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24 April 1999
PREAMBLE
1.1 It is considered that the development of economic awareness amongst
members of the Namibian society is essential to achieve economic, social and political objectives.
1.2 It is considered that those who wish to stimulate and advance this ideal should have an
organization that can provide a framework through which this ideal can be met.
1.3 It is considered that such an organization should commit itself to the development of Economics as a
social science.
1.4 It is considered that those interested parties should take it upon themselves and create that organisation.
2. NAME
The organisation shall be known as the Namibian Economic Society,
hereafter referred to as NES.
3. LEGAL FORM
NES is registered as an Association not for gain under section twenty-one (21) of
the Company Act of 1973. The company is a legal person and can therefore sue or be sued.
4. DEFINITION
NES is an autonomous society to which any person may join on a voluntary basis. It
shall strive to promote and improve the level of debate amongst Namibians, in order to increase awareness and understanding of socio-economic matters. This is done in the believe that such activity
will lead to improvement in the social, economic, educational, cultural and political situation in the country.
5. MOTTO AND LOGO
5.1 The motto of NES is Knowledge, Understanding, and
Development.
5.2 The logo, as shown on cover page shall appear on all official documents and publications.
6. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of NES are amongst others to:
6.1 Create an
impartial and autonomous environment through which debate, free interchange of information, free contact between differing sectors of the Namibian society, open and free discussion on economic
matters can take place. Any party or individual may participate freely in any discussion or activity.
6.2 Enrich economic policy formulation and implementation and to express opinions
on any matter provided that they correspond with the aims and objectives as stated in section 6 of this constitution.
6.3 Foster a spirit of national identity, a sense of unity
and self respect, as well as an in-depth awareness of social, economic, political cultural and environmental prospects and challenges facing Namibia.
6.4 Involve the youth (professional
and non-professional) from all spheres of the Namibian society in the activities of NES.
6.5 Strive to achieve representative gender participation.
6.6 Establish, develop
and maintain relations with national, regional and international bodies of similar nature.
6.7 Mobilise funds through any legal means to provide for the activities of NES.
6.8
Advance the development of Economics as a science as well as its related academic disciplines.
7.ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES
NES shall be governed by the following structures and procedures:
7.1 THE aNNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
7.1.1There shall be one meeting of all members.
7.1.2 This will be the annual general meeting that will take place once a year.
7.1.3 The annual general meeting will be the highest decision-making body of NES.
7.1.4 The
annual general meeting shall meet not later than six (6) months after the end of each financial year.
7.2 Extra-ordinary general meetings
Extra-ordinary general meetings are
membership meetings than can be called between annual general meetings.
7.2.1 Extra-ordinary general meetings can be called on the request:
a)Of at least two thirds of paid up membership
b)Of at least two thirds of council members
c)Of all the chairpersons of the committees .
7.2 QUORUM
At least two thirds of paid up members present at the General
Meeting/Extra-ordinary Meeting shall constitute a quorum. In the event of a failure to obtain a quorum then the meeting shall be adjourned. Should this happen for a second time, then the members
present at that second meeting shall constitute a quorum. Proxy is not allowed.
7.3 DECISION MAKING
Decisions shall be taken through consensus. In the absence of consensus, decisions
shall be taken by a simple majority vote. Voting shall take place by show of hands, but on the request of at least two members the secret ballot can apply. The declaration of the presiding officer
in the outcome of the election is conclusive.
7.4 THE COUNCIL
The Council is the executive organ of NES and shall consist of (5) five members.
7.4.1 FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL
The functions of the Council shall be to:
(a) Formulate general policies
(b) Ensure the implementation of the decisions of the General Meeting
(c) Agree and motivate activities
(d) Maintain required records
(e) Accept and act upon audited reports
(f) Control membership regulations and membership standards
(g) Resolve complaints, grievances and disputes within NES
(h) Approve and suspend membership, subject to ratification by the Annual General Meeting
7.4.2 THE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL SHALL BE ONE YEAR
The term of office for members serving in any executive or any other position in
any of the structures of NES cannot be more than two consecutive years, but a person can her/himself available for election after one (1) year.
The term of office of the Executive Committee shall be one year.
7.4.3 ELECTION
The Council shall be elected by the Annual General Meeting, by secret ballot.
Participation in the Council is voluntary and without remuneration. The Council may establish committees and co-op members onto the Executive Committee. Co-opted members will not
have voting rights. In the event that a casual vacancy may occur during the course of the year the Council shall make an appointment to fill it.
7.4.4 COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL
The Council shall consist of the following positions:
(a) Chairperson
b) Vice Chairperson
(c) Treasurer
(d) Secretary
e) Youth Liaison Officer
At least one third of elected council members should be economists.
The elected Council has the
right to establish committees and to Co-op members for certain functions. The amount of co-opted members should not exceed two at any given time.
Chairpersons of different standing committees will have a vote at Council meetings when matters under discussion are directly related to the work of the relevant committee.
7.4.5 QUORUM AND DECISION MAKING
A Quorum of Council meetings shall consist of fifty percent plus three of
the Council Members.
The Secretariat will be the Editor.
7.4.6 DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF OFFICE BEARERS
(a) The Chairperson
The duties of the Chairperson shall be to:
i. Chair meetings of the Council and the General Meeting. In his/her absence a chairperson shall be elected by those Council members present.
ii. Sign all public statements to the media and the General Meeting.
iii. Ensure the implementation of Council decisions.
iv. Liase with academic institutions.
(b) The Treasurer
The duties of the Treasurer shall be to:
i. Keep accurate records of all financial transactions of the Council
ii. Maintain an inventory of all Council properties
iii. Issue receipts for money received
iv. Obtain invoices and receipts for money spent
v. Cash receipts and maintaining petty cash
vi. Follow the Council regulations for the issue of all funds
vii. Present all requested books for audit
viii. Present audited financial reports to the Executive Committee when requested
ix. Present financial reports and audits to the General Meeting
(c) The Secretary
The duties of the secretary shall be to:
i. Ensure that the agenda is drawn up, meetings called and minutes distributed
ii. Distribute all correspondence addresses to NES
iii. Ensure that all correspondence are answered
iv. Arrange and prepare suitable venues for all meetings and discussion
v. Keep the archives of the Council in good condition and up to date
vi. Ensure that all legal documentation of NES are carefully kept
(d) Youth Liaison Officer
The duties of the Youth Liaison Officer shall be to:
i. Liase with youth organisations at various fora
ii. Draw youth members to NES
iii. Assist the editor of the journal in the publication and editing of the
journal
7.4.7 TERMINATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
(i)Council Membership can be terminated without members losing NES membership. This should be recommended by the Chairperson supported by the Executive Council Members.
(ii) Only the general body of the NES can terminate membership to council.
(iii) This can be done at the Annual General Meeting or at an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting.
(iv) Consul membership is terminated when:
(a) The member resigns
(b) Non Performance of duties
(c) Misconduct
(d) Loss of NES membership
7.5. THE SECRETARIAT
The secretariat would be employed by the Council to:
(a) Deal with the day to day activities of NES
(b) Subject to the availability of funds, secretariat work is entitled to remuneration
(c) The Secretariat is headed by the programme co-ordinator who may as task required be assisted by others
The appointment of additional labour will be subjected to board approval
7.6 MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to:
a) Professional economists who are either trained or practicing in the field of economics and related professions.
b) Any person who in the view of the Council and the AGM subscribes to the aims and objectives of the NES.
7.6.1 TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP
(a) Honorary Membership
The General Meeting, with a two third majority may confer Honorary Membership, in a secret ballot on persons who have given exceptional service to society. Honorary Membership must be proposed by a two third majority by the Council prior to the General Meeting.
(c) Ordinary Membership
There will be two categories of ordinary members
a) Professional Economists
b) Any other interested persons
Ordinary Membership status is available to persons who wish to join NES and are willing to pay membership fees. Ordinary Membership shall be valid for a period of twelve (12) months only and is renewable on an annual basis. It is expected from Ordinary Members to participate actively in all the activities of NES.
(c) Affiliate Membership
Affiliate Membership is available to organizations approved by the Council. Such membership does not indicate either agreement or disagreement with the aims of such organization. Affiliate Membership is renewable on an annual basis. Affiliate members shall pay membership fees.
7.6.2 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
(a) Rights
The Rights of NES members shall be:
i. To participate in all the activities of NES
ii. To attend the General Meeting
iii. To elect and to be elected to Council
iv. To have access to the financial records of NES
v. To have access to all information of NES
vi. To get a free copy of the quarterly journal of NES
(b) Obligations
The obligations of NES members shall be:
i. To pay membership fees on time
ii. To further the aims and objectives of the society
iii. To attend the activities of NES
iv. To observe the rules and regulation of NES
7.6.3 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Council decides on the termination of membership, subject to ratification by the Annual General Meeting. If the Annual General Meeting does not ratify such a decision, membership shall be duly reinstated. Membership may be terminated for the following reasons:
(a) Non-payment of subscription fees
(b) If a member is found quilty of a grave misconduct by Council
(c) If a member or affiliate organisation resigns in writing
7.6.4 MEMBERSHIP FEES
(a) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the principles of subscription payable.
(b) Fees will be based on a sliding scale to accommodate the different categories of membership.
(c) The actual fee structure shall be determined by the Council and should correspond with the principles laid down by the AGM.
(d) Members shall be notified of the amount so determined.
(e) Membership fees shall be paid at the Annual General Meeting or within ninety (90) thereof. Members who wish to pay advance fees beyond the period of one year may do so. (Thus expiry of membership fees is after the AGM.
8.FINANCES OF NES
NES is responsible for its own funding and budgetary control. The Council shall annually submit budgets and financial statements for AGM approval.
8.1. Sources of Funding
The funding sources of NES are:
(a) Annual membership fees
(b) Donations
(c) Sponsorship
(d) Proceeds from fund-raising activities
(e) Sales of publications
(f) Any other legal means
8.2 Management of NES Finances
(a) The income procured by NES shall be utilised in promoting the aims
and objectives of the organisation.
(b) The Council shall ensure that proper accounting procedures and maintenance of records as required per audit and prudent financial management.
(c) The Project Co-ordinator shall keep a petty cash book to record occasional expenses under the supervision of the Treasurer.
(d) All such books shall be under the supervision of the Treasurer and shall be available for inspection by the Council all times.
(e) No capital expenditure shall be incurred without written approval from the Council.
(f) Council is expected to obtain the necessary registration and licences as required by the laws of Namibia.
8.2.1 AUDITING OF THE BOOKS OF NES
Once in every year an independent auditor, to be appointed by the Council shall examine the accounts of NES.
The auditor shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting.
9. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
(a) Amendments and additions to this constitution shall only be effected at the General Meeting or Extra-ordinary General Meeting by means of a seconded motion in written from, sent to the Council for circulation at least one month before the date of the General Meeting/Extra-ordinary General Meeting.
(b) Such a motion requires the approval of a two third majority of registered members present at the General Meeting/Extra-ordinary General Meeting.
(c) Voting shall take place by secret ballot or by show of hands.
10. DISSOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY
The dissolution of NES shall be voluntary winding-up of the organisation. Dissolution shall be a decision taken at a meeting where 4/5 of paid-up members are present. Upon dissolution the assets of NES remaining after the satisfaction of all its liabilities shall be given or transferred to some other association/s or institution/s having objectives similar to that of NES. This shall be determined by the members of NES at or before the time of dissolution.
Notice of dissolution shall be given in writing, 28 days after the registration of the dissolution of the society.
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