Constitution
CONSTITUTION OF ATTERIDGEVILLE SAULSVILLE TAXI OWNERS ASSOCIATION (ASTOA)
PREAMBLE
Whereas the apartheid regime failed to adequately plan and develop the public transport system, forcing South Africans to organize their own transport services, leading to the rise of the minibus taxi industry.
Whereas the minibus taxi industry, which grew significantly in the 1980s, became a symbol of Black Economic Empowerment, providing essential services to thousands of disadvantaged South Africans;
Whereas the unregulated growth of the industry led to challenges such as over-trading, under-capitalization, violence, intimidation, and exploitation.
Whereas the Atteridgeville Saulsville Taxi Owners Association(ASTOA) aims to establish a united, democratic, and violence-free taxi industry that provides safe, reliable, and affordable transport services to the communities of Western Pretoria.
CHAPTER 1: ARRANGEMENT AND INTERPRETATION
- ARRANGEMENT OF CLAUSES
- Preamble
- Juristic Personality
- Pre-Adoption
- Aims and Objectives
- Powers
- Membership
- Termination of Membership
- Organizational Structure
- Annual General Meeting
- National Conference
- Purpose, Powers, and Duties
CHAPTER 2: JURISTIC PERSONALITY
2.1 ASTOA is a corporate and juristic entity with perpetual succession and legal existence independent of its affiliates.
2.2 ASTOA may sue and be sued in its own name.
2.3 ASTOA has the power to acquire, own, and dispose of movable and immovable property.
CHAPTER 3: PRE-ADOPTION
3.1 All agreements entered into by ASTOA prior to the adoption of this constitution remain valid.
3.2 All mandates and resolutions adopted by ASTOA prior to this constitution remain in full force and effect.
CHAPTER 4: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
4.1 To promote and facilitate the restructuring of the taxi industry to address imbalances caused by apartheid and other social ills.
4.2 To represent and advance the interests of the taxi industry with government and private institutions, advocating for laws and policies that support industry growth.
4.3 To contribute to national economic growth and wealth creation by fostering entrepreneurship based on sound business principles.
4.4 To establish programs for service provision, qualifications, and safety structures, including training initiatives.
4.5 To create a unified, violence-free environment free from monopolies, unfair practices, and harmful business practices.
CHAPTER 5: POWERS
ASTOA has the following powers to achieve its objectives:
5.1 To acquire, manage, and dispose of property, including movable and immovable assets.
5.2 To apply for and manage patents, trademarks, licenses, and other intellectual property rights.
5.3 To borrow funds and secure repayments through mortgages or other means.
5.4 To enter into agreements and partnerships with government and private entities.
5.5 To take any other actions necessary to fulfill its objectives.
CHAPTER 6: MEMBERSHIP
6.1 Membership of ASTOA comprises all registered individuals and entitites sitting on the main database.
6.2 ASTOA may confer honorary membership on individuals or organizations, which can be revoked at its discretion.
6.3 Members must adhere to the principles and provisions of this constitution.
6.4 Dual membership with similar organizations is prohibited without prior written consent from ASTOA.
6.5 Members are required to:
- Actively participate in local initiatives.
- Understand and support ASTOA’s aims, policies, and programs.
- Promote ASTOA’s objectives to potential members and stakeholders.
- Defend ASTOA’s interests and refrain from unauthorized media publications.
- Carry a valid membership card to access ASTOA structures.
CHAPTER 7: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
7.1 The Executive may terminate or suspend membership for non-compliance with the constitution or conduct that brings ASTOA into disrepute.
7.2 The member must be given written notice of the alleged misconduct and an opportunity to present their case.
7.3 Terminated members remain liable for unpaid subscription fees.
CHAPTER 8: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
ASTOA’s structure includes:
8.1 The Chairperson, who has final executive powers over all decion making. 8.2 The Deputy Chairman who acts in absense of the Chairman. 8.3 The Treasurer, who manages the finances of the organisation.
CHAPTER 9: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
9.1 ASTOA shall hold an AGM within the last two quarters of each year.
9.2 The AGM shall be called with 21 days’ written notice, specifying the agenda, time, and venue.
9.3 The AGM shall:
- Review financial statements and appoint auditors.
- Adopt resolutions for the NEC to consider.
- Require a quorum of a majority of members to conduct business.
9.4 Members may appoint proxies to vote on their behalf.