PVO – Group

THE PARABAT VETERANS ORGANISATION (PVO)
THE PVO GROUP STRUCTURE
Because the PVO needs to be a few different things in different circumstances, the National Council decided to build the structure as follows:
THE INFORMAL & SEMI-FORMAL STRUCTURE (THE PVO)
At the inaugural meeting of the PVO at Hartebeespoort Dam in February 2015, a National Council was voted into place that would represent all the parabat members of the Canopies around the country for a period of two (2) years.
Because of the geographical separation of all the council members, it is only possible to hold on average two meetings annually of the National Council.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) meets more often, but again, because of the expense to individual members and the long distances needed to travel, these meetings are kept to the bare minimum.
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL
“The National Council” means a council consisting of nominated PVO members elected by PVO paid up members as stipulated in the constitution. The National Council shall meet at least once every six months.
The National Council shall hold an annual general meeting not later than 6 (six) months after the end of each financial year,
The members of the National Council are elected at the annual general meeting. The term of office for any such National Council member will be a period of 2 (two) years.
THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC)
Members serving on the NEC must be a qualified jumper verified and under the auspices of and who underwent the curriculum of and by 1 Parachute Battalion, (Parabat).
The NEC, which shall consist of members as stipulated in PVO membership paragraph 5.1.1 (five) and elected by the majority members to represent them:
1. PVO National President (Chairman)
2. PVO Vice-National President (Chairman)
3. PVO National Secretary
4. PVO National Treasurer
5. PVO National Communications Officer
6. PVO National SANDF Liaison Officer
7. PVO National Membership Secretary
8. PVO Managing Executive
9. PVO Discipline & Grievance Officer
10. Additional three(3) PVO National Executive Members to serve on the Executive
POWERS OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
The NEC may take on the power and authority that it believes it needs to be able to achieve the objectives that are stated in this constitution. Its activities must abide by the law and good governance.
The NEC has the power and authority to raise funds or to invite and receive contributions.
The NEC does however, have the power to buy, hire or exchange for any property that it needs to achieve its objectives.
The NEC has the right to make by-laws for proper management, including procedure for application, approval and termination of membership.
Members will decide on the powers and functions of office bearers.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES
1. Fund Raising Committee
2. Membership Committee
3. SANDF Liaison Committee
4. Communication & Social Media Committee
5. Events Committee
PVO MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERS CATEGORIES
ORDINARY MEMBERS
Members must be a qualified jumper verified and under the auspices by 1 Parachute Battalion (Parabat) and a veteran as defined in the constitution.
They are paid members of canopies as in paragraph
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP:
Those who have served as and/or qualified as a military parachutist in foreign airborne units may be considered for Associate membership of the PVO so long as they are able to prove their airborne credentials to the full satisfaction of the Executive .
Associate Members of the PVO enjoy the benefits of the PVO membership but may hold office if approved by a majority vote at the AGM.
They are paid members of canopies
AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP, INTERNATIONAL OR COUNTRY MEMBER
Whosoever has served in the SADF/SANDF and is or has been linked to The Parachute Regiment is entitled to affiliated membership as defined in the Constitution.
Affiliate Members of the PVO enjoy the benefits of the PVO membership but may not vote or hold office unless approved by a majority vote at the AGM.
They are paid members of canopies
LIFE MEMBER
Life membership is available to any individual who qualifies as a PVO member and who has made an exceptional contribution or has been an active fully paid member for at least ten years, and approved by a majority of members at an Annual General Meeting of the PVO.
Life Members of the PVO enjoy the benefits of the PVO membership but may hold office if approved by a majority vote at the AGM.
They are paid members of canopies
HONORARY MEMBERS
Members shall nominate and motivate honorary members of the PVO, and approved by a majority of members at an Annual General Meeting of the PVO and as defined in the constitution
They are paid members of canopies
SANDF PARABATS
All serving SANDF personnel are prohibited by law from being members of any Veteran organisation. Therefore, they are regarded as honoured guests while they do not pay membership fees and will therefore not be eligible to wear the PVO blazer badge or memorabilia – until such time that they leave the service and apply to become members of the PVO. They do not qualify for any of the benefits for veterans as defined in the Military Veterans Act. They have an open invite to meetings where they will be able to participate in all the activities.
SANDF Parabats are not entitled to vote at PVO meetings, or to hold any office as an Executive Member of the PVO. They may however be co-opted to serve on the PVO’s NEC or sub-committees as observers in an advisory role.
CANOPIES AND FALCONS (VALKS)-PVO, SAPA,LAARSA AND CYBER:
These social and semi-formal entities are the life of the organization. Primarily they serve a social function to get all Parabats in a regional area together on a regular basis to socialise and network.
The Canopies and Falcons (Valks) are self-standing, governed by their own Constitutions and rules, and have their own Executive.
The aim of our Canopies is to hold monthly meetings of short duration leaving plenty of time to socialise with family and friends.
Being Parabats, the social mingling of like-minded soldiers is very important to us. The monthly Canopy Meetings serve a dual purpose. An opportunity to socialize over a glass of good cheer and to conduct the essential business of that month.
These meetings have proved very popular and have become the lifeblood of the PVO with feedback being sent back to the PVO Executive for any action needed.

THE FORMAL STRUCTURE OF THE PVO
PARABAT VETERANS ORGANISATION NPC – (HOLDING COMPANY)
The Parabat Veterans Organisation NPC, registration No – 2015/256965/08 is registered as a not-for-profit company (section 21 company).
The Parabat Veterans Organisation NPC is approved and registered by SARS as a Public Benefit organisation registration No – 930052421
MAIN OBJECTIVES (MOI)
The Company’s objectives specifically include:
1. Community development for poor and needy persons and anti-poverty initiatives, including:
2. The promotion of community-based projects relating to self-help, empowerment, capacity building, skills development or anti-poverty;
3. The provision of training, support or assistance to community-based projects contemplated above;
4. Training for unemployed persons with the purpose of enabling them to obtain employment; and
5. Educational enrichment, academic support, supplementary tuition or outreach programs for the poor and needy.
6. To establish an Enablement Fund for the use of Parabat veterans and their next of kin. Out of this fund, payments will be made to assist such veterans and their families financially.
7. To organize social functions/events/projects and receive donations thereby raising funds for the Enablement Fund, and which will strengthen the bonds of friendship, camaraderie
The NPC is applying for 18(A) certification (donations tax). The reason for this is that any funds collected or donated for the enablement fund or other approved projects, will allow donors (individuals or companies) to benefit by deducting any donations from their tax payments.
To keep the incoming funds separate from the outgoing, and to ensure all is above board, the Enablement Fund will be governed within the NPC separately under a board committee, and audited annually.
The NPC is run by a board of directors as prescribed in its MOI
COMMITTEES (MANAGEMENT)
1. Finance, Governance and audit committee
2. Enablement fund & vetting committee
3. Projects and Fund Raising Committee
4. Communications & social media committee
5. SANDF liaison committee

PARABAT VETERANS ORGANISATION SERVICES (PTY) LTD (WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE NPC)
Parabat Veterans Organisation Services (Pty) Ltd, registration No – 2015/140291/07 will be the arm of the organisation that will generate sufficient profits to run the administration.
This company will be the main marketing and sales company for the NPC and PVO.
Profits from the sale of Memorabilia, Apparel, the Business Forum and other enterprises will be channelled through this company, whose only shareholder is the Not for Profit Company. Any surplus funds will then be channelled to the Enablement Fund.
COMMITTEES
1. Fund raising committee( sub to NPC)
2. Memorabilia committee
3. Events committee