Constitution and Code of Conduct of the ANCYL
1998 / 2001

Contents

  1. Preamble
  2. Name
  3. Colours and Symbols
  4. Aims and Objectives
  5. Status
  6. Relationships with the African National Congress
  7. Membership
  8. Rights and Obligations
  9. Organisational Structure of the Youth League
    1. National Congress
    2. Extra-Ordinary Congress
    3. National Executive Committee
    4. National Working Committee
    5. Provincial Congress
    6. Provincial General Council
    7. Provincial Executive committee
    8. Regional Congress
    9. Regional Executive committee
    10. Branches
    11. Branch Congress
    12. Branch Executive committee
    13. Branch General Meeting
  1. Discipline
  2. Rules and Regulations
  3. Finance Policy
  4. Quorum
  5. Amendments
  6. Dissolution

Schedule A
Code of Conduct -1998

CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS YOUTH LEAGUE

A. Preamble

The African National Congress Youth League is an organisation of the youth committed to the ideals of democracy, freedom and peace. it is governed by and adheres to the policies and programmes of the ANC. Its existence derives from the Constitution of the ANC.

The Youth League as a mass youth formation of the ANC, is commuted to the creation of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa. It shall rally all the youth of our country to play an active part in the struggles of the community and the building and defence of democracy. In doing so. the ANC Youth League shall strive to achieve fundamental social change for the benefit of ail young people. It shall endeavour to unite the youth of our country to take their rightful place in the affairs of the country.

The Freedom Charter remains the guiding programme of the Youth League.

B. Name

  1. The name of the organisation shall be the African National Congress Youth League; hereinafter referred to as the ANCYL.

C. Colours and Symbols

  1. The colours of the ANCYL shall be those of the ANC, which are Black, Green and Gold.
  2. The emblem of the ANCYL shall be three hands each holding a spear, a hammer and a book, in the same sequence. These will be in red, signifying the blood of our young martyrs spilt over many years of resistance to oppression, against a gold background. The emblem will be round in shape and shall be ringed with and black colours at as fringes with the black colour on the outer edge.

The name of the organisation shall be printed In black on the green strip.

D. Aims and Objectives

The ANCYL shall:

  1. strive to rally the youth of our country to support and unite behind the ANCYL and actively participate in the struggle to create a non-racial, non- sexist, united, democratic and prosperous society;
  2. support and reinforce the African National Congress in the attainment of the goals of the National Democratic Revolution;
  3. ensure that the youth make a full and rich contribution to the work of the ANC and to the life of the nation;
  4. champion the general interests and rights of the South African Youth in the socio-economic and political life of the country;
  5. promote unity and patriotism among the youth;
  6. promote and revive the program to create a broad pioneer movement and fight for the rights of children as enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Children;
  7. strive and work for the educational. moral and cultural upliftment of the youth;
  8. promote gender equality in a all spheres of life, especially amongst the youth;
  9. promote among youth the spirit of International solidarity, peace and friendship with other nations.

E. Status

  1. The ANCYL shall be a legal persona with perpetual succession and power, apart from its individual members. to acquire. to hold and alienate property, enter into agreements, and do all things necessary to carry out its aims and objects and defend its members, as property and reputation.
  2. The organisational control and programmes of the ANCYL, shall rest in the ANCYL membership and structures in accordance with its Constitution.
  3. The ANCYL shall operate on a national, provincial, regional and branch level. Other structures can be created for co-ordination and implementation purposes and will enjoy delegated powers.

F. Relationship with the African National Congress

  1. The ANCYL shall be a voluntary youth association and mass organ of the ANC.
  2. The ANCYL shall function as an autonomous body within the overall structure of the ANC of which it shall be an integral part. H shall be based on the political and ideological objectives of the ANC.
  3. The ANCYL shall liaise closely with the ANC at all levels (national. provincial, regional and branch levels).
  4. Members of the ANC Youth League from 18 years and above shall be expected to join the ANC as members and play a full part in the general political life of the ANC.
  5. A member of the Youth League shall not be eligible far any position as of floe bearer of the ANC or to attend ANC conferences, members or executive meetings of the ANC (unless specially invited).unless s/he is a full member of the ANC.

G. Membership

  1. Membership of the ANCYL shall be open to all South African Youth between the ages of 14 and 35 who accept Us policy guidelines, aims and objectives as referred to above.
  2. Applications for membership shall be received and considered by the ANCYL Branch. where such exists, and by the Provincial Executive Committee, if no Branch Committee exist. The branch Committee has the power to accept or reject an application.. In the event of a rejection. the applicant shall be made aware of his/her right to appeal to a senior structure.
  3. Young people who qualify for membership in accordance with the rules of this section, shall be issued with a membership card on payment of a Joining fee. Members shall be expected to pay Annual Subscription fees. The Joining and Annual Subscription fees shall be determined by Congress or the NEC.
  4. Members shall Join the ANCYL only once, and membership shall lapse when a person turns 35 years, is expelled following disciplinary proceedings, immigrates, resigns from the Youth League in writing to the organisation or passes away. A person's membership shall also lapse if after an annual membership audit or review - it is found that such a member has not paid her/his annual subscriptions for up to 6 months.
  5. All members shall on acceptance into the ranks of the ANCYL solemnly declare their readiness and willingness to serve the organisation.
  6. Dual or multiple membership by individual shall be welcome provided the policies and programmes of those organisations to which they belong or may wish to belong, are not hostile to those of the ANCYL..

H. Rights and Obligations

Rights:

Every member of the ANCYL shall have the right to:

  1. take part in the formulation and discussion of the ANCYL policy;
  2. be elected to any committee. commission or delegation of the organisation;
  3. submit proposals or statements to the branch and to the region and province on any matter that affects the youth and society in general;
  4. engage in constructive criticism and self-criticism;
  5. protection against any harassment, victimisation and/or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex or creed;
  6. actively participation In all ANCYL activities.

Obligations:

All ANCYL members are obliged to:

  1. pledge their unswerving loyalty to the ANCYL and place themselves under as overall discipline;
  2. carry out decisions, duties and directives with diligence;
  3. organise, participate and contribute positively to all ANCYL activities and to contribute to the strengthening of its organic unity;
  4. rally all youth to support and unite behind the ANCYL and actively participate in the creation of a unified. non-racial. non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa;
  5. protect the ANCYL and its property at all times by exercising maximum vigilance;
  6. exercise discipline and exemplary behaviour at all times and maintain harmonious relations with all members of the ANCYL and the community In general;
  7. combat all forms of tribalism,. nepotism, and other forms of discrimination based on race and sex as well as combating factionalism and malicious gossip within our ranks;
  8. initiate and participate in activities aimed at promoting international solidarity, peace and social Justice.

I. Organisational Structure of the Youth League

  1. National Congress
  2. Extra-Ordinary Congress
  3. National Executive Committee
  4. National Working Committee
  5. Provincial Congress
  6. Provincial General Council
  7. Provincial Executive Committee
  8. Regional Congress
  9. Regional Executive Committee
  10. Branches
  11. Branch Congress
  12. Branch Executive Committee
  13. Branch General Meeting

1. The National Congress

1.1 Composition

1.1.1 Delegates shall be elected democratically by branches in good standing, in proportion to their membership.

1.1.2 The NEC may consider special representation for areas where ANCYL structures are not fully developed.

1.1.3 Members of the NEC and PECs shall attend ex-officio as participants in the Congress, with full speaking and voting rights.

1.1.4 A quorum at National Congress shall be 2/3 of delegates.

1.1.5 All delegates to Congress shall be members in good standing.

1.2 Procedures at Congress

1.2.1 The Congress shall determine procedures in accordance with democratic principles.

1.2.2 Decisions at Congress are made on the basis of 50 per cent plus one majority in favour or against, subject to the provisions of Section N of the Constitution.

1.2.3 Election of office bearers shall be by secret ballot.

1.3 Duties and Powers oil National Congress

The National Congress shall:

1.3.1 lay down policy platform.. determine and decide programmes and the Constitution of the ANCYL;

1.3.2 receive and consider reports of the NEC, which shall be presented by the President, the Secretary General and the Treasurer-General;

1.3.3 have the right to review, ratify, amend or rescind any decision and/or recommendation taken by any of the constituent structures and/or officials of the ANCYL;

1.3.4 elect the President, the Deputy President, the Secretary-General. the Deputy Secretary-General, the Treasurer-General and eighteen (18) other members of the NEC;

1.3.5 have the power to elect or appoint any Commission or Committee and assign specific tasks and duties to such Commission, Committee or individual(s) as the case may be;

1.3.6 have the power to confer honours. decorations and awards on members. organisations or individuals in appreciation or recognition of their role in the work of the ANCYL or the struggle for the birth and the creation of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, prosperous and democratic South Africa.

2 Extra-Ordinary Congress

2.1 An Extra-ordinary Congress may be convened at any time to address mayor policy issues.

2.2 The Congress may be called by the NEC or at the insistence of a 2/3 majority of the provinces of the ANCYL.

3 National Executive Committee

3.1 The National Executive Committee shall hold of floe for two years.

3.2 Composition

3.2.1 (a) The NEC shall be constituted as follows:

President
Deputy President
Secretary-General
Deputy Secretary-General
Treasurer-General
Eighteen (18) directly elected members
Provincial Chairpersons and Provincial Secretaries in an ex-officio capacity.

3.2.1 (b) Any member shall, upon his/her election to the NEC in his/her own right, relinquish his/her position in lower constitutional structures;

3.2.1 (c) In that event, the Deputy shall assume all the duties of the predecessor including the membership of the NEC pending a Provincial General Council.

3.2.1 (d) One shall cease to be a member of the NEC upon absenting oneself from two successive NEC meetings without a valid reason.

3.2.1 (e) Should a vacancy occur In the NEC for any reason, the NEC shall have the power to co-opt a replacement, provided such co-option is supported by 2/3 majority of the members of the NEC.

3.2.1. (f) The NEC shag have the power to co-opt not more than five (5) additional members at any time during US term of of floe in order to provide for a broad representation that reflects the true character of the South African youth, provided such co-option enjoys the support of 2/3 of the NEC

3.3 Powers and Procedures

3.3.1 The NEC shall, at its first meeting, meet and elect a National Working Committee.

3.3.2 The NEC shall meet at least once in three months.

3.4 Duties

The. NEC shall:

3.4.1 carry out the decisions and instructions of the National Congress;

3.4.2 issue and send directives to and receive reports from provincial committees;

3.4.3 supervise and direct the work of the ANCYL;

3.4.4 ensure that the provincial, regional and branch structures of the ANCYL function democratically and effectively;

3.4.5 manage and control all national properly and funds of the ANCYL;

3.4.6 in pursue of the above, have the power to establish commissions. departments or sub-committees in order to facilitate the work of the ANCYL.;

3.4.7 Shall receive and adopt annual audited financial statements of the ANCYL.

4 National Working Committee

The NWC shall be elected at the first NEC meeting from the ranks of directly elected members by Congress.

4.1 The National Working Committee shall:

4.1.1 carry out decisions and instructions of the NEC;

4.1.2 ensure communication between provinces and the NEC;

4.1.3 submit reports to each NEC meeting;

4.1.4 co-ordinate and execute the day-to-day administrative tasks of the ANCYL;

4.1.5 the President, Treasurer and Secretary-General shall be full-time and the NEC will decide which other positions shall be full-time, in addition to these.

4.2 Duties and Functions of Offices

4.2.1 The President;

  1. shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the ANCYL;
  2. shall preside over meetings of the NEC;
  3. shall liaise with the NEC of the ANC;
  4. shall present a report on the state of the ANCYL and the poetical situation in general at National Congress;
  5. shall supervise all work of the ANCYL in conformity with the constitution and rules of procedure agreed upon by the NEC;
  6. shall report regularly to the NWC and the NEC;
  7. shall be an ex-officio member of the ANC National Executive Committee.

4.2.2 The Deputy President:

  1. shall deputise for the President;
  2. shall: in the absence of the President, assume his/her duties and responsibilities

4.2.3 the Secretary General:

  1. shall be the chief Administrative Officer of the ANCYL and this shall be a full-time position;
  2. shall be responsible for minutes of the National Congress. the NEC, the National Working Committee and all other records of the ANCYL;
  3. shall prepare annual reports on the overall work of the ANCYL
  4. shall liaise with of her organisations and institutions  nationally and internationally;
  5. shall be responsible for the overall functioning of the NEC as well as convening meetings thereof;
  6. shall report regularly to the NWC and the NEC; and
  7. shall be an ex-officio member of the ANC National Executive Committee.

4.2.4 The Deputy Secretary General:

  1. shall deputise for the Secretary General;
  2. shall. in the absence of the Secretary General, carry out her/his duties and responsibilities;
  3. shall serve as the Chief Personnel Officer of the ANCYL.

4.2.5 The Treasurer General:

  1. shall be responsible for the finances of the League and shall, with the Secretary-General and another appointed member of the NWC, operate a banking account on behalf of the ANCYL;
  2. shall keep/cause to be kept books of account and other records necessary to clearly reflect the financial position of the ANCYL;
  3. shall head the National Finance and Fundraising Committee which shall be responsible for:
    • working out and executing plans for fundraising
    • preparing annual and other budgets; and
    • making recommendations regarding funding of all structures of the ANCYL;
  4. shall be the chief guardian of all the property of the ANCYL
  5. shall ensure the presentation of annual audited financial statements to the NEC;

5 Provincial Congress

The Provincial Congress shall be the highest decision-making body of the ANCYL in the provinces.

5.1 Composition

5.1.1. Delegates shall be elected democratically by and from branches In good standing in proportion to their membership.

5.1.2 Members of the PEC shall attend ex officio as participants in the Congress, with full voting and speaking rights.

5.1.3 The chairpersons and secretaries of the regions shall have full speaking and voting rights in an ex-officio capacity.

5.2 Procedures, Powers and Dudes

The Provincial Congress shall:

5.2.1 be held at least once in two years or more frequently if requested by two-thirds of all branches in the province;

5.2.2 receive and consider reports by the Provincial Executive Committee;

5.2.3 elect the Provincial Executive Committee;

5.2.4 develop and implement the policy and program of the ANCYL guided by the national program of action. within the context of each province.

6 The Provincial General Council

6.1 The provincial General Council shall be the highest decision-making body in the province between Provincial Congresses.

6.2 The Provincial General Council shall consist of all members of the PEC, RC's and delegates representing branches in proportion to membership.

6.3 It shall convene at least twice a year.

6.4 It shall on good cause shown. be convened by the PEC upon the request of one third of the branches in the provinces.

6.5 Reports following meetings of Provinces General Council shall be submitted to the PEC and the branches.

6.6 The Provincial General Council shall have the power to deal with any issues it deems necessary including the filling of vacancies on the PEC provided it does not exceed 50 percent of the Executive, subject always to policies and directives of National and Provincial Congress.

7. Provincial Executive Committee (PEC)

7.1 Composition

7.1.1 The Provincial Executive Committee shall consist of elected members by the Provincial Congress which shall be the:

Provincial Chairperson
Deputy Chairperson
Provincial Secretary
Deputy Secretary
Treasurer; and
Eight (8) additional members
Regional Chairpersons or Secretaries in an ex-officio capacity

7.1.2 One shall cease to be a member of the PEC should one absent oneself from two successive PEC meetings without a valid reason.

7.1.3 The PEC shall have the power to co-opt not more than three (3) additional members at any time during its term of office in order to provide for a broad representation that reflects the true character of the South African youth, provided such co-option enjoys the support of 2/3 of the PEC.

7.1.4 Where vacancies on the PEC exceeds more than 50% of members elected at Provincial Congress. a Special Provincial Congress shall be convened.

7.2 Powers and Duties

The PEC shall:

7.2.1 be responsible for the implementation of decisions of the Provincial Congress. NEC and National Congress;

7.2.2 at US first meeting, allocate portfolios to the eight (8) additional members of the PEC and thereafter meet at least once a month;

7.2.3 organise. establish and co-ordinate regions and branches of the ANCYL in the province;

7.2.4 implement the policy and programmes of the ANCYL and strive to further the interests, aims and objectives of the ANCYL as a whole;

7.2.5 manage and control the funds and property of the ANCYL in the province.

7.3 Functions of Executive Committee (PEC) Office Bearers

Provincial of ace bearers shall, with specific consideration of circumstances and scope. perform the same functions as the national office bearers of the ANCYL in the provinces.

8 Regional Congress

Delineation of regions shall be undertaken by the PEC, with demarcations as far as possible in line with those of the ANC.

8.1 Composition

The Regional Congress shall:

8.1.1 be attended by delegates elected on a democratic and proportional basis by all branches in the region;

8.1.2 be attended by members of the Regional Executive Committee who shall have full speaking and voting rights in their ex-officio capacity.

8.2 Procedures and Powers

The Regional Congress shall:

8.2.1 be held once every 18 months;

8.2.2. receive and consider reports of the Regional Executive Committee;

8.2.3 elect the Regional Chairperson. Secretary, Treasurer and eight (8) other members of the REC;

8.2.4 develop and implement the policy and programme of the ANCYL in the region.

9 Regional Executive Committee (REC)

9.1 Composition

Shall be comprised of the Regional Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, eight (8) members who shall have been elected by the Regional Congress.

9.2 Duties

The REC shall convene at least once a month. Its duties shall be to shall be to:

  1. be responsible for the Implementation of decisions of the Regional. Provincial and National Congresses. as well as decisions of the PEC, PGC and NEC;
  2. organise, establish, service and co-ordinate branches of the ANCYL in the region;
  3. implement the policy and programs of the ANCYL and strive to further the Interest. aims and objectives of the League as a whole;
  4. manage and control the funds and property of the League in the region;
  5. represent the ANCYL on the ANC REC in an ex-officio capacity through the Regional Chairperson and Secretary;
  6. carry out other responsibilities delegated by the PEC and NEC.

10 Branches

The basic unit ANCYL shall be the branch. Every member of the ANCYL shall belong to a branch.

10.1 Duties and Functions of a Branch

The duties and functions of the branch shall be to:

10.1.1 ensure that the youth in a particular village. area, township. institution of learning. town or suburb are organised Into the ANCYL;

10.1.2 encourage the youth to take an active part In all activities of the ANCYL;

10.1.3 mobilise all youth to participate in the general mass campaigns in the area;

10.1.4 prepare me Gibers to participate effectively in the formulation of ANCYL policies and programs;

10.1.5 elaborate and implement the political education programme of the ANCYL;

10.1.6 encourage members to take an active interest in sports. arts. and cultural activities;

10.1.7 encourage all youth above eighteen (18) years to Join the ANC;

10.1.8 support and reinforce the local ANC branch.

10.2 Branch Sub-Structures

Every ANCYL branch shall divide itself administratively into the following substructures:

10.2.1 section/block committees and/or street/kraal committees up to the smallest unit/committee applicable to a given local area;

10.2.2 sub-committees which will assist in the Implementation of ANCYL policy and programme of action;

10.2.3 special committees and projects can be set up to deal with specific interests and concerns of the youth in the community where the ANCYL branch is operating.

11 Branch Congress

11.1 Composition.

11.1.1 The Branch Congress shall be composed of the Branch Executive Committee and members of the ANCYL in good standing in the branch.

11.1.2 Not more than two (2) designated members of the REC shall preside upon the proceedings of the meeting. but shall have no voting rights.

11.2 Procedures, Powers and Duties

The Branch Congress shall convene once a year. It shall:

11.2.1 consider and make proposals to the Regional and Provincial Congresses;

11.2.2 receive. discuss and adopt the Branch Executive Committee report on the work of the Branch;

11.2.3 discuss and adopt resolutions on local matters in keeping with the overall policy objectives of the ANCYL;

11.2.4 elect the Branch Executive Committee that will consist of the Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and eight (8) additional members.

12 Branch Executive Committee

12.1 Powers and Duties

The Branch Executive Committee shall:

12.1.1 co-ordinate the general activities of the ANCYL branch;

12.1.2 carry out the organisational and publicity work in Us area in furtherance of the policy programmes and decisions of the ANCYL;

12.1.3 liaise closely with the ANC branch committee;

12.1.4 look after the funds and property of the ANCYL;

12.1.5 submit progress and development reports to the RC;

12.1.6 consider applications for membership of the ANCYL;

12.1.7 The branch Chairperson and Secretary shall serve ex- officio as members of the ANC BEC in the local area.

13 Branch General Meeting

The Branch General Meeting shall be held at least once a month. The BGM shall:

13.1 discuss and adopt campaigns and programmes for the branch;

13.2 receive and consider progress reports from the branch leadership;

13.3 consider and implement directives from the regional leadership;

13.4 consist of all members of the ANCYL in that particular branch;

13.5 make comprehensive proposals to the REC and PEC.

J Discipline

The conduct of members of the ANCYL shall be governed by the Code of Conduct of the YL, which shall be contained in Schedule A of the Constitution.

K Rules and Regulations

  1. The NEC shall have the power to adopt appropriate rules and regulations for the efficiency of the work of the ANCYL if and when the need arises.
  2. The PECs shall have the power to govern and improve the work of the ANCYL in the provinces if and when the need arises.
  3. All rules and regulations shall be founded upon the constitutional principles and policy platform of the ANCYL. Such rules and regulations as may be formulated by the PECs shall be subject to the approval of the NEC or its NWC on a provisional basis endorsed by the NEC.

L Finance Policy

The NEC shall pass a document entitled The ANCYL Finance Policy. which shall outline the methods of raising of funds. their utilisation and general disbursement at branch. provincial. regional and national levels. This document shall underline that proper financial records be kept of all receipts and expenditures and regular evaluation made of all assets of the ANCYL.

M Quorum

A quorum for all ANCYL membership or committee gatherings or meetings, shall be 50 percent plus one of eligible participants. A quorum for Congresses shall be 2/3 of eligible participants.

N Amendments

Any proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be submitted to the National Congress for consideration and can only be passed by a two-thirds majority vote.

O Dissolution

  1. The National Congress of the ANCYL shall be entitled to decide on the dissolution of the ANCYL. Such a decision shall be subject to adoption or rejection at the National Conference of the ANC in accordance with paragraph one (1) of the Preamble of this Constitution.
  2. Upon absolution or winding up, the assets of the ANCYL remaining after satisfaction of all its liabilities, shall be given or transferred to the ANC.

AS AMENDED AT THE 19TH NATIONAL CONGRESS, MARCH 1996

Signed

PRESIDENT Malusi Gigaba
SECRETARY GENERAL Fikile April Mbalula
DATE April 1998

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