Collective Responsibilities

COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE

The Executive Committee shall work as a team, rather than each office-bearer operating independently. Its collective responsibilities will include:

• Implementing resolutions of the provincial meetings.
• Developing and implementing a provincial disability strategic plan.
• Representing the interests and rights of persons with disabilities.
• Ensuring the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in provincial planning and decision-making.
• Engaging provincial departments, municipalities, NGOs, business and other stakeholders.
• Monitoring government programmes and budgets affecting persons with disabilities.
• Identifying barriers to access, inclusion, employment, education, healthcare, transport and social services.
• Strengthening district and local disability structures.
• Promoting the participation of women, youth and underrepresented disability groups.
• Ensuring transparent financial and organisational governance.
• Producing regular reports to the provincial membership.
• Establishing committees or task teams for specific areas of work.

This approach is consistent with the South African Disability Framework, which calls for ongoing communication with organisations of persons with disabilities and their participation in developing government policies and strategies.

Duties Of The Chairperson/President

The Chairperson shall:

• Provide overall leadership and direction.
• Preside over General Assembly and Executive Committee meetings.
• Ensure implementation of decisions and resolutions.
• Represent the Structure at provincial, national and stakeholder forums.
• Serve as the principal spokesperson unless another person is formally designated.
• Facilitate constructive relationships among member organisations.
• Promote unity and prevent unnecessary divisions within the disability sector.
• Ensure that Executive Committee members perform their responsibilities.
• Work with the Secretary to prepare meeting agendas.
• Ensure that the Structure maintains effective relationships with provincial government and other stakeholders.
• Exercise a casting vote where the Constitution permits and where a vote is tied.
• Report on the performance of the Executive Committee to the General Assembly.

The Deputy Chairperson shall:

• Assist the Chairperson.
• Perform the duties of the Chairperson when the Chairperson is unavailable.
• Support implementation of strategic programmes.
• Coordinate delegated portfolios.
• Support district and local structures.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement.
• Perform any other functions delegated by the Executive Committee.

The Secretary shall:

• Manage official correspondence.
• Prepare agendas in consultation with the Chairperson.
• Record accurate minutes of meetings.
• Circulate minutes and resolutions.
• Maintain organisational records.
• Maintain the membership register.
• Maintain records of Executive Committee decisions.
• Issue meeting notices.
• Maintain the Constitution and approved policies.
• Ensure proper filing and document management.
• Monitor implementation of resolutions and report outstanding matters.
• Prepare the annual administrative report.

The Deputy Secretary shall:

• Assist the Secretary.
• Act as Secretary when required.
• Assist with correspondence and records.
• Follow up on resolutions.
• Support meeting administration.
• Assist district and local structures with administrative matters.

The Treasurer shall:

• Be responsible for financial oversight.
• Maintain proper financial records.
• Prepare financial reports.
• Prepare draft annual budgets with the Executive Committee.
• Monitor income and expenditure.
• Ensure that expenditure is authorised according to approved financial procedures.
• Ensure that funds are deposited into an approved organisational bank account.
• Ensure proper banking and payment controls.
• Present financial reports at Executive Committee and General Assembly meetings.
• Maintain an asset register.
• Coordinate annual financial reporting and, where applicable, independent review or audit.
• Assist with fundraising and resource mobilisation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial and NPO requirements.
• Ensure that no member or office-bearer receives organisational funds for personal use.

Additional Executive Members may be assigned specific portfolios, including:

• Women with Disabilities
• Youth with Disabilities
• Children with Disabilities
• Employment and Economic Empowerment
• Education and Skills Development
• Health and Rehabilitation
• Social Development
• Accessibility and Universal Design
• Rural Disability Development
• Sport, Arts and Culture
• Assistive Technology
• Human Rights and Legal Advocacy

Each portfolio head shall:

• Develop an annual plan.
• Coordinate relevant activities.
• Consult members.
• Identify challenges and opportunities.
• Engage relevant stakeholders.
• Report to the Executive Committee.
• Ensure that their portfolio supports the overall strategic objectives.

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