Constitution
Name
The Association shall be called The South African Paediatric Association (SAPA) and hereinafter referred to as The Association. The Association is a Speciality Group of the South African Medical Association, a company incorporated under Section 21, Reg. number 05/00136/08.Objects
The objects of the Association shall be2.1 To promote the optimal health, growth and development of all children in South Africa.
2.2 To advocate against such deleterious environmental and social influences that may act to the detriment of children.
2.3 To promote a comprehensive approach to paediatric practice, always with an emphasis on prevention of disease and health promotion.
2.4 To promote paediatric research, postgraduate paediatric study, undergraduate paediatric teaching in medical schools and the general development of clinical paediatrics and child health in institutions and councils dealing with children.
2.5 To promote the professional and legitimate interests of paediatricians.
Membership
3.1 Full MembersAll practitioners who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as paediatricians or specialists in diseases of children and who are members of the South African Medical Association (SAMA), shall qualify for full membership. Paediatricians who are not members of SAMA will enjoy all the benefits of full membership including the right to hold office in the Paediatric Association, but shall not be allowed to vote on matters concerning SAMA or be elected to any office in relation to other SAMA activities. In accordance with Article 14 of the Articles of the South African Medical Association membership of the Paediatric Association shall at all times consist of at least 85% SAMA members.
3.2 Honorary Members
The Executive Committee may elect prominent scientists, qualified medical practitioners and other persons residing within or outside the Republic, whether they are Full Members of the Association or not, as Honorary Members if they have made valuable contributions to the advancement of paediatrics or to the welfare and benefit of the Association. The rights, duties and powers of a Full Member are not affected by his election as an Honorary Member except that his obligation to pay the subscription laid down in section 8, shall lapse.
3.3 Life Members
Persons who have been members of the Paediatric Association for at least 10 years and have reached the age of 65 years shall automatically become life members and their obligation to pay a subscription shall lapse. The rights and powers of a full member are not affected by the award of life membership.
3.4 Registrar Members
Persons who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as registrars/clinical assistants for the purpose of specialising in Paediatrics shall be eligible to apply for Registrar membership. The reduced fee for Registrar members shall be decided by the Executive and ratified at the next General Meeting. The voting rights and rights to hold office of Registrar members shall be identical to those of Full members. Persons registered as paediatricians and undergoing sub-specialist training shall not be eligible for Registrar Membership.
3.5 Affiliate Members
Organisations, Groups or Individuals who do not necessarily qualify for another category of membership may apply for Affiliate Membership. Affiliate membership should only be considered where the applicants are actively involved with the health and well-being of South African children. Affiliate membership and the fees for such membership may be decided by the Executive Committee and should be ratified by the majority of members at the next General Meeting.
3.6 Termination of Membership
Every member shall remain a member until his membership is terminated either by his resignation in writing addressed to the Honorary Secretary, by the decision of the Executive Committee of the Association or by failing to pay the annual subscription for two consecutive years.
Control
4.1 General control and direction shall be vested in an Executive Committee duly elected at General Meetings.4.2. The Executive Committee shall consist of a Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Treasurer and Six (6) additional members
4.3. The election of the Executive Committee shall be by secret ballot at the Biennial General Meeting. Nominations shall be proposed and seconded at the Meeting.
4.4. The Honorary Secretary/Treasurer may call for postal nominations for the new executive committee. Notice of the election and a request for nomination will be dispatched at least 90 days before the biennial general meeting. Each nomination must be referred to the Honorary Secretary signed by the proposer, the seconder and the proposed candidate.
4.5. The Executive Committee shall hold office for two [2] years only and shall be eligible for re-election. The Chairman and Honorary Secretary shall be eligible for re-election to these offices for two [2] consecutive terms only. Should the Executive agree to a second two-year term of office an election will not be necessary unless an objection/s from at least ten full members is forwarded to the Honorary Secretary at least 120 days before the relevant General Meeting. Elections may under such circumstances take place every 4 years.
4.6 The Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt at the most three [3] ad hoc members.
4.7. A list of office bearers, together with a complete list of members of the Association will be sent to the Medical Association within thirty [30] days of election of such office bearers.
4.8 The General Meeting of the Association shall be held every second year during the Biennial Congress of the South African Paediatric Association.
4.9. The Honorary Secretary/Treasurer shall keep records of all meetings of the Association and of its Executive Committee and shall conduct all correspondence in connection with the affairs of the Association. He shall receive all monies due and shall make all disbursements authorised by the Executive Committee.
4.10 In exercising control over the Association, the Executive Committee shall at all times abide by the Articles of the South African Medical Association.
Meeting
5.1 The scientific meeting of the Association shall he held biennially and shall include the General Meeting of the Association.5.2 Extraordinary General Meetings may be convened by the Executive Committee at any time when in its opinion this is expedient.
5.3 The Executive Committee shall on request of twenty (20) members of the Association entitled to vote at a General Meeting call an Extraordinary General Meeting.
5.4 Voting by proxy shall be in accordance with the Articles of the South African Medical Association.
Organisation
6.1 It shall be competent for the Association to allow the formation of sub-groups or Branches within the Society. Such sub-groups or Branches may be allowed powers of independent action in local matters provided that such action is not in conflict with the general policy and rules of the Association and of the Medical Association.6.2 Reports of meetings and names of the officers of such sub-groups or Branches shall be submitted by the Honorary Secretary/Treasurer of the Branch to the Honorary Secretary/Treasurer of the Association.
6.3 Each sub-group or branch shall have a minimum membership of four (4) full members.
Action of the Association
7.1. The Association may take such actions as may be deemed necessary in all matters affecting the legitimate interests of its members; provided that the South African Medical Association be not involved or pledged to any action and that any action contemplated by the Association be in conformity with the policy and constitution of the Medical Association.7.2 Should the Association refer a matter affecting the interest of its members to the Federal Council or the Board of Trustees of the South African Medical Association for action, it shall take no further independent action unless requested to do so by Federal Council of the Board of Trustees.