Sages
Health in Cape Town

SAGES aspires to be the driving force in gastroenterology in South Africa and to contribute constructively to the development of the discipline on the African continent, with the primary aim of improving the health of those suffering from disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

It recognises the need to foster intellectual and social diversity within the society. To serve as the leading authority and major voice in Gastroenterology and to effectively disseminate knowledge of the science and practice of gastroenterology and closely related fields (medical, surgical and scientific) through continuing education initiatives (eg. congresses and continuing professional development) and the provision and endorsement of appropriate guidelines for the practice of Gastroenterology. In the event of the dissolution of the Society, the assets of the Society shall be given or transferred to another organisation or organisations engaged in activities similar to those for which this Society was established. SAGES: STANDING ORDERS MEMBERSHIP 1.1 Application for membership 1.1.1 Applications for membership must be submitted on the prescribed form, duly signed by the proposer and seconder and submitted to the Secretary at the secretariat office and shall include the current subscription. 1.2 Categories The categories of membership shall be: 1.2.1 Full Membership Any Medical practitioner who is registered as such with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and who is a member of SAMA, shall be entitled to apply for Full Membership of the Society provided that the nature of his/her practice is such as to give him/her a special interest in gastroenterology. 1.2.2 Affiliated Membership Membership is also open to medical practitioners who are registered as such with the HPCSA and who are involved in gastroenterology, but who are not members of SAMA. 1.2.5 Associate Membership Any medical scientist or non-doctor, with a special interest in gastroenterology may be entitled to apply for Associate Membership of the Society. 1.2.7 Candidates for membership shall be elected by a majority of the Council of the Society at each meeting after being duly proposed and seconded in writing by any two Full members. 1.2.8 Every member shall remain a member until his membership is terminated either by his resignation in writing addressed to the Secretary, by the decision of the Council of the Society or by failing to pay the annual subscription for two consecutive years. Criteria Ordinary members who have attained the age of 65 and have at least 15 years full membership with the Society may be nominated for Life Membership. Application Nominations must be in writing to the Secretary and include documented evidence of the involvement in Society activities\. Life Members pay no annual subscription fees and have full voting rights and all the privileges of membership. This fee shall be in lieu of the first annual subscription for successful applicants. The annual subscription for all categories of membership shall become due and payable on the first business day in every financial year. 2.4 Resignation or Termination of Membership Every member shall remain a member until his/her membership is terminated either by his/her resignation in writing addressed to the Secretary, by the decision of the Council of the Society or by failing to play the annual subscription for two consecutive years. If any member (including Honorary Members) refuses or neglects to comply with the provisions of this Constitution or the Standing Orders, or is guilty of any conduct which, in the opinion of the Council is unbecoming of a member or prejudicial to the interests of the Society, the Council by resolution passed by two-thirds of the members of the Council may recommend to a general meeting of the membership, that the member be censured, suspended or expelled. 3.7 Powers of the Council The Council is responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective conduct of Society affairs, including but not limited to: directing resources and activities to achieve the aims of the Society. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Secretary, Treasurer and the President-Elect. 4.4 Honorary Secretary The Honorary Secretary (herein referred to as Secretary) shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Society and of Council, shall be the custodian of the records of the Society and shall perform duties incident to the office of Secretary. The Treasurer shall be responsible for overseeing the financial records or books and accounts and financial systems; shall periodically review and approve internal controls designed to ensure proper control of funds and disbursements and shall ensure that current and projected income and expenses meet the budget of the Society. All officers and councillors, except for the President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer, shall stand down and are eligible for re-election to a maximum of three (3) terms, ie. During intervals