMMC meetings.
17.4.3 The MMEC shall further perform similar functions as
their counterpart members of the Provincial
Executive Committee provided that the Metro
Municipality Chairperson shall assume similar
functions to those of the Chairperson of the
Province except for leading the party in the Metro
Municipality Council in the case that he or she is not
the one elected as mayoral candidate of the party.
17.5 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF
THE CONGRESS METRO
MUNICIPALITY COMMITTEE
17.5.1 The Congress Metro Municipality Committee shall
be composed of:
17.5.1.1 The Metro Municipality Executive Committee;
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17.5.1.2 The thirteen (13) elected additional members of the
CMMC; ten of whom shall be assigned tasks aligned
to the Metro Municipality government;
17.5.1.3 All Chairpersons and Secretaries or their Deputies,
of the Congress Zonal Coordinating Committees
which shall have been established in alignment with
the local government coordinating structures in the
Metro Municipality; and
17.5.1.4 The Metro Municipality Chairpersons and
Secretaries of the respective COPE Chapters within
the boundaries of the Metro Municipality;
17.5.2 The main function of the CMMC, as the Metro
municipality authoritative committee in between
Metro Municipality Congresses is to implement the
resolutions of the Metro Municipality Congress.
17.5.3 It shall thus have general authoritative responsibility
over the affairs of COPE based on the resolutions
of the Metro Municipality Congress and the Metro
Municipality Policy Conference and to perform this
function the CMMC shall establish sub-committees
to:
17.5.3.1 Align the CMMC structure to those of the Metro
municipality government structure and assign to ten
of the additional CMMC members specific
responsibilities in order that the respective functions
at the Metro Municipality government are kept under
constant scrutiny
17.5.3.2 Conduct the Metro Municipal Election campaign in
accordance with “Rules of Fair Campaign Practices”
as determined by the Congress National
Committee;
17.5.3.3 Fill any vacant positions within the CMMC;
17.5.3.4 With the assistance of the PEC, monitor and
evaluate the performance of the public
representatives of COPE in the Metro Municipality
Council in accordance with the rules of the CNC;
17.5.3.5 Formulate, implement, and disseminate statements
and party policies;
17.5.3.6 Raise and disburse monies needed for the
successful operation of COPE;
17.5.3.7 Assist the Branch Executive Committees with their
election campaigns and the education of voters;
17.5.3.8 Act upon all other matters as appropriate in order to
carry out the provisions of this Constitution and the
objectives of COPE within the municipal boundaries.
17.6 FUNCTIONS OF THE REGIONAL
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (REC)
17.6.1 The REC is the main administrative authority of the
Party in the region and the principal implementation
body of the resolutions of the Congress Regional
Committee.
17.6.2 It is also the responsibility of the REC to lead the
policy development within the Region and to act
within the best interest of the Party in between
Congress Regional Committee (CRC) meetings.
17.6.3 The REC shall further perform similar functions to
their counterpart members of the Provincial
Executive Committee provided that the Regional
Chairperson shall assume similar functions as the
Chairperson of the Province except for leading the
party in the District Municipality Council in the case
that he or she is not the one elected as executive
mayoral candidate of the party.
17.7 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE
CONGRESS REGIONAL COMMITTEE (CRC)
17.7.1 The Congress Regional Committee shall be
composed of:
17.7.1.1 The Regional Executive Committee;
17.7.1.2 The thirteen (13) elected additional members of the
CRC; ten of whom shall be assigned tasks aligned
to the district municipality government;
17.7.1.3 All Chairpersons and Secretaries or their Deputies,
of the Congress Local Municipality Committees; and
17.7.1.4 The Regional Chairpersons and Secretaries of the
respective COPE Chapters within the boundaries of
the district municipality;
17.7.2 The main function of the CRC, as the regional
authoritative committee in between Regional
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Congresses is to implement the resolutions of the
Regional Congress. It shall thus have general
authoritative responsibility over the affairs of COPE
based on the resolutions of the Regional Congress
and the Regional Policy Conference and in order to
perform this function of the CRC shall establish sub-
committees to:
17.7.2.1 Align the CRC structure to that of the District
municipality government structure and assign to ten
of the additional CRC members specific
responsibilities in order that the respective functions
at the District Municipality government are kept
under constant scrutiny
17.7.2.2 Conduct the Regional Election campaign in
accordance with “Rules of Fair Campaign Practices”
as determined by the Congress National
Committee;
17.7.2.3 Fill any vacant positions within the CRC;
17.7.2.4 With the assistance of the PEC, monitor and
evaluate the performance of the public
representatives of COPE in the Municipality Council
in accordance with the rules of the CNC;
17.7.2.5 Formulate, implement and disseminate party
statements and policies;
17.7.2.6 Raise and disburse monies needed for the
successful operation of COPE;
17.7.2.7 Assist the Local Municipality Executive Committees
with their election campaigns and the education of
voters;
17.7.2.8 Act upon all other matters as appropriate in order to
carry out the provisions of this Constitution and the
objectives of COPE within the municipality
boundaries.
17.8 FUNCTIONS OF THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (LMEC)
17.8.1 The LMEC is the main administrative authority of the
Party in the Local municipality and the principal
implementation body of the resolutions of the
Congress Municipality Committee.
17.8.2 It is also the responsibility of the LMEC to lead the
policy development within the Local Municipality
and to act within the best interest of the Party in
between CLMC meetings.
17.8.3 The LMEC shall further perform similar functions to
their counterpart members of the Provincial
Executive Committee provided that the Municipality
Chairperson shall assume similar functions as the
Chairperson of the Province except for leading the
party in the Local Municipality Council in the case
that he or she is not the one elected as mayoral
candidate of the party.
17.9 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE
CONGRESS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
COMMITTEE (CLMC)
17.9.1 The Congress Local Municipality Committee shall
be composed of:
17.9.1.1 The Local Municipality Executive Committee;
17.9.1.2 The thirteen (13) elected additional members of the
CLMC; ten of whom shall be assigned tasks aligned
to the local municipality government;
17.9.1.3 All Chairpersons and Secretaries or their Deputies,
of the Congress Branch Committees; and
17.9.1.4 The Local Municipality Chairpersons and
Secretaries of the respective COPE Chapters within
the boundaries of the Local Municipality;
17.9.2 The main function of the CLMC, as the municipal
authoritative committee in between Municipal
Congresses is to implement the resolutions of the
Municipal Congress. It shall thus have general
authoritative responsibility over the affairs of COPE
based on the resolutions of the Municipal Congress
and the Municipal Policy Conference and to perform
this function of the CLMC shall establish sub-
committees to:
17.9.2.1 Align the CLMC structure to that of the Local
municipality government structure and assign to ten
of the additional CLMC members specific
responsibilities in order that the respective functions
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at the Local Municipality government are kept under
constant scrutiny
17.9.2.2 Conduct the Municipal Election campaign in
accordance with “Rules of Fair Campaign Practices”
as determined by the Congress National
Committee;
17.9.2.3 Fill any vacant positions within the CLMC;
17.9.2.4 With the assistance of the PEC, monitor and
evaluate the performance of the public
representatives of COPE in the Local Municipality
Council in accordance with the rules of the CNC;
17.9.2.5 Formulate, implement, and disseminate party
statements and policies;
17.9.2.6 Raise and disburse monies needed for the
successful operation of COPE;
17.9.2.7 Assist the Branch Executive Committees with their
election campaigns and the education of their
voters;
17.9.2.8 Act upon all other matters as appropriate in order to
carry out the provisions of this Constitution and the
objectives of COPE within the municipal
boundaries.
17.10 FUNCTIONS OF THE BRANCH
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (BEC)
17.10.1 The BEC is the main administrative authority of the
Party in the municipal ward and the principal
implementation body of the resolutions of the
Congress Branch Committee.
17.10.2 It is also the responsibility of the BEC to lead the
policy development within the municipal ward and to
act within the best interest of the Party in between
CBC meetings.
17.10.3 The BEC shall further perform similar functions as
their counterpart members of the Municipal
Executive Committee. The Branch Chairperson
shall assume similar functions as the Metro,
Regional or Local Municipality Chairperson.
17.11 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE
CONGRESS BRANCH COMMITTEE (CBC)
17.11.1 The Congress Branch Committee (“CBC”) shall be
composed of:
17.12.1.1 The Branch Executive Committee;
17.12.1.2 Three (3) additional members as elected at the
Branch Congress;
17.12.1.3 Branch Chairperson and Secretary of the respective
COPE Chapters within the boundaries of the
Municipal ward;
17.12.1.4 Two representatives from each VD Coordinating
units within the ward;
17.11.2 The main function of the CBC, as the municipal
ward authoritative committee in between Branch
Congresses is to implement the resolutions of the
Branch Congress. It shall thus have general
authoritative responsibility over the affairs of COPE
based on the resolutions of the Branch Congress
and the Branch Policy Conference and to perform
this function of the CBC shall establish sub-
committees to:
17.11.2.1 Align the functions of the Congress Branch
Committee to the responsibilities assigned
to the ward councilor;
17.11.2.2 Manage the activities of the branch;
17.11.2.3 Conduct the municipal ward election
campaign in accordance with the “Rules of
Fair Campaign Practices” as determined
by the Congress National Committee;
17.11.2.4 Fill any vacant positions within the CBC;
17.11.2.5 Implement, formulate and disseminate
statements of Congress policies;
17.11.2.6 Act upon all other matters as appropriate in
order to carry out the provisions of this
Constitution and the objectives of COPE
within the municipal ward boundary;
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18. THE COPE BRANCH
18.1 COPE BRANCH IN SOUTH AFRICA
18.1.1 A COPE Branch in South Africa shall be established
by South Africans who want to promote the
principles and character of COPE within a
municipality ward as determined by the Independent
Electoral Commission (IEC) and Municipal
Demarcation Board (MDB) for purposes of voting
during the Local Government Elections.
18.1.2 A COPE Branch shall be eligible to launch upon the
successful registration of fifty (50) members within
that municipal ward.
18.1.3 A Coordinating unit may only be established upon
the successful registration of eleven (11) members
within that voting district.
18.1.4 A member of COPE may only enroll and participate
in the COPE Branch in which he / she is registered
to vote for the Local Government Elections.
18.1.5 A South African will become a member of COPE
upon the successful application and confirmation of
such membership by the Office of the General
Secretary in accordance with the rules as
determined by the CNC.
18.2 A COPE BRANCH OUTSIDE SOUTH
AFRICA
18.2.1 Branches and Chapters of COPE shall be
established for qualifying South Africans who reside
outside the borders of the Republic of South Africa
and who have shown an interest in obtaining
membership of COPE.
18.2.2 Due to the unique nature of each country, the
organisational structure of COPE in each country
may be different, but will in the main be guided by
the CNC.
18.2.3 A COPE branch outside South Africa shall be
country-based with the minimum number of ten
(100) members.
18.2.4 For purposes of the National Congress, each
country outside South Africa will be regarded as a
“district municipality district” of the party with each
continent being treated as a province.
18.2.5 Party members in a particular country may organise
themselves and launch the town and / or state and /
or country as well as continental structures of the
Party in accordance with the official manual for the
renewal of party structures.
18.3 VOTING DISTRICT COORDINATING UNITS
18.3.1 Each voting district within a municipal ward shall
consist of a coordinating unit whose functions shall
be aligned to that of the Metro or local municipality
council government structure as appropriate.
18.3.2 The coordinating unit shall also be responsible for
contributing to policy development within the Party
taking into account the local realities in the voting
district.
18.3.3 The coordinating unit shall be led by a coordinating
chairperson as elected by the members of that
voting district in accordance with the rules as set out
by the CNC
18.3.4 The coordinating unit shall consist of the
chairperson and ten (10) coordinators.
19. MEMBERSHIP TO COPE
19.1 CRITERIA FOR PARTY MEMBERSHIP
19.1.1 Membership to COPE is obtainable for any South
African who meets the following criteria:
19.1.2 He / or She must desire to support the objectives
and the principles of the party laid out in the
Constitution of COPE and who wishes to be known
and regarded as a member of COPE;
19.1.3 Membership of COPE shall be applied for on an
individual basis and shall be the a free and unforced
expression of the applicant’s personal preference
and aspiration;
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19.1.4 He / or She must be a registered voter with the
Independent Electoral Commission (IEC);
19.1.5 He / or She must not be a current member of any
other registered political party in South Africa;
19.1.6 He / or She must pay the prescribed membership
fee and complete the relevant documentation as
determined by the CNC;
19.1.7 Membership in COPE begins after the approval of
the applicant’s membership application by the Office
of the General Secretary.
19.1.8 The CNC has a right to deny membership to a
person and were this to happen, the General
Secretary will communicate this to the applicant
through any of the means of communication
available.
19.1.9 He / or She must not have been expelled from
COPE previously, except that anyone so expelled
can apply for membership after a period of five (5)
years of expulsion;
19.2 RIGHTS OF A COPE MEMBER
19.2.1 A member of COPE shall have the right to:
19.2.1.1 Identify with, belong to and actively participate in the
life of the party,
19.2.1.2 Seek, receive and impart information on all aspects
of policies and activities of the Party and any of its
Chapters as appropriate;
19.2.1.3 Facilitate and take part in internal elections within
COPE and be elected or appointed to any
committee, structure, commission or delegation of
the Party subject to the provisions of this
Constitution;
19.2.1.4 Place at the disposal of the Party and the country
his or her availability and readiness to serve;
19.2.1.5 Nominate and be nominated as a candidate for the
National and Provincial Elections and the Local
Government Elections.
19.2.1.6 Ensure that he / or she complies with the criteria as
determined by the CNC to be elected as a public
representative of COPE.
19.3 DUTIES OF COPE MEMBERS
19.3.1 A member of the Congress of the People shall have
the duty to:
19.3.1.1 Actively participate in the activities of his / or her
branch;
19.3.1.2 Ensure his/her continual overall political
development so as to contribute to both the
quantitative growth as well as qualitative
development of the Party;
19.3.1.3 Deepen his/her understanding of the economic,
social, cultural, political and other aspects of the
country so as to influence the policies of COPE and
to ensure that COPE’s social democratic policies
relate to the challenges and aspirations of South
Africans and the fulfilment of the vision of the Party;
19.3.1.4 Actively participate in the political programmes that
advance the ideals of the Party, including the
Chapters of the Party as appropriate, in a manner
that is consistent with the democratic traditions and
the values of the Party;
19.3.1.5 Observe and uphold the decisions of the
constitutional structures of the Party;
19.3.1.6 Prevent all forms of intolerance especially racism,
tribalism, sexism, religious and political intolerance
or any other form of discrimination or chauvinism
and combat propaganda detrimental to the ideals of
the Party;
19.3.1.7 Be registered as a voter, vote regularly and,
encourage other South Africans to fulfil this
important national duty of voting;
19.3.1.8 Fulfil his/her civic duty and any other Party
responsibilities;
19.3.1.9 Conduct him/her in a manner that upholds the
dignity of and reflects the integrity of the Party in
whose name he / or she acts, and or in whose office
he / or she serves;
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19.3.1.10 When in a responsibility of trust and / or leadership,
to refrain from using his/or her office to gain special
privileges, treatment and benefits for oneself, one’s
family and / or one’s friends or anyone related one
in any way;
19.3.1.11 Refrain from acting, or purporting to act, in an official
capacity in instances where his / or her
independence and judgment is, or may be, affected
by vested personal or private interest
19.4 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
19.4.1 Membership to COPE shall be terminated upon:
19.4.1.1 The death of a Member;
19.4.1.2 The written resignation of a Member;
19.4.1.3 The joining by the Member of another political party
within South Africa;
19.4.1.4 The expiration of the membership period based on
the membership fees as paid by the Member;
19.4.1.5 The registration of the Member as an Independent
Candidate for any Local Government Election and /
or as a candidate for a civic organisation that
intends to register for any Local Government
Election in which COPE is also registered to
participate in.
20. LEADERSHIP IN COPE
20.1 ELIGIBILITY TO LEADERSHIP OF COPE
20.1.1 A leader of COPE is a Member of COPE who was
democratically elected by the respective structure of
the Party at any Congress of COPE and in
accordance with this Constitution and the rules as
determined by the CNC.
20.1.2 Before the election of a Member of COPE into any
leadership position he / or she must declare his / or
her availability to serve in that specific position and
confirm that he / or she is registered as a Member
of COPE for the full duration of that relevant
leadership position.
20.1.3 He / or she must also be eligible to represent the
Party at Parliament and / or a Provincial Legislature
and / or Municipality. If a person is later found not to
be eligible for election as a Leader of COPE due to
the non-compliance with the provisions of this
Constitution the CNC must immediately declare the
result of that leadership vote invalid and appoint an
acting leader in that position.
20.1.4 A Member who has already declared his / or her
availability for a certain leadership position is not
eligible to declare himself / or herself available for
any other leadership position except where
permission for such had been granted by the CNC
upon the request of that member.
20.1.5 In the event that a Leader of COPE resigns from his
/ or her leadership position he / or she will not be
eligible to declare himself / or herself available for
any leadership position within the Party except
where permission for such has been granted by the
CNC upon the request of that member.
20.1.6 Any full-time and / or part time employee of COPE
is not eligible to declare himself / or herself available
for any leadership position of COPE, except if a
calendar year has passed since he / or she had
resigned from that employment position.
20.2 CEASING TO HOLD OFFICE AS A LEADER
OF COPE
20.2.1 Any leader of COPE ceases to occupy his / or her
leadership position upon:
20.2.1.1 Resigning from that leadership position;
20.2.1.2 Death;
20.2.1.3 The lapse of membership;
20.2.1.4 The termination of such membership by the CNC
20.2.1.5 Being declared of unsound mind by a court in South
Africa;
20.2.1.6 Being convicted for an offence and sentenced to
more than 12 months imprisonment without the
option of a fine;
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20.2.1.7 Being declared an un-rehabilitated insolvent by a
court in South Africa;
20.2.1.8 Losing the confidence of a structure of COPE
through the successful passage of a vote of no
confidence in keeping with the below on “Motion of
no confidence in a leader of COPE”.
20.3 MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN A
LEADER OF COPE
20.3.1 A motion of no confidence may only approved if two
–thirds of the members of the respective committee
vote in support of it and provided that such an action
follows upon a recommendation of an independent
investigation to take action against such a leader.
20.3.2 The period of no confidence will lapse at the
commencement of the next electoral Congress.
21. PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES OF
COPE
21.1 A public representative of COPE is a Member of
COPE who has been sworn in to occupy a
representative office in Parliament and / or a
Provincial Legislature and / or a Municipality Council
(hereinafter referred to as the “Legislatures”).
21.2 COPE may only be represented in the Legislatures by
a Member of COPE whose membership fees were
paid in advance and in full for the duration of the term
in public office.
21.3 It is the responsibility of the public representative to
ensure that the monthly public representative levies
are paid on time every time.
21.4 A candidate of the Party may only be listed at the IEC
as a candidate if he / or she has signed the “Code of
Conduct for Public Representatives of COPE”.
21.5 A public representative of COPE may be removed
from that office by the Congress National Committee
on:
21.5.1 Expiry of his / or her membership;
21.5.2 Three consecutive non-payment of his / or her
monthly public representative levy;
21.5.3 The outcome of a COPE disciplinary hearing;
21.5.4 Being unsuccessful in the “COPE Public
Representative Evaluation” for three consecutive
times.
22. DISCIPLINARY AND APPEALS
COMMITTEES
22.1 The CNC shall adopt a policy for the code of conduct
and disciplinary procedure for all members, leaders
and public representatives of COPE.
22.2 This disciplinary policy shall require the establishment
of independent disciplinary and appeals committees
to adjudicate on matters that deal with conduct and
violation of this constitution.
22.3 These disciplinary committees must make
recommendations to the CNC and CPC’s for the
appropriate measures to be taken against the relevant
accused members of the Party and upon the adoption
of the said recommendation to determine the outcome
at the conclusion of the full process.
23. NAMING OF PARTY STRUCTURES
23.1 Party structures of COPE may be named only in
accordance with the rules determined by the
Congress National Committee.
23.2 The names of the Party structures and the processes
to be followed for such naming shall be inclusive,
unifying, educative and democratically arrived at.
Preferably this will be done by consensus it the
structure where the naming is proposed.
23.3 In order to ensure uniformity and simplicity, the
Congress Provincial Committee of the Party shall
bear the names of the geographic space that they
represent as recognised in the Constitution of South
Africa.
28 REV 2
23.4 The General Secretary of the Party shall keep a
record of, and publish, all the names used by the
structures of the Party so as to avoid duplication,
encourage creativity and promote diversity.
23.5 The principles and procedures for the naming of Party
structures shall apply to all structures of the Party, its
Chapters and any projects or programmes supported
by the Party where the Party has naming rights.
23.6 A structure may bear the name of an individual whose
integrity is unanimously recognised as being beyond
reproach.
23.7 The Congress National Committee must confirm the
name as proposed by the structure.
THE END
CONGRESS RESOLUTIONS JAN 2014