Dear South African Sailing Members
The South African Sailing Council has now concluded it’s review of our Constitution. This document which dates back to 1998 has served us well over the years. Two decades later four areas require updating. Outside of these areas you will find the majority of the text remains unaltered.
The areas are:-
1. Close alignment to the South African Constitution especially in the area of Transformation.
2. The ability to raise money for the development of the sport on an attractive basis for donors by making possible section18(a) donations.
3. Giving all disciplines of the sport a seat on Council and providing for the democratic election of the discipline representatives. This will give every individual sailor the opportunity to elect his or her Council representative. It is a considered response to the criticism that certain areas such as keel boats are from time to time not properly represented at Council.
4. Streamlining the governance structures of South African Sailing for more efficient delivery of our programmes so engendering confidence for potential sponsorship partners that we should become a preferred partner.
All of these changes are essential if we are to transition South African Sailing from a willing band of volunteers operating to the best of their abilities in their limited available time to a professionally led organization coordinating bands of highly motivated individuals giving of their discretionary time in a cost effective and telling manner. It all needs money. With these steps we are a much more fundable proposition.
It gives me pleasure to forward you a copy of the Council approved South African Sailing Constitution and amended By-Laws for the consideration of your Club. The documents have been reviewed by Webber Wentzel. The firm, through the good offices of senior partner Patrick Holloway, has provided considerable input into the drafting of the section18(a) clauses and checked the overall wording and alignment with the By- Laws. We are indeed grateful for their public spirited involvement and much appreciated guidance.
Engagement meetings are being scheduled in each of the regions over the next weeks to discuss and explain the concepts and reasons for the wording that is being put to the membership for approval at a Special General Meeting scheduled for the 16th November 2017. Details of the regional engagements will follow shortly.
This letter is being copied to all South African Sailing members as well. The idea is we should give as full account as possible of the additions so there should be a proper understanding of the opportunities when it comes to the Clubs voting at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
Peter Hall (Vice President – peterh@sailing.org.za – mobile 0793131907)
Daryl Johnston (Chairman – daryl.johnston1@gmail.com – mobile 0835567776)
Greg Smith (CEO – gregs@sailing.org.za – mobile 0828527694)
and myself hold ourselves available to engage with any issues you may have.
We look forward to the Regional meetings and securing your support for an important step in the journey of transitioning South African Sailing.
Yours in Sailing
Philip Baum
President
(philipb@sailing.org.za 0829904399)
SA_Sailing_Amended_Constitution_2017_10_16
SA_Sailing_Amended_By_Law_1_2017_10_16
SA_Sailing_Amended_By_Law_2_2017_10_16
SA_Sailing_Amended_By_Law_3_2017_10_16