RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION

1§
The name of the association is Suomi - Etelä-Afrikka -seura in Finnish and Finland -South-Africa Association in English. Its place of domicile is Helsinki

2§
The objective of the association is to
- promote contacts between Finnish and South African citizens;
- promote cooperation between Finnish and South African communities;
- disseminate information on South Africa and its people, culture and economy;
- support in all possible ways objectives that promote these activities.

The association is independent of any political parties and interest groups.

To fulfil its objective, the association disseminates information on matters supporting its objectives, engages in cultural cooperation, organises meetings, lectures, exhibitions and other similar events.

To support its activities the association may accept donations and legacies, own real property it needs to carry out its activities, arrange lotteries and fund-raising events after obtaining the required permit, pursue publishing operations and organise payable events.

3§
All persons and corporations that accept the purpose and rules of the association may apply for its membership. The association can also establish local associations.

The members of the association are approved by its board.

A member has the right to resign from the association by notifying the board or its chairman in writing or by announcing its resignation at a meeting of the association, to be entered in the minutes.

The annual membership fee is determined by the annual general meeting.

The association can accept sponsoring and honorary members.

4§
The association is managed by a board comprising of the Chairperson and six to fifteen members elected by the annual general meeting. The annual general meeting can also elect two to eight deputy members of the board, and the annual general meeting shall also determine the order of substitution of the deputy members in meetings where sufficient number of ordinary board members are not present.

The term of the board is the period between the annual general meetings.

The board chooses two vice chairpersons from its members and a secretary, treasurer and other necessary officials.

The board is convened by the chairperson or, when the chairperson is prevented from convening it, by the vice president, when they deem there is cause or when at two of the board members so demand.
The board shall constitute a quorum when the chairperson or vice chairperson and at least one third or the board members are present. Votes are decided by a simple majority. In the event of a tie, the chairperson will have the casting vote; however, in elections, a tie will be decided by lot.

5§
The name of the association is signed by two of the following persons together: the chairperson or the secretary, vice-chairperson, treasurer or secretary.

6§
The accounting period of the association is the calendar year.

7§
The meetings of the association are convened by it board. Summons to the meeting shall be delivered seven days prior to the meting at the latest by a letter, or by email to those members who have notified their email addresses to the association.

8§
The annual general meeting of the association will be held till the end of April on a date determined by the board.

An extraordinary general meeting will be held when the board deems it necessary or when at least a tenth (1/10) of the members of the association so demand in writing from the board for a specially announced reason. The meeting must be held within 30 days of the date of the request.

Each member has one vote at meetings of the association. At meetings of the association, decisions will be resolved by a simple majority of all votes cast, unless otherwise is provided in the rules. In the event of a tie, the vice person will have the casting vote; however, in elections, a tie will be decided by lot.

9§
The annual general meetings of the association contain the following items:
1. opening of the meeting
2. election of the chairman, secretary, two examiners and, when needed, two vote counters for the meeting
3. verification of the legitimacy and quorum of the meeting
4. approval of the agenda of the meeting
5. presentation of the financial statements, annual report and auditors' statement
6. decision on the approval of the financial statements and on discharging the board and other accountable parties from liability
7. approval of the plan of action, budget and the amount of the membership fee for the following calendar year
8. election of the chairperson and other board members
9. election of one auditor and one deputy
10. discussion of other matters included in the notice of meeting.

If a member of the association wants a matter to be included on the agenda of the meeting, it must notify the board of the matter in due time so that it can be included in the notice of meeting.

10§
A decision to amend the rules or dissolve the association must be made by a meeting of the association with a majority of at least three quarters (3/4) of the votes cast. The notice of meeting must mention that the amendment of the rules or the dissolution of the association.

If the association is dissolved, its assets will be used to promote the purpose of the association as determined by the meeting that decided on the dissolution. If the association is dismantled, the assets will be used for the same purpose