Official Document

ANCYL Constitution

As amended and adopted by the 25th National Congress

Gallagher Estate, Midrand - September 2015

Article A

Preamble

The African National Congress Youth League was founded in 1944 as an organization of the youth committed to the ideals of democracy, freedom and peace. It is governed by and adheres to the policies and programmes of the ANC, and its existence derives from the constitution of the ANC.

The Youth League is a mass youth formation of the ANC; it is committed to the creation of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.

It shall rally all the youth of our country to play an active part in the struggle of the communities by building a defence of democracy. In doing so, the ANC Youth League shall strive to achieve fundamental social change for the benefit of all young people and the working class.

The Freedom Charter remains the guiding programme of the ANC Youth League.

Constitutional Articles

The ANCYL Constitution consists of 16 articles governing the organization

A

Preamble

Foundation and mission of the ANCYL since 1944

B

Name

African National Congress Youth League

C

Colours and Symbols

Black, Green and Gold with the three hands emblem

D

Aims and Objectives

Rally youth, support NDR, champion rights

E

Status

Legal persona with perpetual succession

F

Relationship with the ANC

Autonomous body within ANC structure

G

Membership

Open to youth aged 14-35 years

H

Rights and Obligations

Member rights, duties and responsibilities

I

Gender and Affirmative Action

50% quota for women representation

J

Organisational Structures

National, Provincial, Regional, Branch levels

K

Discipline

Code of conduct and disciplinary procedures

L

Rules and Regulations

Operational guidelines

M

Finance Policy

Financial management and accountability

N

Quorum

Meeting requirements

O

Amendments

Constitutional amendment procedures

P

Dissolution

Dissolution procedures

Article G: Membership

Membership Declaration

"I, solemnly declare that I will abide by the aims and objectives of the ANC Youth League as set out in the Constitution, the Freedom Charter and all other policies adopted from time to time, that I am joining the organization voluntarily, without expectation of material gain, and will participate in the life of the organization as a loyal, active and disciplined member."
14-35

Age Range for Membership

50%

Women Representation Quota

18+

Must Join ANC

Article J

Organisational Structures

The ANCYL operates through a democratic hierarchical structure

National
National CongressNational Executive Committee (NEC)National Working Committee (NWC)National General Council
Provincial
Provincial CongressProvincial Executive Committee (PEC)Provincial Working Committee (PWC)Provincial General Council
Regional
Regional CongressRegional Executive Committee (REC)Regional Working Committee (RWC)Regional General Council
Local
Zonal and Sub-regional StructuresBranch CongressBranch Executive Committee (BEC)Branch General Meeting

Core Constitutional Principles

Gender Equality

50% quota for women in all structures and delegations (Article I)

Discipline

Code of conduct with clear disciplinary procedures (Article K)

Autonomy

Functions as autonomous body within ANC structure (Article E)

Freedom Charter

The guiding programme of the ANC Youth League

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