SOUTH AFRICAN BOARD FOR COMPANION ANIMAL PROFESSIONALS
Changed Constitution
(Amended 10 July 2024)
NPO – 300‑919

Table of Contents

1. Name of the Board
2. Definitions
3. Section 1 – Establishment and Objectives of Board
4. Section 2 – Management of Board
5. Section 3 – Executive Committee
6. Section 4 – Annual General Meetings
7. Section 5 – Members and Membership
8. Section 6 – Code of Ethics
9. Section 7 – Legal Status
10. Section 8 – Dissolution of Board

Name of the Board

The name of the board is the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals.

Definitions

“Board” – means the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP) as established in Section 1.1 of this Constitution, which Board is the regulating body of qualifying practitioners who render a service to the companion animal industry in South Africa.

“Companion animal industry” – relates to services rendered to the public in the keeping and care of companion animals and includes services of behaviour consultants, welfarists, groomers, animal‑assisted activity practitioners, trainers, handlers of health support animals and providers of service animals.

“Companion animal” – means an animal living in the company of people and that provides companionship to humans.

“Companion animal professional” – means a practitioner who has agreed to abide by the ethics, holds minimum qualifications and experience and renders the professional standards of service as envisaged by this Constitution.

“Executive Committee” – means members elected to manage the day‑to‑day matters related to the Board and to oversee and assist with the activities of each category.

Section 1 – Establishment and Objectives of Board

1.1 Establishment of Board and Address

The South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP) was established on 4 February 2006 and the address of the Board was, at the date of adoption of the Constitution, SABCAP, P.O. Box 196, Raslouw 0109; however, the Executive Committee may change the address when it deems so necessary.

At the AGM held on 10 July 2024, the address of the Board was changed to:

5 Bloemfontein Road, Founders Hill, Modderfontein

1.2 Objectives of the Board

1. To maintain a body that is representative of the standards of service, professionalism and ethics set out in this document;
2. To determine Rules and Rulings that will ensure ethical and professional conduct among members that it represents;
3. To originate and propose amendments to laws of the Republic of South Africa pertaining to services to the companion animal industry;
4. To promote an awareness of and disseminate information on how to improve on positive and welfare‑oriented approaches to the human‑companion animal relationships;
5. To collaborate and enter reciprocal relations with other bodies that share the Board’s values and ethics;
6. To protect the interests of its members;
7. To protect the interest of, and educate, the public with regard to companion animal welfare;
8. To determine the minimum standards of education to ensure professional excellence by members;
9. To determine and enforce the requirements for membership of the Board;
10. To undertake related activities, incidental to the above.

Section 2 – Management of Board

2.1 Income properties and monies

1. The income, properties and monies, however obtained, shall be used solely for the promotion of the objectives as contemplated in Section 1.2, and the maintenance of the bona fide activities of the Board;
2. The Board may not give or redistribute any of its money or properties to its members or office bearers. Any payments made may be for reasonable compensation for services rendered only by members or office bearers. Such payments will be reflected in the financial statements and presented to members at the Annual General Meeting;
3. Members and office bearers have no rights to the property or other assets of the Board solely by virtue of their being members or office bearers;

2.2 Financial Matters

1. A registered accountant officer or a firm of auditors must be appointed at each Annual General Meeting to compile the annual financial statements;
2. An audited balance sheet and financial statement of the Board as at the end of the financial year together with necessary documentation as required by the relevant stakeholders shall be prepared and presented at the Annual General Meeting for discussion and adoption;
3. Financial year‑end: last day of February each year;
4. Bank account: The Board shall open and maintain a bank account in the name of the Board with a registered South African bank to transact in connection with the business of the Board. All monies received by the board are to be deposited into the designated bank account;
5. Signatories: all transactions and documents requiring a signature on behalf of the Board shall be signed by two (2) members of the Executive Committee. All electronic transactions or payments must be signed off by two (2) Executive Committee members and proof of such transactions will be kept as deemed necessary by the appointed accountant and/or auditor;
6. Investments: The Executive Committee may decide to invest the funds of the Board and to change the investment thereof from time to time after discussion at full Executive Meetings.

Section 3 – Executive Committee

3.1 Composition of Executive Committee

1. Only fully accredited and paid‑up members may stand for election to the Executive Committee. Cadet members are not eligible for election. Election of Executive Committee members shall be by ballot, a show of hands or any other electronic vote as accepted by the meeting;
2. The members of the Executive Committee are elected by fully accredited and paid‑up members at the Annual General Meeting and their positions are as follows:
   1. A chairperson, vice‑chairperson, secretary, and treasurer, all of whom are to be appointed by the members of the Executive Committee at the first Executive Committee meeting after the AGM;
   2. The Executive Committee may co‑opt members such as, but not limited to, an administrative officer, an accountant/auditor and a legal advisor;
   3. One representative will be elected for each category of professionals serving the companion animal industry, provided that the representative has forwarded an application with his CV to the Executive Committee upon which election will take place at the AGM.

3.2 Terms of service of Executive Committee members

The term of office of Executive Committee members is two years.

2. There shall be no limitation upon the number of consecutive terms an Executive Committee member may serve provided they are re‑elected by members at the AGM;
3. Co‑opted members will serve a term of one year and may be re‑elected or appointed for any period (not longer than a year) as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee.

3.3 Powers of members of Executive Committee

1. To ensure that the objectives of the Board contemplated in Section 1.2 are met;
2. To recruit members for the different categories;
3. To mediate disputes between members and their clients;
4. To discipline members who conduct themselves in an unprofessional or unethical manner;
5. To undertake any activity that will contribute to and promote the Board and its members;
6. To develop and maintain the addenda to this Constitution;
7. Bona fide acts by the Executive Committee remain valid notwithstanding any defect in appointment;
8. The Board exists separately from its members and can own property and other assets;
9. The Board will continue to exist even when its membership or office bearers change.

3.4 Meetings of Executive Committee

1. Meetings shall be held when necessary, but not less than once every quarter;
2. The affairs of the Board shall be controlled and managed by the Executive Committee. Subject to this Constitution and resolutions of members, the Executive Committee may exercise all the powers of the Association;
3. Notice of a meeting must be given to all Executive Committee members at least 14 days before a meeting;
4. The secretary shall take minutes of every meeting and distribute them within 14 days;
5. The quorum necessary for business is two‑thirds (⅔) of serving Executive Committee members;
6. Each member has one vote; decisions are by majority. The Chairperson has a casting vote in the event of a tie;
7. The Chairperson (or a member appointed by the Chair) presides at meetings; if absent after 15 minutes, the members present elect a chair for that meeting;
8. An Executive Committee member vacates office if they miss three consecutive meetings.

3.5 Indemnity

The Board indemnifies Executive Committee members for acts done in good faith in the Board’s interest, except where severe damages were caused intentionally or negligently.

Section 4 – Annual General Meetings

4.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

1. The Executive Committee must arrange an AGM within four months after year‑end (by 30 June);
2. Notice (with agenda) must be given to all members at least 14 days before the meeting;
3. The secretary records minutes, which are confirmed at the next AGM and circulated to all members at least a month beforehand;
4. Members may attend in person or online; votes via online platforms are accepted;
5. The balance sheet, financial statement and auditor’s report must be approved at the AGM;
6. The Chairperson submits an annual report on activities;
7. A quorum is 50 % of accredited, fully paid‑up members (including proxies);
8. Questions are decided by majority vote; the Chairperson has a casting vote.

4.2 Chairing the Meeting

The Chairperson presides; if absent after 15 minutes, members choose a presiding member.

4.3 Changes to the Constitution

1. The Constitution can be amended by ≥ ⅔ of members present/represented at an AGM or special meeting;
2. A quorum of 50 % of members (including proxies) is required;
3. Written notice (with proposed changes) must be sent at least 14 days before the meeting.

Section 5 – Members and Membership

5.1 Member Categories

Categories are prescribed in Addendum A; the Executive Committee may amend them (subject to AGM approval).

5.2 Types of Membership

Full member – A person meeting Section 5.3 requirements; has voting rights.

Cadet member – An applicant working toward full membership.

The Executive Committee may create other membership types as needed.

5.3 Requirements for Membership

1. Membership is open to citizens or permanent residents of South Africa (foreign members kept on a separate register);
2. An applicant must:
   1. Register in one or more categories (Addendum A);
   2. Provide proof of knowledge & experience per Addendum B – Outcome Based Standards.
3. Applications are on the prescribed form; membership commences once fees are paid (pro‑rated for the membership year).

5.4 Membership Fees

1. Fees are set by the Executive Committee; payable annually before 30 April;
2. Unpaid after 30 days → membership lapses (re‑application required);
3. Multiple categories attract additional fees;
4. Members aged > 60 yrs pay 50 % of the fee;
5. Cadet fees are set by the Executive Committee.

5.5 Privileges of Membership

1. Members are kept informed of Board activities;
2. Full members may vote at an AGM;
3. All members are listed on the Board’s website;
4. Members receive a certificate & electronic logo for marketing;
5. Members will automatically be included in professional lists if Government recognition is obtained.

5.6 Register of Membership

1. The Executive Committee keeps an up‑to‑date register;
2. The register is Board property and stored securely in line with the POPI Act.

5.7 Termination of Membership

The Executive Committee may terminate membership if a member:

1. Fails to pay fees within 3 months after due notice;
2. Is inactive for 12 months in terms of Addendum C – CEU Points Management;
3. Engages in improper, dishonest or unethical conduct;
4. Has been afforded an opportunity to state their case.

Sanctions include expulsion or suspension of rights for a period determined by the Executive Committee.

Section 6 – Code of Ethics

6.1 Code of Ethics

1. The Executive Committee shall compile a Code of Ethics for members;
2. Before approval at an AGM, the draft must be circulated to every member for input;
3. Amendments follow the same procedure as constitutional changes; in the absence of input, the Executive Committee proceeds in the Board’s best interest.

Section 7 – Legal Status

The Board shall be able to sue and be sued in its own name and shall be represented in legal proceedings by a person delegated by the Executive Committee.

Section 8 – Dissolution of Board

8.1 Dissolution of Board

1. A resolution to dissolve may only be taken at an AGM;
2. At least 50 % of members present and voting must support dissolution;
3. After debts are paid, remaining assets must be given to another non‑profit organisation with similar objectives, as decided by the AGM.

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This Constitution was first adopted at the inaugural General Meeting of SABCAP at Midrand on 8 February 2006.

Signed digitally on this 16^th day of July 2024.

Chairperson:

Secretary:

Amendments to the Constitution

• 10 May 2014
• 30 January 2020
• 15 November 2023
• 10 July 2024