Constitution

The organisation

1. SAMVOINT Composition

• Zone 1 – SAMVOA – Australia, New Zealand, Asia and countries peripheral to Zone 1
• Zone 2A – SAMVOZA –South Africa, Rest of Africa, and countries peripheral to Zone 2A
• Zone 2B – Great Britain, Europe, Ireland and countries peripheral to Zone 2B
• Zone 3 – SAMVOUSA – United States of America, Canada, Mexico, South America and countries peripheral to Zone 3

2. Organisation Structure (Modus Operandi)

a. The Club Executive

1. The Club Chairperson is responsible to the Regional Chairperson for the good standing of his/her Club and its members and for its smooth running and effectiveness. He/she will be the official SAMVO Entity representative at functions within the Club district
2. The Club Master-at-Arms will act as deputy chair, responsible for membership growth and for the drill, dress and discipline of the Club’s Veterans
3. The Club Public Relations & Liaison Officer is the marketing officer of the Club, responsible for promoting the Club and raising the profile of the SAMVO Entity and where necessary SAMVOINT. He/she will also be the historian of the Club and ensure correct record-keeping of the Club’s functions and activities. He/she will ensure that noteworthy events are posted on the SAMVOINT Website and/or Face Book. He/she will liaise with the Regional Public Relations & Liaison Officer, who will have a staff-function to this Club Officer on any Regional PR project
4. The Club Treasurer will be the Club ‘fund-raiser’ and will account for the good financial standing of the Club and its members. The Club Treasurer will also act as the “SAMVOINT Store” logistic manager and will coordinate inventory requisitioning from the Regional Quartermaster. He/she will liaise with the Regional Treasurer, who has a staff-function to the Club Treasurer, on all Regional financial accounting matters
5. The Club Special Projects Officer will run specific projects in line with SAMVOINT policy and guidelines. He/she will be accountable to the Club Chairperson for their success and he/she will liaise with the Regional Special Projects Officer on Regional projects

b. The Regional Executive

1. The Regional Chairperson is responsible to the National Chairperson for the good standing of the Clubs and members within the Region, and for its smooth running and effectiveness. He/she will be the official SAMVO Entity representative at functions within the region and forms part of the National Executive
2. The Regional Vice-Chairperson will act as a sounding board for the Regional Chairperson and be delegated full responsibility in the Chairperson’s absence. Regions who believe that the Master-at-Arms is adequate for the position, need not necessarily appoint a Vice-Chair
3. The Regional Master-at-Arms is responsible for membership growth and for the drill, dress and discipline of the Region’s Veterans. He/she will liaise with the National Master-at-Arms, who has a staff-function to the Regional Officer on all National drill, dress and discipline issues or matters
4. The Regional Communications Officer will act as the marketing officer for the region, and will be responsible for promoting the Region’s activities and raising the profile of the SAMVO Entity and where necessary SAMVOINT. He/she will be the historian of the Region and ensure correct records of functions and activities at regional level are maintained. He/she will ensure that noteworthy events are posted on the SAMVOINT Website and/or Face Book. He/she will liaise with the National Communications Officer, who will have a staff-function to the Regional Officer on any National project.  
5. The Regional Welfare Officer is responsible for establishing SAMVO Entity members, who may require religious and/or psychological support. He/she is responsible for implementing the National Welfare plan, in association with its partners and in making this available to Regional sufferers. He/she will liaise with the National Welfare Officer, who will have a staff-function to the Regional Officer on any National project
6. The Regional Treasurer will account for the good financial standing of the Region and its members. He/she will be responsible for conducting fund-raising campaigns within the Region, to meet the cost of approved projects. He/she will liaise with the National Treasurer, who has a staff-function to the Regional Treasurer, on all National financial accounting matters
7. The Regional Quartermaster controls a local stock holding by requisitioning bulk stock from the National Stores; issuing to members of the Region as required. He/she will see to payments to the National Executive and will ensure payments are received from members to be deposited into the Region’s bank account
8. The Regional Special Projects Officer will run specific projects in line with the SAMVO Entity policy and guidelines, and where appropriate and necessary, SAMVOINT’s policy and guidelines. He/she will be accountable to the Regional Chairperson for their success. He/she will liaise with the National Special Projects Officer on National Projects

c. The National Executive

1. The National Chairperson is responsible to all his/her SAMVO Entity Veterans for the success of the organisation, which includes raising the SAMVO Entity’s national profile and for the good standing, smooth running and effectiveness of the organisation. He/she will be the official SAMVO Entity’s representative at functions on the highest level. He/she is accountable to the SAMVOINT Chairperson (ascending) and to the Regional Chairpersons within his/her Zone (descending)
2. The National Vice-Chairperson may be any member of the SAMVO Entity, whom the National Chairperson may choose as a candidate or candidates, based on whomever the National Chairperson deems as being the best candidate/s to support his/her chairpersonship; to be appointed by a majority of votes and/or endorsement by the National Executive. The National Vice-Chairperson must be prepared to step in at any time to ensure the ongoing and smooth running of the SAMVO Entity, should the situation arise. His/her primary focus will be on retaining and increasing membership
3. All Regional Chairpersons form part of the National Executive. They are entitled to attend and raise issues at the National Executive meetings they attend
4. The National Master-at-Arms is responsible for implementing the SAMVOINT policy in terms of drill, dress and discipline, as determined by the International Master-at-Arms and ratified by the SAMVOINT Executive. Should the need arise, he/she will research, formulate and propose new or amended policy for consideration by the International Master-at-Arms. His/her line responsibility is to the SAMVO Entity Chairperson, with staff accountability to the SAMVOINT Master-at-Arms (ascending) and to the Regional Masters-at-Arms within his/her Zone (descending)
5. The National Ambassador-at-Large is an officer who is well connected within the Asia Pacific veteran community and who has strong personal contacts with the RSL and RSA structures. He/she will focus on raising awareness of SAMVOA through the establishment and retention of community and individual associations and relationships. In the absence of SAMVOA Executive representation, the Ambassador-at-Large can be called upon to represent the organisation as and when the occasions demand
6. The National Communications Officer will manage all matters pertaining to membership satisfaction, public image and liaison with similar organisations, including South African support organisations within the SAMVO Entity’s Zone of influence. He/she will ensure that noteworthy events are posted on the SAMVOINT Website and/or Face Book. He/she will formulate and propose policy for consideration by the National Executive, in line with cultural and demographic sectors of the Zone and/or associated, in  accordance with the SAMVOINT Director Communications. His/her line responsibility is to the SAMVO Entity Chairperson, with staff accountability to the SAMVOINT - Director Communications (ascending) and to the Regional Communication Officers within his/her Zone (descending)
7. The National Treasurer is responsible for the fiscal policy of the SAMVO Entity and its implementation, in accordance with the economics and fiscal policies and rules of the residing Zone and or Countries and Regions within. This includes ensuring that the Clubs, Regions and SAMVO Entity, function within the law of the land and that absolute accountability and due diligence is exercised at all times. His/her line responsibility is to the SAMVO Entity Chairperson, with staff accountability to the SAMVOINT Chairperson (ascending) and to the Regional Treasurers within his/her Zone (descending)
8. The National Welfare Officer is a specialist officer, responsible for researching the need for religious and/or psychological support to its members; assessing the SAMVO Entity’s capability to meet this need. As a professional, he/she will liaise with Zone organisations capable of delivering such support. In so doing, he/she will be responsible for developing the SAMVO Entity’s policy and capability to provide this level of support to its members. His/her line responsibility is to the SAMVO Entity Chairperson, with staff accountability to the SAMVOINT Director Peer Support (ascending) and to the Regional Welfare Officers within his/her Zone (descending)
9. The National Legal Officer will be responsible for the legal standing of the SAMVO Entity and its Regions and Clubs. He/she will also research, formulate and propose new or amended policy for consideration by the National Executive, in keeping with the National and Regional judicial/legal policies appropriate to their particular Zone. His/her line responsibility is to the SAMVO Entity Chairperson, with staff accountability to the SAMVOINT Chairperson (ascending) and to the Regional and Club Legal Officers or Chairpersons within his/her Zone (descending)
10. The National Welfare Officer is a specialist officer, responsible for researching the need for religious and/or psychological support to its members; assessing the SAMVO Entity’s capability to meet this need. As a professional, he/she will liaise with Zone organisations capable of delivering such support. In so doing, he/she will be responsible for developing the SAMVO Entity’s policy and capability to provide this level of support to its members. His/her line responsibility is to the SAMVO Entity Chairperson, with staff accountability to the SAMVOINT DirectorPeer Support (ascending) and to the Regional Welfare Officers within his/her Zone(descending)
11. The National Special Projects Officer will run specific projects in line with the SAMVO Entity’s policy and guidelines. He/she will determine these guidelines and be accountable to the National Chairperson for the success of all the SAMVO Entity’s projects. He/she will liaise with Regional Chairpersons or his/her delegated person/s at Regional level to ensure maximum exposure for the project and best outcomes or results

c. The International Executive

1. The SAMVOINT Chairman will be responsible to all Veterans for the success of SAMVOINT. This will include lifting its profile and good standing to the highest level and for the smooth running and effectiveness of the global Organisation. He/she will be the official SAMVOINT representative at functions at the highest level. He/she will develop his/her staff team around what best meets the SAMVOINT global needs. He/she may, through the respective National Chairperson, access the resources held at National level in order to achieve the overall SAMVOINT objectives
2. The SAMVOINT Master-at-Arms will be responsible for membership moral globally, membership policy in terms of drill, dress and discipline, as well as its implementation.Should the need arise, he/she will research, formulate and propose new or amending policy for consideration by the International Executive and his/her National counterparts. He/she should ensure that SAMVOINT’s standing instructions are compatible with local drills and modus operandi. This he will achieve through the National Masters-at-Arms and he/she will have a staff-function to the four Zone / National Masters-at-Arms
3. All four National SAMVO Entity Chairpersons will form part of the International Executive
4. All three National SAMVO Entity Chairpersons will form part of the International Executive
5. The Specialist International Executives will bring their speciality portfolios to bear; delivering their knowledge and expertise for the betterment of SAMVOINT and its veterans. In conjunction with their National counterparts, they should develop policy within their area of responsibility for ratification by the SAMVOINT Executive. This should be to ‘World’s Best Practice’ in their respective disciplines: These appointments include
   
   1. SAMVOINT Ambassador at Large
   2. SAMVOINT Principal Representative at the CMVO.
   3. SAMVOINT Director Communications.
   4. SAMVOINT Director Digital Media.
   5. SAMVOINT Director Digital Transformation Strategy.
   6. SAMVOINT Director Peer Support.
   7. SAMVOINT Director Museums.
   8. SAMVOINT Director Merchandising and Logistics.
   9. SAMVOINT Director Medals and Awards
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c. Samvoint Essential Business Principle

1. SAMVOINT operates as a “not-for-profit” organisation and the constitution as laid with the bank should reflect this
2. Each Zone National Treasurer should evaluate how best to profile their local SAMVO Entity, in order that it reflects this
3. Directors of these companies will be approached on their standing within their respective SAMVO Entity, including their standing in terms of their respective countries’ Directors Act
4. Each Director may be required to provide an interest free loan for the duration of their directorship of the Board
5. In the event of a Director resigning from the SAMVO Entity Board, he/she will need to do so in writing. The vacancy on the Board will, in the first instance, be offered to other domiciled members of the National Executive, failing which, the Board may direct that a non-executive member be appointed, or that the position remains vacant

d. SAMVO Trade Mark

1. The SAMVO trade mark is registered under Trade Mark Number, 1962979
2. No infringement of our brand will be tolerated and any such activity will be pursued legally
3. Please consult our SAMVO Brand Guidelines – V1 – 2019

Note: – Each country has its own currency that is subject to exchange fluctuations, varying demographics and economies; each holding their own governance requirements in terms of how common-interest associations and business is conducted. Each SAMVO Entity is to adhere to the obligations set and decreed by the Country and/or Region with their defined Zone

1. Membership categories

1. Ordiniry Membership

1. To qualify for Ordinary Membership, prospective members need to produce their Force Number as issued by the UDF / SADF / SANDF / SAP / SAPS and provide evidence that they completed at least the Basic Training element of their National Service. These Veterans will be entitled to vote and to hold office; their continued membership will be assured by their dedication to the ideals of their SAMVO Entity, SAMVOINT and their good standing as a member of their respective Club
2. Applicants with known extremist activity backgrounds prior to, or post 1994, will not be considered for membership
3. The National Executive retains the right to refuse membership and no correspondence will be entered into

2. Heritage Membership

1. In order to qualify for Heritage Membership, prospective members need to have had a parent or grandparent who served South Africa in a military capacity, but who has since passed on
2. They will be required to prove this relationship, be 16 years or older and their application will be considered on the basis that they will be the sole family representative of that person within the particular SAMVO Entity and SAMVOINT respectfully
3. Heritage Membership applications will be ratified by the Regional Executive. On acceptance, these Veterans will enjoy normal membership and will be entitled to vote and hold office. Their continued membership will be assured by their dedication to the ideals of SAMVOINT and their good standing as a member of their Club

3. Selective Skills Membership

1. Selective Skills Membership may be conferred on individuals who do not qualify for Ordinary or Heritage membership, but who have special skills deemed to be important enough for the particular SAMVO Entity and SAMVOINT to acquire in order to improve the image and performance of the Organisation
2. In this instance, membership will be promoted at Regional Executive level and ratified at National Executive level. On acceptance, these Veterans will enjoy normal membership and be entitled to vote and hold office. Their continued membership will be assured by their dedication to the ideals of the particular SAMVO Entity and SAMVOINT respectfully and their good standing as a member of their particular Club

4. Associate Membership

1. In order to qualify for Associate Membership, prospective members need to have belonged to an allied force or regiment which served alongside South African Forces, as noted in South African military history
2. They will need to prove this association and to produce their Force Number, as issued by their respective Defence Force and provide evidence that they completed at least the Basic Training element of their country’s military service
3. Associate Membership applications will be ratified by the Regional Executive and, on acceptance, these Veterans will enjoy normal membership, but they will not be entitled to vote or hold office. Their continued membership will be assured by their dedication to the ideals of the particular SAMVO Entity and SAMVOINT respectfully and their good standing as a member of their particular Club

Note(1): – Veterans who hold higher office will, in the execution of their duties, receive the full and undivided support of all other Veterans

Note(2): – All veterans will strive to increase membership and to further the aims of their particular SAMVO Entity and SAMVOINT respectfully. They will honour the SAMVOINT spirit via the spirit of their particular SAMVO Entity and remain obedient to the law of the land

1. Drill, Dress and discipline

SAMVOINT Veterans are a collective group of veterans worldwide, as members of and supported by their various SAMVO Entities (Zones), all under one umbrella SAMVOINT. Therefore, a SAMVOINT Veteran will be recognised as a veteran member when he/she wears the SAMVOINT beret and badge. This is the sole identification element and will be worn with pride along with a suit and tie, jacket and tie, or blazer and tie, as determined by the dress code at the time. In unofficial parades or ceremonies, veterans may wear their own headdress. However, if directly representing SAMVOINT in an official capacity, the SAMVOINT headdress should be worn.
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Should a Veteran have received recognition in the form of a medal or medals, these will be worn on the left chest/breast. Ordinary, Heritage and Associate Veterans/Members, whose deceased family members have earned a medal or medals, may wear these on the right chest/breast

Veterans will, at all times display good drill, dress and discipline. The dress code of SAMVOINT will be a developing one as proposed by the SAMVOINT Master-at-Arms; ratified by the International Executive. This code must be clearly communicated to all members who will be required to conform.
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SAMVOINT encourages the development and growth of individual Corps or Regimental ‘pride’. Corps or Regiments may be recognised by wearing the appropriate “balkie” or emblem below the SAMVOINT badge. Master-at-Arms at both Club and Regional levels will be responsible for ensuring compliance and they may, at their sole discretion, permit or deny an offending Veteran to continue in the parade.
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A post-parade review will be held at Regional Executive level, which will acknowledge and address the views of the offender, and a binding decision made thereafter

1. Controlled Items : The purchase of the SAMVOINT beret and beret badge, SAMVOINT tie, SAMVOINT lapel badge and SAMVOINT blazer pocket badge will be controlled and issued to Veterans against payment when joining SAMVOINT, or as supplies become available. Any subsequent issue of these items will require the appropriate claim form to be submitted and approved at Club level. These items will not be available for public resale at any SAMVOINT store
2. Uncontrolled Items: Uncontrolled items will include the SAMVOINT plaque and other official SAMVOINT promotional items as released by the office of the SAMVOINT Director Communications or the National Communications Officer

Guidelines and Requirements for the Appointment of Members to Office

The complete guidelines are found within the procedure covering resignations, nominations, voting and final appointments and are contained within this document

a. In Summary

It is the absolute responsibility of every leader under the umbrella of SAMVOINT, down to Club level, to identify possible successors/leaders as part of their succession planning and subsequently ensure that those potential leaders are trained accordingly and provided with every opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills. Participation in this process is open to Ordinary, Special Skills and Heritage Members within the Region or Club that they belong to

b. Summary at club level

Every Club Chairperson is accountable to the Regional Chairperson. The Club Executive should serve for a minimum period of three years after which they may offer themselves up for re-election.
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The incumbent must

1. Be a member of good standing within their Club
2. He/she should be an effective member of their respective SAMVO Entity, (hence SAMVOINT,) for a reasonable period of time, preferably 2 years
3. He/she should be qualified in the respective discipline to effectively perform the role to which they have been elected
4. He/she should be fully conversant with their respective SAMVO Entity, Constitution, SOPs and Guidelines; hence fully conversant with the SAMVOINT Constitution, SOPs and Guidelines
5. For the Club Chairperson position, he/she should understand and accept their line function, responsibility and obligations to the Regional Chairperson

c. Summary at Regional Level

Every Regional Chairperson is accountable to the National Chairperson. The Regional Executive should serve for a minimum period of five years after which they may offer themselves up for re-election.
The incumbent must

1. Be a member of good standing within his/her Club and within the Region
2. Should have been an effective member of their respective SAMVO Entity, hence SAMVOINT, for a reasonable period of time, preferably 3 years
3. Be qualified in the respective discipline to effectively perform the role to which they have been elected
4. He/she should be fully conversant with their respective SAMVO Entity, Constitution, SOPs and Guidelines; hence fully conversant with the SAMVOINT Constitution, SOPs and Guidelines
5. Be fully conversant with their respective SAMVO Entity, Constitution, SOPs and Guidelines hence; fully conversant with the SAMVOINT Constitution, SOPs and Guidelines
6. For the Regional Chairperson position, he/she should understand and accept their responsibility and obligations to the National Chairperson

d. Summary at National Level

1. The National Chairperson will be responsible to all his/her SAMVO Entity’s Veterans for the success of their Zone and SAMVOINT. He/she will have an ascending line function to the SAMVOINT Chairperson and a descending line function to the Regional Chairpersons within his/her Zo
2. The primary focus of the nominated National Vice-Chairperson will be retaining and increasing membership. They are also to be prepared to step in at any time to ensure the ongoing and smooth running of SAMVOINT, should the situation arise
3. The National Executive should be comprised of leaders with specialist disciplines, plus all Regional Chairpersons
4. The National Executive is primarily staffed by members who are specialists within their respective disciplines, who can only be replaced by a member trained/qualified in that same discipline. Other than the National Chairperson and the National Vice-Chairperson, all executive members (with specialist disciplines/skills) will have staff-functions to the Regions within their respective disciplines and are not subject to election
5. In the event of a vacancy, a nominee must be a member of good standing within his/her Club and within SAMVOINT.
6. The nominee should have been an effective member and proven leader within SAMVOINT for at least 5-years
7. The nominee must be fully conversant with the SAMVOINT Constitution, SOPs and Guidelines
8. The nominee for National Chairperson must understand and accept his/her responsibilities and accountabilities to the International Chairperson
9. Voting is held at National Executive level, where the members are represented by their Regional Chairpersons

e. Summary at National Level

1. The SAMVOINT Chairperson will be responsible to all three SAMVO Entity’s Veterans for the success of SAMVOINT. He/she will have a descending line function to the National Chairpersons and his/her specialist staff members
2. The primary focus of the nominated SAMVOINT Vice-Chairperson will be retaining and increasing membership. He/she should also be prepared to step in at any time to ensure the ongoing and smooth running of SAMVOINT, should the situation arise
3. The balance of the SAMVOINT Executive is comprised of specialist discipline leaders and all the Regional Chairpersons. These include:
   
   1. SAMVOINT Ambassador at Large
   2. SAMVOINT Principal Representative at the CMVO
   3. SAMVOINT Communications Director
   4. SAMVOINT Director Digital Media Asset Owner
   5. SAMVOINT Digital Transformation Strategy
   6. SAMVOINT Director Peer Support
   7. SAMVOINT Director Museums.
   8. SAMVOINT Director Merchandising and Logistics.
   9. SAMVOINT Director Medals and Awards

Resignation / Termination of Membership

All SAMVOINT members, no matter their position within SAMVOINT, belong to a Club.
When a member comes into “disrepute”, or becomes “not of good standing” within their Club, it is important that this is managed efficiently, fairly and in the correct manner. Members who may come into “disrepute” or be “not of good standing”, would likely fall into the following categoriesThe incumbent must

1. Disregard for SAMVOINT/SAMVO Entity Drill, Dress and Discipline Code
2. Misconduct or display of a belligerent attitude or actions
3. Misrepresenting their service by wearing incorrect medals, providing incorrect information or exaggeration of their own self-importance
4. Contravention of SAMVOINT/SAMVO Entity code of conduct; and
5. Other actions which detract from their service tenure, or which are unsubstantiated

These situations would most likely arise at Club level, and as such, the following process will apply

1. The Club Chairperson or Club Master-at-Arms will, in the first instance, discuss the issue directly with the member, informing the said member there is a perceived behavioural issue associated with the said member and that he/she is considered for review as being “potentially not suitable to represent the SAMVOINT/SAMVO Entity”
2. Should the member be subjected to review, they should be provided with as much information as possible, explaining why they are being reviewed
3. The member should be given the opportunity to make an acceptable rebuttal, or to accept the validity of the complaint and to commit to rectify the situation.In many cases, only an apology may be required, after which there would be no further action, and the event will remain confidential
4. Should the member be unwilling to change or show remorse for his/her actions, the Club Chairperson or the Regional Chairperson will advise him/her that they are suspended with immediate effect, pending further investigation

A conscientious effort will always be made to ensure that the SAMVOINT/SAMVO Entity Club or Region gains factual evidence to adequately support the complaint against the member in question

1. Should the issue not be resolved at Club or Regional level, the matter should be referred to the National Master-at-Arms
2. An intense investigation will be carried out that could include other veteran organisations, or higher formations, depending on the nature of the issue. Any external investigation must be handled by the National-Master-at-Arms or the National Chairperson
3. Should the evidence prove that the member is out of order, and the member still refuses to rectify the situation, his/her membership will be revoked as the last resort
4. The final decision will rest with the next senior executive to the leader, who dealt with the issue

Military Impersonators

In the event of a member’s conduct being in the category of “Military Impersonator” and proven, the National Chairperson or National Master-at-Arms will communicate this information to the CMVO (Council of Military Veterans Organisations), for release of the offending member’s details to all other veteran and/or police organisations, including permanent listing on the “Wall of Shame”. Once a name is on the list, it can and will never be removed