The

 Constitution  of  the  Zimbabwe  National  Students  Union  (ZINASU)  

THE  ZIMBABWE  NATIONAL  STUDENTS  UNION  (ZINASU)  CONSTITUTION  

as  adopted  by  the  
National  Congress,  2013  
TABLE  OF  CONTENTS  
ACRONYMS                     i  
DEFINITION  OF  TERMS                 ii  
ARTICLE  1:  PREAMBLE                   1  
ARTICLE  2:  NAME                     1  
ARTICLE  3:  STATUS                   1  
ARTICLE  4:  AIMS  AND  OBJECTIVES                 2  
ARTICLE  5:  ACTIVITIES                 2  
ARTICLE  6:  MEMBERSHIP                 3  
ARTICLE  7:    RIGHTS  AND  OBLIGATIONS  OF  MEMBERS         4  
ARTICLE  8:  HONOURARY  MEMBERSHIP             5  
ARTICLE  9:  STRUCTURE  OF  ZINASU               5  
Section  9.1:  The  National  Congress               5  
Section  9.2:  The  General  Council             6  
Section  9.3:  The  National  Executive  Committee         7  
Section  9.4:  The  Provincial  Executive  Committee         12  
Section  9.5:  Student  Representative  Councils           13  
Section9.  6  The  Advisory  Board               14  
Section  9.7:  The  Secretariat                 16  
ARTICLE  10:  ZINASU  ACCOUNT  SIGNATORIES           18  
ARTICLE  11:  AFFIRMATIVE  ACTION                 18  
ARTICLE  12:  ELECTIONS                 18  
ARTICLE  13:  QUORUM                   19  
ARTICLE  14:  REMOVAL  OF  MEMBERS  FROM  OFFICE             19  
ARTICLE  15:  DISCIPLINE                 21  
ARTICLE  16:  AMENDMENT  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION           21  
ARTICLE  17:  DISSOLUTION                   22  
ANNEXTURE  A:  
ZINASU  CODE  OF  CONDUCT                 23  
 
 

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The  Constitution  of  the  Zimbabwe  National  Students  Union  (ZINASU)  

ACRONYMS  

GC     General  Council  

NEC     National  Executive  Committee  

PEC     Provincial  Executive  Committee  

SRC     Student  Representative  Council  

ZINASU   Zimbabwe  National  Students  Union  

DEFINITION  OF  TERMS  

 “Congress”   means   the   national   general   meeting   that   is   held   bi-­‐annually   on   rotational  
basis  in  all  Provinces  
“Enrol”   means   a   person   being   accepted   to   undertake   a   programme   at   a   ZINASU  
recognised  institution    
“Province”   an   area   demarcated   by   the   GC,   where   institutions   of   higher   learning  
categorically  fall  in  
 “Term   of   office”   means   a   non-­‐renewable   timeframe   not   exceeding   two   years   for   all  
elected  members  
“Student”  means  person  who  has  enrolled  at  an  institution  of  higher  learning  recognised  
by  ZINASU,  for  a  programme  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The  Constitution  of  the  Zimbabwe  National  Students  Union  (ZINASU)  

ARTICLE  1:  PREAMBLE  

We,  the  students  of  Zimbabwe,    

Convinced,   of   the   fervent   need   for   Zimbabwean   students   to   form   a   common   front   for  
the  attainment  of  socio-­‐  economic  advancement  of  the  Zimbabwean  students;    

Certain,  of  the  need  to  carry  forward  the  noble  task  of  liberating  the  students  from  all  
forms  of  exploitation  and  oppression;    

Determined,  to  defend  and  promote  academic  freedoms  and  rights;    

Conscious,  of  the  heroic  struggles  that  have  been  fought  by  students  from  the  colonial  
era  to  the  post  independence  era  and  determined  to  carry  the  same  struggles  forward;  

Conscious,  of  the  problems  facing  the  education  sector  and  the  need  to  resolve  them;  

Guided,   by   the   principle   of   democracy,   non   racism,   non   sexism,   gender   equity,   and  
student   representation   at   national   level;   freedom   of   association,   assembly,   expression  
and   any   other   fundamental   human   rights   bestowed   upon   us   by   all   international   and  
regional   instruments   which   Zimbabwe   is   party   to,   together   with   our   domestic  
legislation;  

Aware,   that   we   are   active   members   of   society   before   we   are   students   and   thus   espouse  
the  values  of  “ubuntu”;  

Do  hereby;  constitute  ourselves  as  the  ZIMBABWE  NATIONAL  STUDENTS  UNION  and  
adopt  this  Constitution  as  our  supreme  instrument  of  governance  and  reference.    

 
ARTICLE  2:  NAME    
The  Union  shall  be  known  as  the  Zimbabwe  National  Students  Union  or  ZINASU,  both  
meaning  one  and  the  same  thing  and  having  equal  effect.  
 
ARTICLE  3:  STATUS  
3.1 ZINASU  shall  have  the  legal  status  of  a  universitas  with  a  legal  personality  separate  
from  that  of  its  membership,  with  perpetual  succession  and  with  the  capacity  to  do  
all  things  of  which  a  universitas  is  capable  of  doing  which  are  compatible  with  and  
subject  to  this  constitution  and  the  ideals  for  which  ZINASU  stands  for.  
3.2 The  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Union  shall  rest  in  the  membership  and  structures  in  
accordance  with  this  Constitution.  
3.3 The  Union  shall  operate  at  National,  Provincial,  and  college  level.  

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ARTICLE  4:  AIMS  AND  OBJECTIVES  
The  main  aims  and  objectives  of  ZINASU  shall  be  the  following:  
4.1 To  promote  unity  among  students    in  all  tertiary  institutions  in    Zimbabwe,  based  on  
common  goals  and  objectives;  
4.2 To  promote  equal  access  to  education  and  respect  for  academic    freedoms,  and  lobby  
for  genuine    reforms  and  democratisation  of  the  education  sector;  
4.3 To  foster  the  development  of  students  by  promoting  inter  –institutional  and  cultural  
exchange   programme   and   extra-­‐curricular   activities   such   as   sports   and   student  
tourism;  
4.4 To   establish   policy,   research   and   analysis   institutions   at   national   and   local   level   in  
the  Union;  
4.5 To  seek,  defend  and  protect  the  rights  of  the  students  of  Zimbabwe    in  particular,  the  
right   to   organize   themselves   and   take   part   in   the   decision-­‐making   and   policy  
implementation  process  on  all  issues  affecting  students;    
4.6 To   promote   the   spirit   of   friendship   and   solidarity   among   students   to   contribute  
actively  in  the  development  of    the  student  movement;    
4.7 To  create  among  the  broad  masses  of  the  Zimbabwean  people  a  sense  of  awareness  
of  the  problems  confronting  Zimbabwean  students  and  of  the  need  for  students,  as  
an  integral  part  of  their  society,  to  be  fully  involved  in  all  efforts  aimed  at  resolving  
them;  and  
4.8 To   promote   social,   economic   and   political   integration   of   ZINASU   and   other  
organisations  in  Zimbabwe.    
 
ARTICLE  5:  ACTIVITIES  
The   activities   of   ZINASU   shall   be   carried   out   within   the   framework   of   the   aims   and  
objectives  as  stated  in  Article  4  of  this  Constitution.  
They  may  include:  
5.1 Facilitating  and  organizing  meetings  such  as  symposia,  seminars,  conferences;  that  
will   allow   for   the   broadest   student   participation   at   the   national,   provincial   and  
college  levels;    

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5.2 Campaigning   in   support   of   material   and   financial   aid   to   assist   students   and   Union  
structures,  which  shall  be  in  need  of  it;    
5.3 Collecting   information   on   student   problems   and   disseminating   the   information   to  
national,  regional  and  international  student  organisations  and  to  all  other  interested  
world  bodies;    
5.4 Promoting  the  formation  of  specialized  bodies  and  committees,  both  on  a  permanent  
and   ad-­‐hoc   basis,   as   the   need   may   be,   in   the   implementation   of   the   policies,  
programmes  and  activities  of  ZINASU;    
5.5 Working   for   the   protection,   preservation   and   promotion   of   cultural   values   and  
traditions  of  the  Zimbabwean  students;  
5.6 Developing   working   relations/   co-­‐operation   with   other   local,   regional   and  
international   student   organizations,   inter   and   non-­‐governmental   organizations   on  
issues  of  common  concern  and  interest;    
5.7 Defending   and   championing   the   academic,   political,   economic,   social   and   cultural  
rights  and  freedoms  of  students  in  Zimbabwe;    
5.8 Rallying   students   to   fight   any   form   of   tyranny,   racism,   sexism,   tribalism   and   any  
other   discriminative   tendencies/   acts   that   negatively   impact   on   the   rights   of  
students;    
5.9 Participating   and   contributing   fully   on   issues   of   national   interest   and   importance;  
and  
5.10 Working  for  all  other  activities  that  may  be  necessary  for  furthering  the  aims  and  
objectives  of  ZINASU.    
 
ARTICLE  6:  MEMBERSHIP  
6.1 ZINASU   shall   be   a   membership   Union   consisting   of   any   student   at   any   tertiary  
institution  in  Zimbabwe  who  subscribes  to  the  aims  and  objectives  of  the  Union.    
6.2 Membership  shall  be  open  to  all  registered  students  at  institutions  of  higher  learning  
regardless  of  nationality,  race,  sex,  creed,  sexual  orientation,  political  affiliation,  on  
condition  that  such  shall  adhere  to  the  principles,  discipline  and  mode  of  operation  
of  the  Union;  
6.3 Membership  shall  be  confirmed  annually  in  accordance  with  the  academic  terms;  
6.4 All  members  shall  be  issued  with  membership  cards  on  payment  of  an  affiliation  fee,  
such  affiliation  fee  shall  be  payable  annually;  

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6.5 No   person   shall   occupy   any   executive   position   or   represent   the   Union   on   any  
structure  unless  s/he  is  a  student  enrolled  at  an  institution  of  higher  learning.    
6.6 No  member,  honorary  or  active  shall  have  the  right  to  ZINASU  property  and  assets  
by  virtue  of  membership.  
6.7 Any  elected  member  shall  relinquish  his/her  position  upon  expiry  of  his/her  term  of  
office.  
6.8 No  elected  member  shall  be  recruited  by  ZINASU  within  five  years  of  the  expiry  of  
his/her  term  of  office.  
 
6.9 Subscriptions    
6.9.1 Every  person  on  becoming  a  member  of  ZINASU  shall  pay  subscriptions  directly  
to  ZINASU.    
6.9.2 Every  member  should  renew  his/her  membership  every  year  and  pay  the  
membership  fee,  
6.9.3 This  annual  membership  fee  must  be  paid  to  ZINASU    within  two  weeks  of  the  
opening  of  the  first  Semester,    
6.9.4 No  person  shall  be  able  to  represent  the  Union  or  vote  on  any  of  its  policies  
unless  they  pay  subscriptions.  
 

ARTICLE  7:  RIGHTS  AND  OBLIGATIONS  OF  MEMBERS  

7.1 Every  member  of  the  Union  (excluding  Honorary  members)  shall  have  the  right  to:  
7.1.1 Take  part  in  the  discussion  and  formulation  of  ZINASU  policies,  
7.1.2  Be  elected  to  any  committee,  commission  or  delegation  of  the  Union,    
7.1.3 Engage  in  constructive  criticism  and  self-­‐criticism,  
7.1.4 Protection  against  any  harassment,  victimization,  and  or  discrimination  based  on  
race  ethnicity,  regionalism,  sex  or  creed,  or  political  affiliation.    
7.1.5  Active  participation  in  the  designated  activities  of  the  Union.    
7.2.  All  members  shall  be  obliged  to:  

7.2.1 Pledge   their   unswerving   loyalty   to   the   Union   and   place   them   under   its   overall  
discipline,  
7.2.2 Carry  out  decisions,  duties  and  directives  with  diligence,  

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7.2.3 Organize,   participate   and   contribute   positively   to   ZINASU   activities   and/or  

programs  and  to  contribute  to  the  strengthening  of  its  organic  unity.  
 
ARTICLE  8:  HONORARY  MEMBERSHIP    
8.1 Honorary   membership   shall   be   granted   to   distinguished   persons   and   or  
organizations   that   have   excelled   in   the   promotion   and   protection   of   academic  
freedoms  in  Zimbabwe  and  elsewhere.    
8.2 The   criterion   for   arrogation   of   honorary   membership   shall   be   based   on   the  
contribution   of   that   particular   organization   or   person   to   issues   affecting   students,  
democracy,  the  economy  and  any  other  issues  which  reverberate  and  echo  with  the  
ZINASU  ideology.    
8.3 Honorary  membership  shall  be  conferred  by  the  NEC.  
8.4 Honorary   members   shall   have   a   reciprocal   duty   to   give   sundry   assistance,   support  
and  advice  to  ZINASU.  
8.5 Honorary  members  may  sit  as  observers  during  Congress  elections.  
 
ARTICLE  9:  STRUCTURE  OF  ZINASU    
9.1 National  Congress  
9.2 General  Council  
9.3 National  Executive  Committee  
9.4 Provincial  Executive  Committee  
9.5 Students  Representative  Councils  
9.6 The  Advisory  Board  
9.7 The  Secretariat  

9.1 NATIONAL  CONGRESS  

9.1.1 There   shall   be   a   ZINASU   National   Congress   (hereinafter   referred   to   as   the  

Congress)  which  shall  be  held  on  rotational  basis  in  all  Provinces.    
9.1.2 Congress   shall   be   composed   of   four   elected   and   sitting   student  
representatives  from  SRCs  at  each  of  the  member  and  affiliate  institutions  
recognized  by  ZINASU  and  all  members  of  the  outgoing  ZINASU  Executive.  
9.1.3 Congress   shall   be   the   supreme   organ   of   ZINASU   and   shall   mandate   the  
NEC  in  fulfilling  ZINASU  aims  and  objectives.  

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9.1.4  Congress   shall   have   the   mandate   of   electing   the   ZINASU   National  
Executive  Committee  (NEC)  bi-­‐annually.    
9.1.5 Congress  shall  confirm  the  Provincial  Executive  Committee  Chairpersons  
as  members  of  NEC.    
9.1.6 It  shall  receive  and  consider  reports  of  the  National  Executive  Committee,  
which  shall  be  presented  by  the  President,  Secretary  General  and  National  
Treasurer,  and  deliberate  on  the  policies  and  programs  of  the  Union.  
9.1.7 Subject   to   Article   13   of   this   Constitution,   Congress   has   the   authority   to  
confirm   and   amend   the   Constitution,   after   a   written   resolution   for   so  
doing  is  submitted  by  the  GC  to  NEC,  provided  that  a  two  thirds  majority  
of  members  sitting  and  present  at  such  deliberations  votes  in  favor  of  that  
amendment.  
9.1.8 In  the  event  of  no  consensus  pertaining  to  simple  decisions,  all  decisions  
shall   be   taken   by   a   simple   majority   vote   unless   otherwise   specified  
elsewhere   in   this   constitution   that   a   special   majority   is   required   for   the  
validation  of  such  decisions.  
 

9.2 GENERAL  COUNCIL  

9.2.1 There   shall   be   a   ZINASU   General   Council   (hereinafter   referred   to   as   the  
GC).  Its  mandate  shall  be  to  conduct  periodic  meetings  for  the  assessment  
of  progress  and  implementation  of  resolutions  of  Congress,  activities  and  
policies  of  the  Union.  
9.2.2 The  GC  shall  consist  of  two  SRC  members;  the  President/Chairperson  and  
any  other  member.    
9.2.3 General   Council   Meetings   shall   be   held  at   least   twice   a   year   and   at   most  
quarterly.   The   meetings   shall   be   called   upon   by   the   ZINASU   National  
President,  who  shall  chair  and  preside  over  such  meetings,  in  consultation  
with   the   ZINASU   Secretary   General,   who   will   act   as   secretary   to   such  
meetings.   An   Extra-­‐Ordinary   General   Council   Meeting   may   be   called  
where   the   circumstances   require   such   action.   In   no   situation   should   the  
General  Council  be  turned  into  a  Congress.  
9.2.4 At  least  2/3  of  the  GC  can  call  GC.  

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9.2.5 The  General  Council  shall  be  mandated  to:  

9.2.5.1 Review   the   progress   of   the   implementation   of   resolutions   in   the  
previous  Congress.  
9.2.5.2 Review  and  determine  membership  conditions,  subscriptions  and  
matters  connected  therewith.  
9.2.5.3 Discuss   contemporary   issues   that   affect   the   operating  
environment  of  students  and  pass  resolutions  aimed  at  improving  
the  state  of  the  education  sector  in  Zimbabwe.  
9.2.5.4 Pass   resolutions   that   are   aimed   at   resolving   internal   problems  
encountered  by  ZINASU.    
9.2.5.5 Fill   in   vacant   positions   as   they   arise   in   the   NEC   in-­‐between  
Congresses  from  members  of  the  Provincial  Executive  Committee.  
9.2.5.6 Demarcate  the  ZINASU  Provinces.  
 

9.3  NATIONAL  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE  

9.3.1 There   is   established   a   ZINASU   National   Executive   Committee   (hereafter  

referred   to   as   NEC)   which   shall   coordinate   activities   in   all   Students’  
Representative   Bodies   from   various   institutions   of   learning   that   are  
affiliate  institutions  to  ZINASU.    
9.3.2 NEC   members   shall   be   elected   at   the   Congress   and   members   of   NEC  
(Provincial  Executive  Committee  Chairpersons)  shall  also  be  confirmed  at  
the  Congress.    
9.3.3 The   National   Executive   Committee   presides   over   the   Congress   and  
General  Council  Meetings,  with  the  ZINASU  National  President  as  its  head.  
9.3.4 The  National  Executive  Committee    shall  comprise    the  following:  
9.3.4.1 The  President.  
9.3.4.2 The  Vice-­‐President.  
9.3.4.3 The  Secretary  General.  
9.3.4.4 The  National  Treasurer.  
9.3.4.5 The  Information  and  Publicity  Secretary.  
9.3.4.6 The  Gender  Secretary.  
9.3.4.7 The  Legal  and  Human  Rights  Secretary.  

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9.3.4.8 The  Education,  Policy  and  Research  Secretary.  

9.3.4.9 International  Relations  Secretary.  
9.3.5 Provincial   Executive   Committee   Chairpersons   shall   be   members   of   the  
NEC.    
9.3.6 Congress   may   determine   whether   any   of   the   portfolios   shall   be  
designated  fulltime  officials,  incumbents  and  personnel  of  the  Union.  
9.3.7 The   National   Executive   Committee   may   subject   its   discretion   to   form  
Committees   as   are   necessary   for   the   smooth   and   efficient   flow   of   the  
activities   of   ZINASU.   The   modus   operandi   of   these   Committees   shall   be  
determined   by   each   particular   committee   through   the   creation   of  
standing  rules  and  orders  of  each  particular  committee.    
9.3.8 Subject   to   clause   9.5.10,   the   office   bearers   elected   in   terms   of   this  
constitution  shall  hold  office  for  a  non-­‐renewable  two  year  term.      
9.3.9 No-­‐one  shall  be  elected  unless  he/she  has  enrolled,  has  at  least  4  months  
of  college  life  at  that  tertiary  institution  and  is  a  member  of  a  SRC.    
9.3.10 Any   elected   member   shall   relinquish   his/her   position   upon   expiry   of  
his/her  term  of  office.  
 

9.3.11 FUNCTIONS  AND  DUTIES  OF  NEC  MEMBERS  

9.3.11.1 THE  PRESIDENT  
The  National  President’s  duties  shall  include  but  not  be  limited  to  the  following:  
9.3.11.1.1 Convening   and   presiding   over   the   Congress   and   General  
Council   and   NEC   meetings   in   which   he/she   has   a   casting   vote  
only.  
9.3.11.1.2 Sitting   as   a   member   in   the   Board   and   perform   such   duties   of  
the  Board  representing  the  students.  
9.3.11.1.3 Acting   as   the   official   representative   of   the   Union   except   in  
circumstances   in   which   he/she   is   acting   in   his/her   personal  
capacity.  
9.3.11.1.4 Providing   periodic   reports   on   the   work   of   his/her   office   at  
General   Council   Meetings   or   Congress   and   any   other   periodical  

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reports  as  may  be  necessary  in  highlighting  the  state  of  affairs  
in  ZINASU.  
9.3.11.1.5 Shall   be   a   signatory   all   Union   MOUs   including   grant  
agreements.    
 
 
9.3.11.2 VICE  PRESIDENT  
The  Vice  Presidents’  duties  shall  include,  but  shall  not  be  limited  to  the  following;  
9.3.11.2.1 In   the   absence   of   the   President   due   to   any   reason,   the   Vice-­‐
President  shall  assume  office  as  the  Acting  President.  
9.3.11.2.2  The   Vice-­‐President   shall   chair   the   Finance   Committee   and  
convene  its  meetings  in  which  he/she  will  have  a  casting  vote  
only.  
9.3.11.2.3 The   Vice-­‐President   shall   report   immediately   to   the   Board  
Finance   Committee   on   discovering   any   irregularities   in   the  
Administration  and  use  of  Union  funds.  
9.3.11.2.4 Be  responsible  for  disciplinary  matters  and  the  implementation  
of  the  ZINASU  Code  of  Conduct.    
 
 
9.3.11.3 SECRETARY  GENERAL  
The  Secretary  General  shall:-­‐  
9.3.11.3.1 Play  administrative  roles  of  the  Union  in  consultation  with  the  
Secretariat.    
9.3.11.3.2 Be  a  member  of  the  Board  and  work  closely  with  other  Board  
members  in  the  supervision  of  the  secretariat.  
9.3.11.3.3 Be   responsible   issuing   public   statements   and   speaking   on  
behalf   of   the   Union   at   meetings,   conferences,   workshops   and  
any  other  such  fora.  
9.3.11.3.4 Keep  a  register  of  all  members,  SRCs  and  associate  members    
9.3.11.3.5 Coordinate  all  NEC  Meetings  through  the  secretariat.  
9.3.11.3.6 Be   responsible   for   minutes   at   all   General   Council,   National  
Executive   Council   Meetings,   Congress   and   any   other   such  

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meetings   and   circulate   minutes   of   previous   meetings   and  

agenda  in  time  before  any  meeting  the  meeting.  
 
 
9.3.11.4 NATIONAL  TREASURER  
The  National  Treasurer  shall:-­‐    
9.3.11.4.1 Liaise   with   the   NEC   and   all   PEC   treasurers   to   ensure   the  
financial  coordination  of  the  Union;  
9.3.11.4.2 Present   the   Financial   Reports   at   Congress,   GC   and   at   other  
relevant  meetings;  
9.3.11.4.3 Keep   books   of   accounts   of   the   Union   in   a   form   and   manner  
recommended  by  the  auditors;  
9.3.11.4.4 Submit  up-­‐to-­‐date  income  and  expenditure  statements  at  every  
NEC  for  submission  to  the  GC;  
9.3.11.4.5 Compile   annual   financial   reports   and   cooperate   with   the  
Secretariat,  Board  and  Auditors  of  the  Union;  
 
 
9.3.11.5 SECRETARY  FOR  INFORMATION  AND  PUBLICITY  
The  Secretary  for  information  and  publicity  shall:-­‐  
9.3.11.5.1 Be  the  responsible  for  the  dissemination  of  information  within  
the  Union  and  to  the  Public.  
9.3.11.5.2  In  effecting  his/her  duties,  the  Union  communication  strategy  
should  be  followed  to  evade  conflicting  positions  
9.3.11.5.3 Shall  in  consultation  with  the  President  and  Secretary  General  
prepare  and  issue  release  on  the  Union  activities.    
9.3.11.5.4 Shall   be   the   Chairperson   of   the   Information   Committee   and  
Editor  in  Chief  of  Publications  for  the  Union.  
9.3.11.5.5 Responsible   for   the   production   of   monthly,   quarterly   and  
annual  publications  for  the  Union.  
 
9.3.11.6 EDUCATION,  POLICY  AND  RESERCH    SECRETARY    
The  Secretary  for  education  and  research  shall  be  responsible  for:-­‐  

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9.3.11.6.1 Promoting  the  academic  development  of  Union  members.  

9.3.11.6.2 Assisting   the   secretariat   in   the   sourcing   of   resources   for   the  
academic   advancement   of   members   of   the   Union   such   as  
scholarships.  
9.3.11.6.3 Creating   projects   aimed   at   improving   the   state   and   quality   of  
education  in  Zimbabwe.  
9.3.11.6.4 Coordinate   activities   on   education   policy   research   at   the  
national  and  local  level  in  the  organisation.  
9.3.11.6.5 Engage   in   policy,   research   and   analysis   on   various   areas   that  
are   of   interest   and   benefit   to   the   organization   and   to   the  
academic  community  of  Zimbabwe.  
 

9.3.11.7 SECRETARY  FOR  INTERNATIONAL  RELATIONS  

The  International  Relations  Secretary  shall  be  responsible  for:  

9.3.11.7.1 Liaise  with  other  organizations  and  stakeholders  in  the  region  
and  internationally  on  positions  of  students  on  various  issues.  
9.3.11.7.2  Liaising   and   maintain   contact   with   the   International   Union   of  
Students,  All  Africa  Students  Union,  Southern  African  Students  
Union  and  international  Unions  to  which  the  Union  is  affiliated  
and  National  Unions  from  other  countries,  
9.3.11.7.3 Maintaining  a  proper  image  of  the  Union  internationally.  
9.3.11.7.4 Networking  the  Union,  regionally  and  internationally    

9.3.11.8 GENDER  SECRETARY    

The  secretary  for  gender  and  human  rights  shall  be  responsible  for:  
9.3.11.8.1 Working   closely   with   the   Secretariat   in   projects   that   are   aimed   at  
gender  equality  and  increasing  the  participation  of  female  students  
in  governance  issues.  

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9.3.11.8.2 Acting   as   liaison   between   the   NEC   and   gender   subcommittees   of  

Union  in  the  PECs  and  SRCs.    
9.3.11.8.3 Being    the  Gender  Committee  Chairperson  
9.3.11.8.4 Being   the   NEC   representative   in   organisations   that   addresses   the  
woman’s  aspirations  
 
9.3.11.9 LEGAL  AND  HUMAN  RIGHTS  SECRETARY  
The  Legal  and  Human  Rights  Secretary  shall  be  responsible  for:-­‐  
9.3.11.9.1 Assisting  affected  members  of  ZINASU  to  seek  legal  recourse  in  any  
matter  that  requires  legal  advice  or  action  
9.3.11.9.2 Ensuring   that   due   process   is   guaranteed   and   executed   at   law   in  
situations  where  students  are  victims  of  repressive  laws.  
 

9.4 PROVINCIAL  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE  

9.4.1 PROVINCES  
9.4.1.1 The   demarcation   of   Provinces   shall   conform   to   the   provincial  
demarcation  as  defined  by  the  General  Council.    
9.4.1.2 Each   province   shall   convene   quarterly   meetings   in   which   all   the  
Chairpersons   and   Secretaries   General   of   SRCs   shall   constitute   the  
Provincial  Executive  Committee.  As  such,  the  PEC  shall  be  constituted  
of  the  total  number  of  tertiary  institutions  in  the  province.  
 
9.4.2 The  PEC  shall  consist  of  the  following  members:  
9.4.2.1 Chairperson  
9.4.2.2 Deputy  Chairperson  
9.4.2.3 Provincial  Secretary  
9.4.2.4 Provincial  Treasurer,  and  
9.4.2.5 Committee  Members  
9.4.3 Duties   and   responsibilities   of   the   remaining   members   shall   be   assigned   by  
the  PEC  at  its  first  meeting.      
9.4.4 All  Provincial  Executive  Committee  Chairpersons  shall  be  members  of  NEC.    

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9.4.5 The  office  bearers  elected  in  terms  of  this  Constitution  shall  hold  office  for  a  
non-­‐renewable  two  year  term.    
9.4.6 No-­‐one  shall  be  elected  unless  he/she  has  enrolled,  has  at  least  4  months  of  
college  life  at  that  tertiary  institution  and  is  a  member  of  a  SRC.    
9.4.7 Any  elected  member  shall  relinquish  his/her  position  upon  expiry  of  his/her  
term  of  office.      
 

9.4.8 Roles  and  Responsibilities  of  the  PECs  

The  PECs  serve  to  facilitate  joint  planning  between  SRCs  and  to  link  the  SRC  activities  
with  the  national  consensus  and  trends  within  ZINASU.  The  following  are  some  of  the  
specific  functions  of  the  PEC;  

9.4.8.1 Convening   quarterly   feedback   meetings   where   progress   in  

implementing  work  plans  and  other  business  of  the  SRCs  is  discussed.    
9.4.8.2 Planning  and  coordinating  all  ZINASU  provincial  activities.    
9.4.8.3 Providing   an   interface   between   SRCs   and   the   NEC   and   receive   for  
onward  deliberation  in  the  NEC,  work  plans  and  reports  of  the  SRCs  
9.4.8.4 Coordinating   and   leading   ZINASU   national   advocacy   campaigns   at  
provincial  level    
9.4.8.5 Convening  to  discuss  important  business  of  the  provinces  as  deemed  
necessary  or  as  instructed  by  the  NEC  to  deliberate  on  an  agenda  that  
may  be  referred  to  them  by  the  same  
9.4.8.6 Representing   ZINASU   in   all   platforms,   networks   and   meetings   to  
which  ZINASU  is  invited  in  the  province.    
9.4.8.7 Confirming  provincial  delegates  for  the  Congress  and  GC  meetings.  
9.4.8.8 Ensuring  communication  between  provinces  and  the  NEC  and  submit  
reports  at  each  NEC  meeting.  
9.4.8.9 Any   other   roles   that   may   be   determined   from   time   to   time   by   the   NEC  
or  by  themselves  and  approved  by  the  NEC.  
 

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9.4.9 Election  of  Provincial  Representatives  to  the  NEC  

9.4.9.1 Election  of  PEC  members  shall  be  done  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  PEC  
after  the  Congress.    

9.5 STUDENT  REPRESENTATIVE  COUNCILS  

9.5.1 A   Student’s   Representative   Council   is   a   body   of   democratically   elected  

student  representatives  at  any  particular  tertiary  institution  which  acts  for  
and  on  behalf  of  the  students,  deriving  their  mandate  so  to  act  by  virtue  of  
their  being  elected  leaders  of  the  students.  
9.5.2 For   SRCs   to   be   duly   recognized   as   legitimate   by   ZINASU   they   must   be  
autonomous  and  their  elections  must  be  done  in  a  democratic,  transparent,  
free  and  fair  manner.  
9.5.3 The  Students  Representative  Council  at  any  tertiary  institution  in  Zimbabwe  
shall   form   the   official   representative   organ   between   the   general   students  
union  at  that  particular  institution  and  ZINASU.  
9.5.4 The   composition   of   the   SRC   shall   be   determined   by   the   specific   college  
Constitution   which   must   be   submitted   to   the   NEC   through   the   NEC  
Secretary  General.  .  
9.5.5 Each  SRC  shall  supervise  all  aspects  of  the  activities  of  the  students  within  
that  tertiary  institution.    
 

9.6 THE  ADVISORY  BOARD    

9.6.1 There   shall   be   a   ZINASU   Advisory   Board   (hereinafter   referred   to   as   the  

Board)   which   shall   comprise   not   less   than   five   but   not   exceeding   ten  
persons.  
9.6.2 The   Board   shall   play   an   advisory   role   and   provide   professional   advice   to  
ZINASU.    
 
9.6.3 Roles  and  Responsibilities  of  the  Board  
The  roles  and  responsibilities  of  the  Board  shall  be:  

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9.6.3.1 To   give   effect   to   the   ZINASU   Constitution   and   to   safeguard   the  

ZINASU’s   interests   and   act   for   the   furtherance   of   the   ZINASU  
objectives.    
9.6.3.2 To  exercise  an  advisory  role  to  ZINASU  and  play  an  oversight  role  over  
the  activities  of  the  Union  
9.6.3.3 To   employ   the   ZINASU   secretariat   after   consultation   with   NEC.   The  
Board  shall  undertake  such  work  in  accordance  with  best  practices  of  
human  resources  and  in  observance  of  the  Union’s  Human  Resources  
Policy   and   national   labour   laws;   to   give   effect   to   the   ZINASU  
Constitution;  
9.6.3.4 To  supervise  the  operations  of  the  secretariat    and  ensure  that  these  
are   in   line   with   best   practice,   including   transparency,   accountability,  
and  the  objectives  of  the  Union;  
9.6.3.5 To   call   for   Congress   in   consultation   with   the   sitting   General  
Councillors;   the   case   of   all     ZINASU   members   vacating   office   before  
serving  their  full  term;  
9.6.3.6 The  Board  and  the  GC  shall  dissolve  the  NEC  when  Congress  is  delayed  
by  three  months  and  put  a  transitional  mechanism  to  facilitate  holding  
of  Congress.  
9.6.3.7 To   establish   such   subcommittees   of   the   Board   as   may   be   considered  
necessary   for   the   smooth   running   of   the   organization   and   to  
determine  such  Committees’  terms  of  reference  and  modus  operandi;  
9.6.3.8 To   accept   such   money   or   assets   as   may   from   time   to   time   be   settled  
upon   the   Union   and   to   invest   or   reinvest   the   proceeds   in   immovable  
and  movable  property;    
9.6.3.9 To  take  action  in  a  court  of  law  for  the  recovery  of  any  amounts  due  to  
the  Union    or  to  compel  the  fulfilment  of  obligations  in  its  favor  and  to  
defend  any  proceedings  that  may  be  instituted  against  the  Union;    
9.6.3.10 To     execute   all   such   deeds,   and     other   documents   as   they   consider  
necessary  or  desirable,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  functions  of  
the  Union  to  stabilise  it,  or  its  winding  up;  
9.6.3.11 To   sit   as   an   observer   during   Congress   elections,   following   which,   to  
issue  a  statement  assessing  the  freeness  and  fairness  of  such  elections,  

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and  to  what  extent  the  elections  have  followed  the  letter  and  spirit  of  
this  Constitution  
 
9.6.4 Composition  of  the  Board    
9.6.4.1 The   Board   shall   consist   of   not   less   than   five,   but   not   more   than   ten  
members  appointed  by  the  NEC  and  approved  by  the  GC.  
9.6.4.2 The  Board  shall  comprise  of  the  following:  
9.6.4.2.1 The  Board  Chairperson  
9.6.4.2.2 The  Board  Vice-­‐Chairperson  

9.6.4.2.3 The  Board  Secretary  

9.6.4.2.4 The  Legal  Advisor  

9.6.4.2.5 The  Gender  Advisor;  and  

9.6.4.2.6 Committee  members    

9.6.4.3 The   sitting   President   and   the   Secretary   General   shall   be   automatic  
members  of  the  Board  and  shall  serve  for  12  months  with  full  powers  
and  privileges  of  a  Board  member.  

9.6.4.4 The  National  Coordinator  shall  be  an  ex-­‐officio  member  of  the  Board  
and   provide   a   link   between   the   Secretariat   and   the   Board   on  
administrative  issues.    

9.6.4.5 Appointment,  voting  and  decisions,  subsequent  vacant  filling  of  vacant  
posts   in   the   Board,   relations   between   the   Board   and   the   NEC   among  
other  operational  issues  concerning  the  Board  are  provided  for  in  the  
Board  Operational  Guidelines.    

 
9.7 THE  SECRETARIAT  
9.7.1 The   ZINASU   Constitution   hereby   provides   for   the   employment   of   a  
Secretariat   to   be   responsible   for   administrative   duties   and   the   day   to   day  
running  of  the  Union.    

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9.7.2 The   Secretariat   staff   is   not   composed   of   political   appointees   but  

professionals,   recruited   through   competitive   procedures,   who   meet  
minimum  educational  qualifications  and  appropriate  skills  required  for  the  
job  at  hand  in  keeping  with  human  resources  management  trends  and  Union  
policies.  
9.7.3 The   Board   shall   employ   the   National   Coordinator.   (   Procedural  
Manual)Secretariat    
9.7.4 The  Board  together  with  NEC,  in  serving  the  interests  of  the  students,  shall  
supervise  the  Secretariat.    
 
 
9.7.5 Roles  and  Responsibilities  of  the  Secretariat  
 

9.7.5.1 The   ZINASU   Secretariat   shall,   broadly,   be   responsible   for   the   day   to  
day  running  of  the  Union  and  any  decision  making  that  pertain  to  such  
functions.    
9.7.5.2 With  the  input  of  the  NEC,  design  and  implement  programmes  in  line  
with  the  vision  and  the  strategic  plan  of  the  Union.  
9.7.5.3 Fundraising  for  the  Union’s  programmes  on  behalf  of  the  membership.  
9.7.5.4 Provide   logistical   services   for   the   convening   of   the   Board   and   NEC  
meetings  as  scheduled.  
9.7.5.5 Co-­‐ordinate   ongoing   projects,   activities   and   campaigns   of   ZINASU   at  
national,  provincial  and  college  levels.  
9.7.5.6 Maintain   a   membership   register   and   process   membership  
applications  in  a  manner  determined  by  the  NEC.  
9.7.5.7 Maintain  the  ZINASU  books  of  accounts  in  a  manner  determined  and  
required  by  the  NEC  and  the  Board.  
9.7.5.8 Take,   keep   and   distribute   minutes   of   all   relevant   meetings   in  
consultation  with  NEC.  
9.7.5.9 Generally  maintain  all  records  of  ZINASU  in  a  professional  manner  and  
perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  imposed  by  this  Constitution  or  
as  the  Board  and  NEC  may  from  time  to  time  direct.  

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9.7.5.10 Undertake  programmes  of  capacity  building  for  the  membership,  NEC,  
and  GC.  
 

9.7.6 Appointment  and  Dismissal  of  Secretariat  Staff  

9.7.6.1 All  appointments  and  dismissals  of  staff  in  the  Secretariat  shall  be  held  
in  accordance  with  Union’s  policies  as  adopted  by  the  NEC  and  Board  
together  with  national  labour  laws.  In  the  same  vein,  all  dismissals  will  
be  governed  by  the  same  policies  and  laws.  

9.7.6.2 The  Board,  in  consultation  with  the  NEC,  may  suspend  or  dismiss  the  
National   Coordinator   of   the   Union.   Should   the   NEC   have   reasonable  
grounds   for   wanting   to   relieve   the   National   Coordinator   of   her/his  
duties,   they   shall   communicate   to   the   Board   with   the   reasons   for  
taking  such  action.    

9.7.6.3 The   Board   shall   make   a   determination   on   technical   grounds,   on  

whether   the   National   Coordinator   is   in   breach   of   acceptable  
professional   conduct,   institutional   policies/Constitution   and   the   laws  
of  the  country  guiding  his/her  employment.  
 

ARTICLE  10:  ZINASU  ACCOUNT  SIGNATORIES    

10.1   The   Board   and   the   NEC   shall   appoint   two   persons   each,   respectively,   to   be  
signatories  to  the  ZINASU  account.  

ARTICLE  11:  AFFIRMATIVE  ACTION  

11.1  Any   composition   of   elected   membership   shall   strive   to   achieve   50%   women  
representation.  
11.2In   the   endeavour   to   reach   the   objective   of   full   representation   of   women   in   all  
decision   making   structures   ZINASU   shall   implement   a   programme   of   affirmative  
action  in  all  its  structures  to  enable  effective  participation  of  women.  

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ARTICLE  12:  ELECTIONS  

 
12.1 THE  NATIONAL  EXECUTIVE  COUNCIL  
12.1.1 Elections   for   the   National   Executive   Council   shall   be   carried   out   during   the  
Congress,   and   shall   be   done   in   the   presence   of   the   Board,   and   the   outgoing  
National  Executive  Council.    
12.1.2 The   Board   and   honorary   members   will   be   called   upon   to   observe   during  
proceedings  at  the  Congress.  
12.1.3 Nomination  shall  be  by  the  SRCs.    
12.1.4 The   same   rules   shall   apply   to   all   classes   of   elections   except   for   the   Provincial  
Chairpersons  who  are  confirmed  as  members  of  NEC  during  Congress.  
 

12.2 Balloting  for  the  NEC  

12.2.1 There  shall  be  three  ballot  papers  
12.2.2 The   National   President   and   Vice-­‐President   shall   be   elected   in   separate   ballots   on  
the  basis  of  one  person  one  vote.  Positions  of  the  National  President  and  the  Vice  
President  shall  strive  to  ensure  gender  balance.  
12.2.3 The  first  ballot  shall  be  for  the  National  President  and  the  second  ballot  for  the  
Vice-­‐President.  
12.2.4 The   candidate   who   polls   least   50%   plus   one   of   the   votes   shall   be   declared   the  
National  President  and  the  same  applies  for  the  Vice-­‐President  and  the  Secretary  
General.  
12.2.5 The   third   ballot   shall   be   for   the   Secretaries.   Positions   for   secretaries   shall   be  
contested   separately,   with   the   announcement   of   each   position,   following   which  
nominated  candidates  shall  be  voted  for.    
12.2.6 The   Candidate   polling   the   highest   number   of   votes   is   immediately   declared   the  
holder  of  that  particular  portfolio.  
12.2.7 Election  results  should  be  announced  during  Congress.  
12.2.8 All  Electoral  disputes  shall  be  directed  to  the  Electoral  Board.    

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12.3 PROVINCIAL  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEES  

12.3.1 Members   of   the   PEC   shall   be   elected   from   all   the   Chairpersons   and   Secretary  
Generals  of  SRCs  in  that  province.    
12.3.2 The  same  balloting  procedure  under  10.2  above  applies.      
12.3.3 The   second   ballot   shall   be   for   the   other   portfolios   provided   for   in   this  
Constitution.  The  Candidate  polling  the  highest  number  of  votes  is  immediately  
declared  the  holder  of  that  particular  portfolio.  
12.3.4 Election  results  should  be  announced  during  the  Provincial  Executive  Committee  
Meeting.  
 
12.4 THE  STUDENTS’  REPRESENTATIVE  COUNCIL  
The  SRC  shall  be  elected  by  students  at  any  tertiary  institution  as  provided  for  in  
their  Constitutions.  
 
ARTICLE  13:  QUORUM  
11.1The  Quorum  of  the  Congress  and  General  Council  shall  be  two-­‐thirds  majority  of  the  
representatives   of   all   affiliate   and   member   institutions   of   ZINASU.   The   quorum  
shall  not  be  constituted  by  less  than  two-­‐thirds  of  the  registered  SRCs  at  which  at  
least   five   provinces   are   present   or   as   agreed   by   the   General   Council.   If   no   such  
quorum  is  reached,  another  meeting  will  be  held  within  four  weeks  following  which  
the  quorum  rule  falls  away.    
 
11.2The  quorum  for  all  others  structures  shall  be  at  least  50%  plus  one  of  its  members  
present   at   a   meeting.   If   a   meeting   does   not   quorate   the   meeting   will   stand  
adjourned  for  no  longer  two  weeks.  At  the  expiry  of  the  adjourned  time  the  meeting  
will  proceed  and  the  decisions  reached  shall  have  the  status.    
 
ARTICLE  14:  REMOVAL  OF  MEMBERS  FROM  OFFICE.  
12.1Office  bearers  in  the  National  Executive  Council  may  cease  to  hold  office  upon  the  
following  grounds;  
12.1.1 An   office   bearer   tenders   his/her   resignation   letter   to   the   Secretary   General,   a  
copy   of   which   is   submitted   to   the   Board   Chairperson   and   to   the   Secretary  
General.  

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12.1.2 An   office   bearer   fails   to   attend   three   consecutive   National   Executive   Council  
meetings  without  valid  notice  or  reason.  
12.1.3 A  vote  of  no  confidence  is  passed  by  2/3  majority  vote  in  a  properly  constituted  
General  Council  Meeting,  for  reasons  such  as  failure  to  live  up  to  the  mandate  of  
that  particular  person’s  office.  
12.1.4 Where  the  National  Executive  Council  makes  a  finding  of  gross  negligence  of  duty  
or   gross   misconduct   and   the   finding   is   ratified   by   2/3   of   the   General   Council  
members.  
12.1.5 Upon  death  of  a  member.  
12.1.6 Where  a  member  medically  deemed  insane  or  mentally  challenged.  
12.1.7 After  an  elected  member  relinquishes  his/her  position  after  the  expiry  of  his/her  
term  of  office.    
 
ARTICLE  15:  DISCIPLINE  
Discipline   and   conduct   of   members   shall   be   regulated   and   governed   herein   by   the   Code  
of  Conduct  as  adopted  by  the  Congress.  
 
ARTICLE  16:    AMENDMENT  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION  
16.1This   Constitution   is   the   supreme   law   of   ZINASU   and   any   amendment   to   this  
Constitution   shall   be   submitted   to   Congress   by   the   General   Council   for  
consideration   and   can   be   passed   by   a   two-­‐thirds   majority   vote.   An   Extra  
Ordinary   Congress   may   be   called   if   the   amendments   have   to   be   urgently  
adopted  and  incorporated.  
16.2Whenever   disputes   arise,   the   Constitution   shall   be   the   supreme   body   of  
reference.  
16.3The  fundamental  principles  upon  which  this  Constitution  is  founded  shall  not  
be  changed  by  anyone,  even  Congress.  
16.4The  Legal  Advisor  shall  interpret  this  Constitution  and  in  case  of  no  consensus  
being   reached,   the   NEC   and   the   Board   shall   appoint   an   independent   body   to  
resolve  the  dispute.  
 
 
 

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ARTICLE  17:  DISSOLUTION  

15.1ZINASU   shall   be   regarded   as   dissolved   if   two   thirds   of   a   Congress   constituted   for  
that  purpose  only,  decide  on  the  dissolution  of  the  Union.  
15.2Upon  dissolution  or  winding  up,  the  assets  of  the  Union,  remaining  after  satisfaction  
of  all  its  liabilities  shall  be  channelled  to  charity.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Annexure  A  
ZIMABWE  NATIONAL  STUDENTS  UNION    
Code  of  Conduct  
Annexure  to  the  Constitution  

1. PREAMBLE  
1.1  ZINASU   is   an   independent   student   Union   of   Zimbabwe   pursuing   tertiary  
education   transformation,   in   order   to   meet   its   aims   and   objectives,   all   its  
members  have  voluntarily  joined  accepting  its  common  discipline,  
1.2 The   basic   rights   and   duties   of   all   members   are   therefore   set   out   in   the  
Constitution,  
1.3 This  Code  of  Conduct    complements  and  reinforces  rather  than  replacing  or  
modifying   the   fundamental   principles   of   the   Union   as   stated   in   the  
Constitution,  
1.4 The   Code   of   Conduct   seeks   to   establish   the   nature   of   behavior   that   is  
unacceptable  in  the  Union  and  creates    standards  based  on  the  traditions  of  
the  Union’s  struggle  in  line  with  our  strategic  objectives  and  convictions,  
1.5 This  is  a  document  which  by  its  nature  needs  to  be  studied  and  understood  
by   the   whole   membership,   for   in   last   resort,   the   voluntary   assumption   of  
rights  and  duties  by  the  members,  which  lies  at  the  heart  of  the  discipline  of  
our  members.  
 
2. CLASSIFICATION  OF  OFFENCES    
2.1    Grave  offences  against  the  Union  
2.1.1 Any   offence   aimed   at   destroying   the   integrity   of   the   Union,   its  
personnel,   property,   or   its   fighting   capacity,   shall   be   considered   a  
grave  offence.  
2.1.2    A  grave  offence  shall  be  committed  by  a  person  who  inter  alia:  
 
a) With   intent   to   destroy   the   integrity   of   the   Union,   its   personnel,   property   or  
its  fighting  capacity:  
i. Sabotages  the  activities  of  the  Union,  
ii.  Creates  divisions  within  the  ranks  of  the  Union,  

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iii.  Impair  its  proper  functioning,  

iv. Attacks  or  threatens  to  attack  or  put  in  jeopardy  its  personnel,  property,  and  
programs,  
v. Act   in   a   calculated   manner   deemed   to   undermine   its   effectiveness   as   an  
Union,  
vi. Commits  sexual  violence.  
 
b) Infiltrate  the  Union  acting  on  behalf  or  in  collaboration  with:  
i. Other   Unions,   groups   or   person   hostile   to   the   policies   and   principles   of  
ZINASU,  
ii. Any   person   or   group   who   wishes   to   destroy   the   Union   or   prevent   it   from  
fulfilling  its  set  aims  and  objectives.  
 
3. SERIOUS  OFFENCES  
3.1 Any   violation   of   the   principles   of   the   Union   and   standards   of   behavior  
expected   of   members,   which   seriously   threatens   the   safety,   property,   good  
name   of   ZINASU   or   which   impedes   its   functions,   or   which   relates   or   is  
calculated  to  create  disunity  and  demoralization  amongst  its  members,  shall  
be  considered  a  serious  offence.  
 
3.2 Such  Offences  shall  include:  
 
3.2.1 Acting  in  a  manner  that  exposes  members  to  serious  harm  or  death,    
3.2.2 Deliberately   destroying   the   property   of   the   Union   or   recklessly  
exposing  it  to  danger,    
3.2.3 Behaving  dishonestly  in  respect  of  the  property  of  the  Union,    
3.2.4 Carelessly   passing   information   that   may   be   of   substantial   use   to   the  
opponents  of  the  Union,    
3.2.5 Accepting  or  seeking  to  accept  any  illicit  reward  for  performing  or  not  
performing  any  task(s)  on  behalf  of  the  Union,    
3.2.6 Abusing   office   by   using   one   position   to   obtain   material   or   sexual  
favours  or  other  undue  advantages  from  members  or  other  persons,    
3.2.7 Fighting  or  behaving  in  a  grossly  disorderly  or  unruly  manner,    

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3.2.8 Dealing  in  and  consuming  drugs,    

3.2.9 Persistently   sowing   racial,   tribalism,   regionalism   and   sexism   in   the  
Union,    
3.2.10 Behaving   in   such   a   way   as   to   provide   serious   divisions   and   a  
breakdown  of  unity  in  the  Union,    
3.2.11 Sexually  assaulting  or  in  any  other  way  seriously  offending  the  dignity  
of  members,    
3.2.12 Persistently   and   without   cause   undermining   the   respect   for   or  
impeding  the  functioning  of  the  structures  of  the  Union,    
3.2.13 Engaging   in   organized   factional   activity   that   goes   outside   the  
recognized  norms  of  free  debate  in  a  manner  that  threatens  the  unity  
of  the  Union.  
 
4. VIOLATIONS  OF  DISCIPLINE  
4.1 Any  person  who  acts  in  a  un  comradely  fashion  or  manner  and  breaches  the  
standard  of  conduct  normally  expected  of  members,  and  whose  behaviour  is  
not   so   serious   to   constitute   a   grave   offence,   shall   be   guilty   of   violation   of  
discipline,  
4.2  In  addition  to  all  the  forms  of  misconduct  mentioned  in  this  code  of  conduct  
and   other   official   documents   of   the   Union,   violation   of   discipline   shall  
include:    
4.2.1 Rowdy  and  aggressive  behaviour,  
4.2.2 Abusive  and  disrespectful  behaviour  to  other  members,  
4.2.3 Gossiping  maliciously  to  set  comrades  against  each  other,  
4.2.4 Carelessness  in  relation  to  the  property  of  the  Union,  
4.2.5 Interfering  and  disrupting  the  orderly  functioning  of  the  Union  
4.2.6  Any   negligent   behaviour   that   harms   or   threatens   to   harm   the   Union  
and  or  its  members.  
 
5. GENERAL   GUIDING   PRINCIPLES   FOR   CLASSIFYING   OFFENCES   AND  
VIOLATIONS  OF  THE  CODE  OF  CONDUCT    

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5.1 The  difference  between  a  grave  offence  and  serious  offence  lie  in  the  degree  
to  which  the  offender(s)  conduct  is  directed  towards  destroying,  subverting,  
neutralizing  the  effectiveness  of  the  Union,  
5.2 The   difference   between   a   serious   offence   and   a   violation   of   discipline   lie   in  
the  degree  of  intent  of  the  offender,  the  extent  of  the  actual  and  or  potential  
harm  to  the  Union,  the  extent  of  the  repetition  and  what  would  normally  be  
regarded  as  a  breach  of  discipline.  
 
6. SCHEDULE  OF  PENALTIES  
6.1 Should   one   be   found   guilty   of   a   grave   or   serious   offence   or   violation   of  
discipline,  one  shall  be  liable  to,  with  the  harsher  sentences  qualifying  largely  
in  the  former  instance:  
6.1.1  Re  deployment,  
6.1.2 Demotion,  
6.1.3 Deposition,  
6.1.4 Temporary  forfeiture  of  membership  rights,  
6.1.5 Suspension,  
6.1.6  Expulsion.  
 
7. DISCIPLINARY  PROCEDURE    
7.1  Adjudicating  Bodies  
7.1.1 An   executive   committee   of   each   organ   of   the   Union   shall   be   the  
adjudicating  body  in  any  disciplinary  matter,    
7.1.2 A  complainant  shall  lay  a  charge  with  the  Secretary  of  such  structure  
who  shall  bring  the  matter  to  the  attention  of  the  body  concerned.  
7.1.3  All   organs   below   the   National   Executive   Committee   shall   be  
competent   to   deal   with   all   categories   of   misconduct   and   impose  
appropriate   penalties   prescribed   in   this   Code   of   Conduct   with   the  
exclusion  of  the  penalties,  which  would  amount  to  expulsion.  
 
7.2 Recommendations  for  Expulsion  

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A   recommendation   for   expulsion   for   an   offence   classified   as   grave   or   serious   lies  

within  the  power  of  the  adjudicating  body,  but  is  to  be  ratified  by  Congress.    

7.3 Suspension  
7.3.1 When   a   member   is   suspended,   the   organ   suspending   him/her   shall  
state  the  period  and  conditions  of  such  suspension,    
7.3.2 In   respect   of   serious   offences,   the   period   of   suspension   shall   not  
exceed  three  months.    
7.4  Reprimand  

Reprimand  shall  be  in  public  (in  the  presence  of  as  many  fellow  members).    The  
Unions   media   apparatus   shall   be   utilized   if   necessary   and   or   appropriate.   The  
objective  of  a  reprimand  shall  not  be  to  humiliate  the  person  concerned,  but  to  
remind   him/her   and   the   whole   membership   of   the   standards   expected   of  
members,  and  to  reinforce  a  sense  of  unity  and  shared  values  in  the  Union.    

7.5 Demotion  

A  member  who  holds  a  position  of  responsibility  in  the  Union  will  be  demoted  if  the  
continued  holding  of  the  position  is  indefensible  owing  to  the  conduct  or  failure  to  
act  or  is  in  explicable  or  embarrassing  because  of  a  particular  transgression.  

8. RIGHT  OF  APPEAL  

An   accused   or   member   who   has   been   found   guilty   of   a   particular   offence   shall  
have  a  right  of  appeal  to  a  senior  organ.  The  National  Executive  Committee  shall  be  
the   Supreme   Appeal   Body   in   between   Congresses.   In   case   of   the   accused   being   an  
NEC   member   the   Supreme   Appellate   Body   in   between   Congresses   shall   be   the  
National  General  Council.    

I   ………………………………………………………………………..   as   a   member   of   ZINASU   ,   pledge   to  

uphold  the  values  of  the  organization  and  subject  myself  to  this  Code  of  Conduct  and  its  
disciplinary  procedures  and  measures.  
 
Signed:  ………………………………………………………  
Date:  …………………………………………………………  

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