Our Constitution

  1. NAME
    The name of the Association shall be MHG (MAKHANDA HOSPITALITY GUILD)
  2. STATUS
    The Association is a voluntary, non-profit organisation of its associated members, which functions as an independant legal persona, capable of instituting legal proceedings and entering into legal contracts in its own name within the limitations contained in its constitution.
  3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
    1. To grade accommodation on an annual basis.
    2. To act as mediator between accommodation providers and visitors where disputes have arisen and cannot be resolved amicably between the parties
    3. To provide a forum for the sharing of ideas and advice related to the running of accommodation establishments.

       

  4. MEMBERSHIP
    1. Any accommodation provider, business, booking agency, institution or organisation engaged in the business of providing accommodation in Grahamstown and surrounding areas.
    2. Current members of the Makhanda Accommodation Guild shall automatically be eligible for membership.
    3. New members in the B&B sector shall be required to pass a minimum standards inspection.
    4. Members will be bound by a Code of Conduct as detailed in this constitution.
    5. All members will be subject to annual inspections and/or review of their membership.
    6. Where an accommodation establishment is sold and/or changes hands, re-application for membership and re-grading must take place within three months of changeover.

       

  5. CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP
    Membership of the Association shall cease upon one of the following occurring :
    1. The resignation in writing by a member.
    2. After investigation of a complaint about a member and after due hearing of the mediation committee, the committee decides to rescind membership.
    3. The member being in arrears with payment of subscription fees and after due notice not rectifying the matter within one month.
    4. Members not complying with the terms and conditions of this Constitution and Code of Conduct.

       

  6. COMMITTEES
    1. The business of the Association shall be conducted by an Executive Committee (EXCO) elected annually from the members by the members at the AGM.
      The EXCO shall consist of
      Chairperson
      Vice-chairperson Secretary Treasurer
      Committee member
      The committee shall be elected as a whole at the AGM and the portfolios shall be decided at the first meeting of the committee thereafter.
    2. The mediation committee shall consist of Two EXCO members
      At least two other persons co-opted on an ad-hoc basis and for the express purpose of a mediation hearing, preferably from outside of the association and with good standing in the community, and preferably with some business and/or legal background. The choice of these persons shall be decided by the EXCO.
    3. The inspections/gradings shall be carried out by a grader appointed by the EXCO.
    4. Accommodation establishments which are star graded by the TGCSA and have an active and current grading do not need to be graded by the MHG.

       

  7. MEETINGS
    1. The EXCO shall meet at least three times per year, but may meet more often if necessary.
    2. The disciplinary committee shall meet only if and when the necessity arises.
    3. The Association shall hold an AGM every year by the end of March.
      1. Written notice of the AGM shall be given to the members not less than 14 days prior to the date of the meeting.
      2. Members wishing to have particular matters discussed at the AGM must hand in written submissions to the EXCO at least 7 days prior to the date of the meeting.
      3. The members attending the AGM shall be deemed to form a quorum.

         

  8. VOTING
    1. Voting shall be by a show of hands, or by closed ballot if requested.
    2. One vote per member, present at the meeting, shall be allowed.
    3. The presiding chairperson will have the casting vote.

       

  9. FINANCES
    1. Annual membership fees will be presented to members by the EXCO for approval at the AGM.
    2. New accommodation providers will be required to pay an inspection fee on joining and thereafter
      annual membership fees.
    3. The membership fees for B&B establishments will not include the annual inspection (grading) of their premises.
    4. The financial year of the Association shall run from 1 March to 28 February.
    5. The liability of the members of the association is limited to their commitments in respect of membership fees.
  10. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
    The Constitution as adopted at the founding meeting of the Association shall remain in force until amended by a vote in favour of amendment by at least 70% of the members present at a duly constituted AGM.
    Resolutions and changes to the constitution and or by-laws will be subject to a 60% quorum of the EXCO members.
  11. DISSOLUTION
    The Association may be dissolved if at an AGM or SGM not less than 70% of the members present vote in favour of its dissolution.
    The assets of the Association shall be liquidated and distributed in accordance with directives given by the meeting.
  12. MEMBERS BOUND BY CONSTITUTION
    Upon admission, a member shall be bound by the terms and conditions of this Constitution, including all amendments, rules, regulations and codes of conduct passed in terms thereof.
  13. CODE OF CONDUCT OF MAKHANDA HOSPITALITY GUILD
    1. DEFINITIONS
      1. “Member” means any member of the Association in good standing
      2. “Accommodation provider” means any person, business or organisation who provides
        accommodation which is continuously reserved for the use of paying visitors.

         

MEMBERS shall at all times recognise the importance of visitors in the Grahamstown economy and shall make every effort to make visitor’s experience in Grahamstown as pleasing as possible.