Constitution & Rules

1. NAME
1.1 The name of the Club shall be MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA / MERCEDES-BENZ KLUB VAN SUID-AFRIKA (hereinafter referred to as the CLUB or MBCSA).

2. COLOURS
2.1 The official colours of the Club shall be as determined by the Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH and Mercedes-Benz Classic Club Management in Stuttgart.
2.2 Club regalia/colours shall be in the form of specimens as held by the Club and approved by Daimler AG of Stuttgart, Germany.

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
3.1 The Club is bound by the provisions of the Trade Mark Agreement made between MERCEDES-BENZ AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT and the Club.
3.2 To promote and encourage the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
3.3 To advise, co-operate, negotiate and maintain cordial relations with bodies controlling motor sport, in South Africa or abroad.
3.4 To act on behalf of members in making representations to authorities, organisations, and official bodies to gain recognition, concessions and benefits, operating as a non-profit organisation.
3.5 To promote motoring in all aspects and encourage members to organise driving tests, competitions, trials, runs, excursions, displays and other events.
3.6 To assist members to obtain suitable insurance at competitive rates.
3.7 To investigate and promote activities that further the aims and objectives of the Club.
3.8 To broaden the scope of activities to involve members’ families and those less technically orientated.
3.9 To build good relationships with other Mercedes-Benz Clubs worldwide.

4. MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Membership is open to all enthusiasts of Mercedes-Benz cars, honorary members, and special members as determined by the National Committee. Junior members have voting rights from age 18.
4.2 All members are subject to the rules of the Club.
4.3 Membership numbers are governed by the National Committee.
4.4 Applications must be made on prescribed forms.
4.5 A register of members shall be kept, containing:
  4.5.1 Full names
  4.5.2 Contact details
  4.5.3 ID number and Date of Birth
  4.5.4 Signed indemnity form
4.6 Honorary Membership
4.6.1 May be bestowed for exceptional service.
4.6.2 Affords life-long membership with full benefits.
4.6.3 Procedure: Proposed at AGM, approved, then awarded.
  4.6.3.1 Candidate must be of good standing.
  4.6.3.2 Must render continuous meritorious service.
  4.6.3.3 Must promote Club aims.
  4.6.3.4 Contribution must have long-term perspective.
4.6.4 Presentation: Certificate with seal and blazer badge at a formal occasion.
4.7 Special Membership
4.7.1 May be bestowed for short-term service.
4.7.2 Granted annually for one year only.
4.7.3 Entitles recipient to free membership for one year (benefits vary depending on current membership status).
4.7.4 Procedure: Proposed at AGM, approved, then awarded.
  4.7.4.1 Candidate must render valuable service.
  4.7.4.2 Normally would not qualify for membership.
  4.7.4.3 Contribution is short-term.
4.7.5 Presentation: Certificate.
4.8 Hero Award
4.8.1 May be bestowed for exceptional service.
4.8.2 Affords life-long recognition (no financial benefits).
4.8.3 Procedure: Nominated by regional chairmen, approved by National Committee.
  4.8.3.1 Candidate must be of good standing.
  4.8.3.2 Must render continuous meritorious service.
  4.8.3.3 Must promote Club aims.
  4.8.3.4 Contribution must have long-term perspective.
4.8.4 Presentation: Certificate at a formal occasion.
4.9 Special Pensioners Discount
Any member aged 65+ with 10 years uninterrupted membership receives a 50% rebate in annual fees.

5. SUBSCRIPTION AND ENTRANCE FEES
5.1 Entrance fee, subscription and other fees are determined by the National Committee.
5.2 Annual subscription is due 1 January, payable by 30 April. Late payments incur re-registration fees.
5.3 Members failing to pay lose membership privileges.
5.4 The National Committee may reinstate members upon payment or waive arrears.

6. MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB
6.1 Management is vested in the National Committee: President, Vice President, Immediate Past President (1 year), National Secretary, National Treasurer, and regional chairmen.
6.2 The Committee may co-opt four additional non-voting members.
6.3 No more than one MBSA employee or accredited dealer may hold office.

7. NOMINATION OF NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
7.1 Candidates must be nominated and seconded by members in good standing, using prescribed forms.
7.2 Nominee must sign a declaration of willingness.
7.3 Nominations must be lodged 30 days before AGM.

8. ROTATION OF NATIONAL COMMITTEE
All members retire annually at the AGM but are eligible for re-election.

9. MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE
9.1 Committee meets regularly; quorum is 50% + 1.
9.2 Secretary circulates documentation at least 7 days prior.
9.3 Regional chairmen have full voting rights; may vote remotely.

10. POWERS OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE
10.1 Appoint delegates to represent the Club.
10.2 Appoint attorneys, agents, officers, clerks.
10.3 Apply for and renew liquor licenses.
10.4 Buy, supply, sell refreshments for members.
10.5 Control Club revenue.
10.6 Insure Club property and liability.
10.7 Preside over elections.
10.8 Raise or borrow money as needed.

11. REGIONAL BRANCHES / SUB-COMMITTEES
11.1 National Committee may appoint regional branches/sub-committees.
11.2 Regional management consists of chairman and secretary, elected at regional AGM.
11.3 Branches may co-opt members with voting rights.
11.4 President and National Secretary are ex-officio members.
11.5 Model Series Registers (11.5.1–11.5.12) detail rules for Registers, funding, membership, leadership, events, reporting, and compliance.

12. BANKERS
Club account shall be kept at a registered commercial bank, approved by National Committee. Withdrawals require Treasurer and President approval.

13. NATIONAL COMMITTEE VACANCIES
Vacancies may be filled by remaining members at a properly constituted meeting.

14. ABSENCE FROM NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
14.1 Absence from three consecutive meetings without valid reason results in removal.
14.2 Habitual absence may lead to resignation request.

15. OFFICE BEARERS
15.1 President: Must have served 2 years on Committee; presides at meetings.
15.2 Vice-President: Same eligibility as President.
15.3 National Secretary: Issues notices, keeps minutes, circulates copies.
15.4 National Treasurer: Manages finances, membership register, subscriptions, reports.
15.5 Regional Chairman & Secretary: Manage regional matters under National Committee.

16. GENERAL MEETING
16.1 Quorum: 25 members. If absent, adjourned for 14 days.
16.2 AGM held within 6 months of financial year end; notice given 30 days prior.
16.3 AGM business includes:
  16.3.1 Confirm minutes
  16.3.2 Receive annual report and audited accounts
  16.3.3 Elect auditor
  16.3.4 Elect honorary members
  16.3.5 Deal with resolutions/amendments
  16.3.6 Confirm election of office bearers
  16.3.7 General business
16.4 Voting by hand, ballot, or proxy.

17. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
May be called by National Committee or requisition of 15 members. Notice given 14–21 days prior. Only agenda business may be discussed. Quorum rules same as 16.1.

18. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
Require two-thirds majority at a general meeting. Amendments must be submitted 14 days prior.

19. NEWSLETTER AND OTHER MEANS OF NOTICE
19.1 The Club newsletter shall be the official organ of the Club.
19.2 Notices may also be sent by email or posted on the Club’s official website.
19.3 Such notices shall be deemed sufficient communication to members.

20. INDEMNITY
20.1 The Club, its office bearers, and members shall not be held responsible for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by any person or property during Club activities.
20.2 Members and participants attend and take part in Club events entirely at their own risk.
20.3 All members must sign an indemnity form upon joining the Club.

21. DISCIPLINE
21.1 The National Committee may take disciplinary action against any member whose conduct is deemed prejudicial to the interests of the Club.
21.2 Disciplinary measures may include suspension or expulsion.
21.3 A member facing disciplinary action shall be given the opportunity to state their case before the Committee.
21.4 Decisions of the National Committee in disciplinary matters are final.

22. FINANCIAL YEAR
22.1 The financial year of the Club shall end on the last day of December each year.
22.2 Annual accounts shall be prepared and audited for presentation at the Annual General Meeting.

23. AUDITOR
23.1 An auditor shall be appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting.
23.2 The auditor shall examine the books of account and certify the correctness of the Club’s financial statements.
23.3 The auditor shall have access to all records and documents of the Club.

24. DISSOLUTION
24.1 The Club may be dissolved by a resolution passed at a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose.
24.2 Such resolution must be carried by a two-thirds majority of members present.
24.3 In the event of dissolution, the assets of the Club shall be disposed of in accordance with the decision of the meeting, provided that no member shall personally benefit.
24.4 Any remaining funds shall be donated to a charitable organisation approved by the National Committee.