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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’

PLATFORM

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE ........................................................................... 1
SUPREMACY OF CONSTITUTION.................................... 1
PART I: NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION.
INTERPRETATION, PURPOSE, REGISTRATION, HEAD
OFFICE & AREA OF OPERATIONS: ................................. 2
ARTICLE 1: Name of the Organization ............................. 2
ARTICLE 2: Interpretation ................................................. 2
ARTICLE 3: Purpose.......................................................... 3
ARTICLE 4: Registration ................................................... 3
ARTICLE 5: Head Office ................................................... 3
ARTICLE 6: Area of Operation ......................................... 3
PART II: VISION, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES .............. 3
ARTICLE 7: Vision Statement ........................................... 3
ARTICLE 8: Mission Statement......................................... 4
ARTICLE 9: Objectives ..................................................... 4
PART III: MEMBERSHIP, TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP,
RIGHT, .................................................................................. 4
BENEFITS AND OBLIGATIONS & CESSATION OF
MEMBERSHIP ...................................................................... 4
ARTICLE 10: Membership ................................................ 4
ARTICLE 11: Types of Membership ................................. 5
ARTICLE 12: Rights and obligations: ............................... 5
Founding Members ......................................................... 5
Ordinary Members: ......................................................... 6
Honorary Members ......................................................... 6
Associate Members: ........................................................ 6
Benefits of regular/ordinary membership ....................... 6
Benefits of Associated Membership ............................... 7
ARTICLE 13: Cessation of Membership ........................... 7
PART IV: SENIOR LEADERSHIP, DUTIES & &
RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................. 7
ARTICLE 14: Founding President: .................................... 7
ARTICLE 15: Executive Secretaryt: .................................. 8
ARTICLE 16: Executive Treasurer .................................. 10

PART V: INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP, DUTIES &


RESPONSIBILITIES & ORGANIZATION
STRUCTURE... .................................................................... 14
ARTICLE 17: Senior Management: ................................. 14
Article 18: Cabinet ........................................................ 15
Article 19: Regional Directors ...................................... 12
Article 20: Country Directors: ...................................... 12
Article 21: Heads of Missions:………………………..12
Article 22; Organization Structure……………………13
PART VI: ELECTIONS, TERM OF LEADERSHIP, OFFICE
BEARERS & REMOVAL FROM OFFICE ........................ 15
ARTICLE 23: Elections.................................................... 16
ARTICLE 24: Nomination Forms .................................... 16
Article 25: The Electoral Committee ................................ 14
ARTICLE 26: The Legitimation of Victory ..................... 16
ARTICLE 27: Removal from the Office .......................... 17
PART VII: BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ADVISORY BOARD
& STRUCTURES ................................................................. 20
ARTICLE 28: Establishment of the Board of
Directors…. ...................................................................... 20
ARTICLE 29: Functions & Duties of the Board of Directors
.......................................................................................... 20
ARTICLE 30: Board of Directors Structure ..................... 20
ARTICLE 31: Establishment of the Advisory Board ....... 20
ARTICLE 32: Functions & Duties of the Advisory
Board................................................................................. 20
ARTICLE 33: Advisory Board Structure ......................... 21
PART VIII: GENERAL ASSEMBLY & OTHER
MEETINGS……………………………………………19
ARTICLE 34: Composition of the General Assembly ..... 21
ARTICLE 35: Function of the General Assembly ........... 21
ARTICLE 36: Annual General Meeting ........................... 21
ARTICLE 37: Extra-Ordinary General Meeting .............. 21
ARTICLE 38: Other Meetings ......................................... 22
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’
PLATFORM
PART IX: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT,
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, DISSOLUTION &
CONFLICT RESOLUTION…………………………..20
ARTICLE 39: Financial Year ........................................... 22
ARTICLE 40: Sources of Funds…………………………20
ARTICLE 41: The Usage of Funds……………………...20
ARTICLE 42: Organization Bank Account……………..20
ARTICLE 43: Constitutional Amendment………………20
ARTICLE 44: Dissolution……………………………….21
ARTICLE 45: Conflict Resolution………………………21
LIST OF FOUNDING MEMBERS ..................................... 23

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UJIVERSITY STUDENTS' PLATFORM

The African University Students' Platform.

PREAMBLE
WE, The African University Students’ Platform ACKNOWLEDGE the supremacy of God Almighty

DECLARE the Platform is free from Politics while upholding a person’s right to freedom of conscience,
belief or religion.

UPHOLD the human rights and fundamental freedoms of every person:

COMMIT ourselves to upholding the principles of democracy and good governance;

RESOLVE to ensure that our values relating to family, morality, patriotism and justice are maintained
and all functions of the platform are performed in our common interest;

CONFIRM the equal worth of women and men and their right to freely participate in, determine and
build a sustainable legal, economic and social order;

RECOGNIZE AND UPHOLD the multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural character
of our Platform and our right to manage our affairs and resources sustainably in a devolved system of
governance;

RESOLVE that the Platform shall remain a unitary, multi-party and democratic sovereign Platform;

AND DIRECT that all PLATFORM organs and Platform institutions abide by and respect our
sovereign will;

SUPREMACY OF CONSTITUTION
1. (1) This Constitution is the supreme law of the African University Students’ Platform and any other
written law, Action Plan and customary practice that is inconsistent with its provisions is void to the
extent of the inconsistency.

(2) An act or omission that contravenes this Constitution is illegal.

(3) This Constitution shall bind all persons in the Platform, Platform organs and Platform institutions.

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(4) The validity or legality of this Constitution is not subject to challenge by or before a Platform organ or
other Platform.

(5) A matter relating to this Constitution shall be heard by the Student Disciplinary Committee. Which
shall be appointed by the first Executive.

2. Every person has the right and duty to—

(a) defend this Constitution; and

(b) resist or prevent a person from overthrowing, suspending or illegally abrogating this Constitution.

3. The operation of this Constitution shall not be affected by an unlawful act to overthrow, suspend or
illegally abrogate its provisions

.4. (1) African University Students' Platform is a sovereign Platform under a constitutional form of
governance.

(2) The Platform is a unitary, indivisible, multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural and
multi-party democratic Platform.

(3) The Platform shall not be ceded in whole or in part.

(4) The Platform may enter into a union or other form of interstate organization, which action shall not be
construed as ceding the Platform.

5. (1) Sovereign authority vests in the members of the Platform which may be exercised directly or
through elected or appointed representatives or institutions.

(2) Power that is not conferred by or under this Constitution on any Platform organ, Platform institution
Constitutional office holder or other institution or person is reserved for the people.

PART I: NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION. INTERPRETATION,


PURPOSE, REGISTRATION, HEAD OFFICE & AREA OF OPERATIONS:
ARTICLE 1: Name of the Organization
The name of the organization shall be the African University Students’ Platform.

ARTICLE 2: Interpretation
Unless the context otherwise requires in this Constitution
“Act” shall mean the Nonprofit Organizations Act, No. 71 of 1997 as amended from time
to time;

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UJIVERSITY STUDENTS' PLATFORM

“Platform” Shall mean the African university Students’ platform.


“Board” Shall mean the Board of Directors of African University Students’ Platform or
an advisory Board of African University Students’ Platform.
“Office bearers” shall mean the Chairperson, President, Secretary General, Treasurer of
the African University Students’ Platform.

“CD's” Shall mean the Country Directors of African University Students’ Platform

“RD” Shall mean the Regional director of African University Students’ Platform.
“AUSP” shall mean the African university students' platform

ARTICLE 3: Purpose
1) The purpose of the Organization shall be,

I. To bring African students together and provide them with necessary exposure for

carrier development

II. To promote Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030.

ARTICLE 4: Registration
The Organization shall be registered as a Non-profit Organization under the Nonprofit
Organization Act, No. 71 of 1997 as amended from time to time.

ARTICLE 5: Head Office


The headquarters shall be in Johannesburg, South Africa.

ARTICLE 6: Area of Operation


The Organization shall operate in all African countries and beyond in compliance with the rules
and procedures of each country.

PART II: VISION, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES


ARTICLE 7: Vision Statement
To build a platform that will connect all University Students across Africa and beyond as well as
develop Leaders who will shape the world through education, critical thinking and creativity. In
which students will be able to acquire, demonstrate, articulate and enhance the knowledge and
skills that will support them as lifelong learners, to take part in and contribute to the global world.

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ARTICLE 8: Mission Statement


To position our organization to be one of the leading brands in Africa with the Hallmark to educate,
connect and empower all University Students.

ARTICLE 9: Objectives.
1. Accessibility of various self-learning resources outside of college/campus classroom with
interaction of facilitators with expertise through AUSP Application.
2. Promotion and empowerment of leadership, entrepreneurship and fostering knowledge and
skills on various social and economic cross-cutting issues on their respective societies.
3. Enhance creation and availability of educational and multinational opportunities that
increases mutual cooperation and interaction.
4. Recognition and empower various talents of African university students through various

Organization’s competitions and club.


5. Being ambassadors of major global goals and create awareness including Climate Change,
Corruption, Peace, Women Empowerment, Good Governance etc.
6. Providing training and capacity building on different problematic economic and social
issues through conferences, webinars etc.
7. Encouragement of sports, art and cultural exchange through various games, exhibitions and
other inventive programs.
8. Creation of a brand that advances on providing solutions on creation of employment,
advocacy of science and technology in Africa, equal opportunity in accessing national
interests, mentoring university students to be exemplary role models etc.
9. Installment of Africanization spirit and togetherness on creating an image on how Africa
can achieve through its own esteemed youths.

PART III: MEMBERSHIP, TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP, RIGHT,


BENEFITS AND OBLIGATIONS & CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE 10: Membership
1) Membership in the African University Students’ Platform shall not be limited to persons

officially associated with a university or college students, faculty or staff.

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2) Membership in the African University Student Platform shall not be restricted to

individuals based on race, color and religion, gender, nationality, age, capacity or sexual

orientation.

3) Active membership in the African University Student Platform, shall be granted to

members who, in addition to the requirements above, have paid the full membership fee

within the prescribed period.

4) A member who has not paid dues, shall lose an active member's qualifications and all

benefits.

5) High attendance at meetings shall be prioritized as to who should serve the organization.

6) Membership in the African University Student Platform is voluntary and shall be open to

anyone who turns 18 and above that, healthy-minded and willing to come together to

support and promote the organization's vision, mission and objectives

ARTICLE 11: Types of Membership


There shall be four types of Membership
1. Founding members: These are members who took the initiative to establish this
Organization;
2. Ordinary members: These are members who join the Organization after it has been
created;
3. Honorary Members: are members who receive this designation from the Organization
for their exceptional contributions to the Organization.
Associate Members: are members appointed for legislative and non-legislative functions as
delegated by the Board of Directors to them, and those functions have been recorded in an
appropriate board minutes or in any other appropriate document.

ARTICLE 12: Rights and obligations:


Founding Members
1. To elect or vote and to be elected or voted in the Organization.
2. The right to be listened to;
3. To Attend the General Assembly;
4. Participate in all activities of the organization as they may need to;
5. Receive information on the progress of the Organization via any communication medium.
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6. Pay the fees prescribed by the general assembly;


7. Attend all meetings where attendance is necessary;
8. Participate in all activities of the organization as scheduled;
9. To keep all matters and decisions of the Organization confidential.

Ordinary Members:
1. Right to receive notification of, attend and contribute to organizational meetings.
2. Attend all meetings where attendance is necessary;
3. Shall have the right to speak, to request information or to raise doubts at annual general
meetings.
4. Shall be elected or voted within the Organization.
5. Participate in selected activities of the Organization as intended.

Honorary Members
1. Participate in all meetings of the General Assembly.
2. Support, participate or contribute, as appropriate, to programs organized by the
organization.
3. Right to be provided with copies of the Organization's annual reports, newsletters and
magazines when they are published.
4. Provides guidance, new ideas and solutions to the organization as required.
5. Connect the African University Student Platform with key organizations, institutions and
stakeholders.
6. Provide financial support wherever feasible.
7. There are no fees for honorary members.
8. Be eligible to attend General assembly but not eligible to vote.

Associate Members:
1. Participate in the deliberation of all matters during general meetings of members.
2. Right to receive notifications, documents, reports and other documents from the organization.
3. Is entitled to participate in all events, celebrations, etc.
4. Take advantage of the services of the cooperative, subject to certain conditions prescribed by the
board of directors or the advisory board.
5. Obtain additional entitlements and privileges that can be granted by the General Assembly.

Benefits of regular/ordinary membership


1) Receive free academic programs sponsored by the African University Students’ Platform.
2) Will be eligible to vote and may stand for election after a one-year membership.
3) Excellent networking opportunity to meet the Afro-American community, professional
leaders from different fields in various activities.
4) Will receive a special discount on various organizational products.
5) A certificate of membership will be provided.

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6) A chance to profile your work and solutions through diverse youth empowerment
interactions.
7) Gain capacity building opportunities and access to a repository by creating and sharing
knowledge in the thematic area of interest.
8) Eligible for Organization awards and any other awards that reference their efforts directly
through this platform.
9) Entitlement to use the "AUSP Proud Member Card"

Benefits of Associated Membership


1. Get a certificate of membership.
2. Will be an inestimable part of the organization.
3. Opportunities with other Global Partners Volunteering.
4. Eligibility for the organization Recognition Awards – "Friends of the AUSP awards"
5. Obtain opportunities to attend Organization meetings, committees and join a community
of like-minded professionals and have a voice in the industry.
6. Right to use "AUSP Membership Proud Card"

ARTICLE 13: Cessation of Membership


Membership shall cease if any the following happens- 1
a. By resignation;
b. Expulsion for misconduct, non-compliance with the resolutions of the Organization and
the present Constitution;
c. Failure to attend three consecutive general meetings without reasonable disclosure, with
the exception of honorary and associate members.
d. Inability to fulfill obligations due to mental illness;
e. Failure to pay membership fees for one year (only for founding and ordinary members)
f. Death.

PART IV: SENIOR LEADERSHIP, DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES.


ARTICLE 14: Founding President:
There shall be a Founding President of the Organization who;
1) Shall preside over the General Assembly of the Organization.
2) Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the international level.
3) Shall be a signatory of the bank account.
4) Shall receive organizational progress reports and examine projects.
5) Shall review and approve the annual fiscal budget.
6) shall act as a member of the Board of Directors.

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ARTICLE 15: Executive Secretary


There shall be a General Secretary of the Organization who:

1) Shall convene meetings in consultation with the Founding President.


2) Develops a calendar of office functions.
3) Preserves all significant documents of the Organization.
4) Shall be a signatory of the bank account.
5) Shall be a founding member
6) Shall keep records of all assets of the Organization.
7) Shall serve as President in the absence of the founding President.
8) Shall act as a member of the Board of Directors.
9) Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the international level.
10) Regularly inspect and confirm financial administrator reports.
11) Perform duties that may be deemed appropriate for the position of President.

ARTICLE 16: Executive Treasurer

There shall be an Executive Treasurer of the Organization who;


1) Shall be a signatory of the bank account.
2) Shall be a founding member
3) Shall act as a member of the Board of Directors.
4) Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the international level
5) Shall receive and retain all Organization funds.
6) Shall prepare the annual budget and estimates of the organization for submission to the
General Assembly;
7) Maintains all assets, accounts and accountancy books
8) Draw up the financial statements of income and expenditure and submit those documents
and an audit report to the General Assembly;
9) Shall keep records of all financial activities and expenses of the organization.
10) Shall identify and develop the organization's source of incomes.
11) Shall Seek funding and sponsorship to ensure the success of the organization's activities.

PART V: INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP, DUTIES &


RESPONSIBILITIES & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:
ARTICLE 17: Senior Management

17.1. International President

There shall be an International President of the Organization who;


a) Shall manage all operations within the organization.
b) Shall submit a progress report to the Founding President
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c) Shall designate Cabinet based on organizational rules and procedures.


d) Shall designate Country and Regional Directors as and when required
e) May dissolve or revoke an appointment for specified reasons.
f) Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the national and international
level
g) All newly appointed/elected leaders shall be sworn in before taking office.
h) Shall administer the ministries and its departments.
i) Shall be a member of the board of directors.
j) Shall designate the Heads of Missions from various countries beyond Africa when
necessary

17.2. Vice President.

There shall be a Vice President of the Organization who;


a) Shall be a senior advisor to the President.
b) Shall supervise all countries and Regions in Africa and beyond
c) Provide data on the progress of the organization on a national and regional-wide basis
d) Shall act as President in the event of absence
e) Has a seat on the board of directors and on the advisory board
f) Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the national and international
level
g) Shall manage the committee to draft and prepare the organization's work plan.
h) Performs other functions as directed by the President.

17.3 Secretary General

There shall be a General Secretary of the Organization who;


a) Shall be a senior advisor to the President.
b) Shall convene management meetings as directed by the President or Vice-President.
c) Shall preserve all minutes of meetings including board minutes.
d) Shall manage organizational performance at a variety of levels.
e) Hold meetings with various executives to identify operational and non-operational
challenges.
f) Submit the operational report to the Board meetings in co-operation with the Executive
Secretary

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g) Shall be the Secretary of the Advisory Board and the Assistant Secretary of the Board of
Directors.
h) Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the national and international
level
i) Carry out Presidential functions in the absence of the President and Vice President.
j) Retains all Organization documentation.

17.4. Spokesperson

There shall be a Spokesperson of the Organization who;


a) Shall be the organization's primary spokesperson in Africa and beyond.
b) Shall provide various details related to organizational growth.
c) Hold meetings with media to provide details/clarifications about the organization.
d) Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the national and international
level.
e) Shall join other executives to preserve the organization image and promote the brand.
f) Carry out other functions assigned by the Secretary-General or other Senior leaders

ARTICLE 18: Cabinet


There shall be a cabinet that shall set up various ministries and departments within the organization, and
those ministries and departments are as follows.

18.1. Ministry of Programs & Projects Management.


There shall be a minister in charge of managing programs and projects of the organization, who;
a. Shall supervise all projects across the organization.
b. Shall be responsible for the facilitation and implementation of all organization projects and programs.
c. Shall provide strategic leadership and technical, operational, financial and management leadership in
the delivery of project activities.
d. Ensure that the project achieves the results identified in the annual work plan in accordance with the
required quality standard and on time and within budget parameters.
e. Shall ensure that the project progresses in accordance with its contractual obligations and in
accordance with donor regulations and internal policies of the organization.
f. Act as a project leader, point of contact and liaison between the organization and prospective
stakeholders.
g. Shall promote the project by advocating, presenting and participating in national, regional and
international technical forums.
h. Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the national and international
level
i. Carry out other functions assigned by the Senior leaders

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j. Shall assist the organization identify donors and develop project proposals for the
organization and donors.

18.2. Ministry of Finance, Governance & Legality


There shall be a Minister responsible for the financial management, governance and legality of the
organization: who;
a. Shall preserve, protect and enact bylaws to facilitate the effective functioning of the organization
b. Shall ensure the legitimacy, motivation, efficacy, transparency and validity of the organization of
activities.
c. Act as a representative and in the best interests of the organization on all legal matters.
d. Develops and fine-tunes the governance strategy and workflow to ensure they are aligned with the
overall objectives of the organization.
e. Assists the President and the Board chair in developing a strategic agenda for all Board meetings,
including the recruitment of invited speakers and contributors in various organization conferences.
f. Shall present finance budget bill at management meetings.

18.3. Ministry of Global Affairs


There shall be a Minister of Global Affairs in the organization, who;
a. Shall pursue diplomatic relations with other institutions.
b. Shall maintain and foster relationships with foreign embassies, companies, organizations and global
representatives.
c. Shall assist the organization identify donors, sponsors for various projects of the organization.
d. Shall promote the organization's brand and ensure global recognition.
e. Shall expand opportunities in the organization at the international level.
f. Shall represent the President on international affairs.
g. Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the international level
h. Shall serve as a bridge between the organization and potential organizations.

18.4. Ministry of Membership, Admission & Scholarships.


There shall be a Minister of Membership, Admission & Scholarships in the organization, who;
a. Shall serve as a liaison between the organization and its members.
b. Shall analyze membership programs and monitor payment of membership
c. Shall develop programs, initiatives and policies to increase the number of members.
d. Shall develop a member recruitment and retention plan in collaboration with the senior
management.
e. Shall maintain relationships with current members to ensure on-going membership
renewal.
f. Shall be the primary spokesperson for the membership of the organization..

18.5. Ministry of World Languages & Cultures


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There shall be a Minister of World Languages & Cultures in the organization, who;
a. Shall promote world agendas which promote unity and culture
b. Shall build relationships and promote ECOSSOC's agenda
c. Shall ensure that linguistic setbacks are eliminated by implementing the Organization's policies and
annual work plan
d. Make sure that all relevant documentations are translated into the languages used by the organization
e. Shall manage and implement programs related to linguistic and cultural development in and outside
Africa.
f. Shall establish language departments and appoint directors for those departments.
g. Shall establish a translation unit to assist with translation during various Organization meetings and
activities.

ARTICLE 19: Regional Directors


There shall be a Regional Director of the Organization, who;
a. Shall represent the President in the respective jurisdictions.
b. Shall develop in-depth understanding, effective communication and overall support of the
organization's strategies and priorities within the region.
c. Shall translates organizational strategies into achievable division plans and execute successful
Implementation in the region.
d. Leads donor conversations, grant writing and fund-raising activities in a given country.
e. Be an expert in all areas of your office - provide recommendations for improving work practices.
f. Oversees country leaders in a defined region. Maintain direct contact and facilitate day-to-day
decision making when required.
g. Shall be an active participant in national and regional meetings.
h. Shall conduct a regional, self-evaluation
i. Shall provide constructive input and personal perspectives in a timely manner, as required.
j. Shall be the voice and representative of the organization at the Regional level
k. Prepare a monthly progress report and map challenges in the respective region and submit to the
President.

ARTICLE 20: Country Directors


There shall be a Country Director in the Organization, who;
a. Shall ensure the Organization achieves its goals across the country.
b. Set up an executive committee to assist in the execution of the various AUSP activities.
c. Shall form associations/clubs in various colleges and universities with the aim of bringing the
members of the organization together.
d. Shall be acknowledged as the official representative of the Organization throughout the country.
e. Oversees platform projects and programs throughout the country.
f. Be available for all scheduled management meetings.
g. Must understand and respect the Constitution in carrying out various functions.
h. Shall develop projects which comply with the organization's work plan.
i. Shall develop a strategic plan that will facilitate the implementation of national programs and
initiatives.

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j. Promotes fundraising initiatives, ensures the smooth functioning of national programs, manages
finances and grants, and ensures the sustainability of the program.
k. At all times, the Country Director shall report to the donors and benefactors of the Organization
missions.
l. Develop winning proposals, drawing on the Organization's country-based relationships with
international donors and partners.

ARTICLE 21: Heads of Missions


There shall be a Head of Mission in the Organization, who;
a. Shall ensure the Organization achieves its goals across the country.
b. Set up an executive committee to assist in the execution of the various AUSP activities.
c. Shall form associations/clubs in various colleges and universities with the aim of bringing the
members of the organization together.
d. Shall be acknowledged as the official representative of the Organization throughout the country.
e. Oversees platform projects and programs throughout the country.
f. Be available for all scheduled management meetings.
g. Must understand and respect the Constitution in carrying out various functions.
h. Shall develop projects which comply with the organization's work plan.
i. Shall develop a strategic plan that will facilitate the implementation of national programs and
initiatives.
j. Promotes fundraising initiatives, ensures the smooth functioning of national programs, manages
finances and grants, and ensures the sustainability of the program.
k. At all times, the Country Director shall report to the donors and benefactors of the Organization
missions.
l. Develop winning proposals, drawing on the Organization's country-based relationships with
international donors and partners.

ARTICLE 22: Organization Structure

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PART VI: ELECTION, TERM OF LEADERSHIP, OFFICE BEARERS &


REMOVAL FROM OFFICE:
ARTICLE 23: Election:
I. The General Assembly shall elect the office bearers of the Organization from among its
members and shall hold office for one year and may be re-elected for another term.
II. Elections shall take place on an annual basis.
III. The election shall be held one month after the end of the mandate of the executives in
power.
IV. All executive positions shall be left open and the election committee recognized in the
organization's by-laws shall assume executive power and coordinate the electoral process.
V. Candidates shall be able to bid for their policies two weeks in advance of the election.

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VI. Campaigns should be closed one day before the elections.


VII. Candidates shall not campaign on election day.

ARTICLE 24: Nomination Forms


I. Nomination forms will be available one week following the start of election coordination
by the electoral committee.
II. There shall be a form charge and it will vary depending on the position.
III. The forms shall be available at the organization's offices and at any location recognized by
the electoral committee.
IV. The candidate is required to return the form within the days indicated by the committee.
V. If the form is not returned within the prescribed period, the candidate shall not be eligible
for the next stage.

ARTICLE 25: The Electoral Committee


I. An electoral committee shall be responsible for coordinating the electoral process.
II. The electoral committee shall be guided by the election by-laws specified in the election
by-laws booklet.
III. The Electoral Committee shall be elected by the Board of directors and shall hold office
for two terms.
IV. The Electoral Committee shall have a minimum of 10 members.
V. Shall consider and enforce the requirements of the electoral rules without violating any of
them.

Article 26: The legitimation of victory.


I. The candidate shall need 51 per cent of all votes to win.
II. A quorum of one-half or fifty percent 50% of active members is required for all meetings where
elections are held.
III. All elections are carried out by secret ballot.
IV. The ballots shall be tabulated by an independent officer
V. The candidate's votes shall be counted by their agent

ARTICLE 27: Removal from the Office


I. Any elected leader whose breach of duty adversely affects the activities of the organization is liable
to disciplinary action or dismissal
II. A two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of all active members is required to remove the elected leader
from office.
III. A written request setting out the reasons for the dismissal and signed by at least 10 active members
of the organization may remove the elected leader from office.
IV. Incapacity to discharge obligations due to mental illness;
V. Breach of duty within three consecutive months without just cause.

PART VII: BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ADVISORY BOARD & STRUCTURES


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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PLATFORM

ARTICLE 28: Establishment of the Board of Directors


i. There shall be a Board of Directors consisting of the Chairman, the Secretary, and other members
elected by the General Assembly.
ii. Members of the Board shall be appointed for a term of two years and may be reappointed for a
further term.
iii. The Founding President shall propose three Chairperson's names and the General Assembly shall
vote for a single name.
iv. The chairperson of the board of directors shall be one of the members of the organization.
v. The international President of the organization plays the role of secretary to the board.
vi. The Board of directors shall consist of fourteen members, six of whom shall be management
members and eight of whom shall be organizational members
vii. A quorum of two-thirds shall be sufficient to authorize the Board to sit and hold meetings.

ARTICLE 29: Functions and Duties of Board of Directors:


1. Shall discuss the organization's annual budget and different progress reports.
2. Shall review and approve the organization work plan after it has been presented by the
Committee under the direction of the Vice-Chair.
3. Help the organization expand its income streams.
4. To protect and promote the Organization's reputation.
5. Recruit personnel,
6. To appoint auditor
7. Establish, when necessary, various committees of the Organization.
8. Provide organizational direction.
9. Adopt the projects to be carried out by the organization, conduct or have carried out
feasibility studies for these projects and submit them to the General Assembly for approval,
10. Resolve organizational conflicts as appropriate.

ARTICLE 30: Board of Directors Structure:

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UJIVERSITY STUDENTS' PLATFORM

ARTICLE 31: Establishment of the Advisory Board.


viii. There shall be an Advisory Board composed of the Chairperson, the Secretary and other members
appointed by the International President.
ix. Members of the Board shall hold office for a period of one year and may be reappointed for a
further term of one year.
x. The Chairperson of the Board shall be a non-executive member of the organization.
xi. The Secretary General of the organization shall act as the Secretary of the Board.
xii. The Advisory Board shall consist of ten members, three of whom shall be management members
and seven of whom shall be non-organizational members.

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PLATFORM

ARTICLE 32: Functions & Duties of the Advisory Board.


1. Shall assist the organization develop new knowledge and guidance to resolve
organizational issues or explore new opportunities by driving strong, high-quality
conversations.
2. Will not make decisions, but instead provide advice on various matters, critical thinking
and analysis to increase the confidence of decision makers who represent the organization
3. Shall provide strategic advice to help solve a range of difficult or complex Organization
problems
4. Will not make decisions, but instead provide advice on various matters, critical thinking
and analysis to increase the confidence of decision makers who represent the organization
5. Assist the organization engage stakeholders, sponsors and connect the organization with
various potential organizations on a variety of projects
6. Protection and promotion of the organization's image.
ARTICLE 32. 1: Establishment of the AUSP societies
a. There shall be diverse academic societies that shall offer opportunities for students in the relevant
field to share knowledge and skills
b. There shall be the leaders of such societies and shall be elected in accordance with the rules and
procedures of the society.
c. Such societies shall comply with the Organization Constitution, including the implementation of the
Organization's objectives.
d. Such societies will be in a position to freely coordinate elections and the operation of their society
e. The societies shall be governed by the Organization

ARTICLE 33: Advisory Board Structure:

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PLATFORM

PART VIII: GENERAL ASSEMBLY & OTHER MEETINGS.


ARTICLE 34: Composition of General Assembly
1. General Assembly shall be a supreme organ of the Organization composed of all members
of the Organization;
2. The decisions in this meeting shall be by majority vote of members attended the meeting.

ARTICLE 35: Powers/function of the General Assembly


i. Discuss issues pertaining to members, including the issue of disciplinary action and
expulsion of members.
ii. Create a disciplinary committee that will address the various infractions committed by
members and make decisions.
iii. Discussion and approval of annual budgets, work plan and financial progress reports.
iv. Receive and discuss a report on organizational developments.
v. Amendment of the Constitution;
vi. The election of the office bearers of the organization;
vii. Approve matters raised by the Board of Directors.
viii. Appointment of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 36: Annual General Meeting


i. An annual general meeting of the organization shall be held annually;
ii. Notice must be provided to all members two weeks prior to the date of the meeting;
iii. A quorum of 2/3 members is required.

ARTICLE 37: Extra-Ordinary General Meeting


i. The extraordinary general meeting shall take place in case of emergency;
ii. All members must be notified three (3) days in advance of the meeting;
iii. The quorum is set to 2/3 of the members.

ARTICLE 38: Other Meetings


There shall be Ordinary meetings of members that occur as follows.
i. Ordinary membership meetings are held quarterly on Saturdays.
a) Time: 1600 GMT.
b) Must be via zoom or another online platform as specified.
ii. There shall be an Executive Committee (EXCOM) meetings held on a monthly basis
a) The International President notifies all Executive Committee (EXCOM)
members through the Secretary's office
b) Everybody should definitely be at the meeting.
c) All meetings should be via zoom or other on-line platform as specified

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UJIVERSITY STUDENTS' PLATFORM

PART IX: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT,


DISSOLUTION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
ARTICLE 39: Financial Year
The fiscal year of the Organization shall be from 1 January to 31 December of the calendar year.

ARTICLE 40: Sources of Funds

The organization shall receive funding from the following sources:-


a. Membership fees
b. Fundraising activities
c. Legally given gifts from friends.
d. Grants and donations
e. Organization products

ARTICLE 41: The Usage of Funds


All funds received shall be used solely for the implementation of the objectives of the
Organization.

ARTICLE 42: Organization Bank Accounts


a. An account shall be opened in the name of the organization.
b. The senior leaders shall be the signatories to the Organization's bank account.
c. In order for a transaction to be executed, there must be two signatures from each of the four
signatories.
d. The Organization includes two groups of signatories that are:
1. The first group includes the President and the Executive Secretary; while
2. The second group consists of the Executive Treasurer and an elected member of the
Board of Directors that is elected by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 43: Constitutional Amendments


1. Any part, clause of the present Constitution may be deleted, added or amended by the
General Assembly by the majority vote of the eligible voters present for that purpose.
2. The Constitution binds all members of the organization, irrespective of position or
membership.
3. Constitutional amendments must be proposed in writing by an active member of the
organization at any ordinary membership meeting where two-thirds (2/3) of the active
members are present.
4. Motions for amendments shall be put to the vote only after two ordinary membership
meetings following the presentation of the motion.
5. The proposed changes will come into force after an affirmative vote by three-quarters (3/4)
of active members.

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PLATFORM

ARTICLE 44: Dissolution


1. The organization may be dissolved by resolution adopted at the General Assembly, by a
majority of at least two-thirds of the members entitled to vote.
2. In the event that the organization is dissolved, all assets remain after the debt has been paid,
must be transferred to another Non-Profit Organization registered under the Act with
similar objectives as this Organization.

ARTICLE 45: Conflict Resolutions


I. In the event of a conflict within the Organization, the Board shall be responsible for settling
the dispute;
II. If the board of directors fails to resolve the dispute, the matter is referred to the General
Assembly.
III. There will be a calling letter (notification) to the offender facing charges to defend
himself/herself in front of the General Assembly.
IV. When the General Assembly fails to resolve the dispute, the matter is referred to the
Registrar of the Organization.
V. If the registrar fails too, the dispute will be resolved by the judiciary.

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN UJIVERSITY STUDENTS' PLATFORM

LIST OF FOUNDING MEMBERS

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