Highlanders make changes to constitution

HIGHLANDERS’ bona fide members ratified amendments to the club’s constitution on Sunday, with the changes coming into effect immediately.

The process of amending the constitution has been ongoing for some time, reflecting the club’s dedication to modernising and streamlining its operations.

Key changes include the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as the head of the secretariat, and ending the previous arrangement of shared responsibilities with the executive secretary.

The CEO will now serve as the sole signatory for all club affairs.

The amendments also include changes to the titles of some executive positions. The executive secretary will now be referred to as the executive member for marketing, while the treasurer will take on the title of executive member for finance. Similarly, the committee member will be designated as the executive member for technical development.

Another significant amendment is that all executive positions will now be contested in a single election starting in 2027. Previously, elections for the chairman, secretary and committee member were held separately from those for the treasurer and vice-chairman. From 2027 onwards, all executive members will serve four-year terms.

This alignment eliminates the staggered election format, which had been intended to ensure continuity in club programmes.

Additionally, it was resolved that there will be no refunds for candidates running for positions, a departure from prior practice.

Members also agreed that candidates for key positions, such as chairman, must reside in Zimbabwe.

Highlanders’ secretary, Morgen Dube, commented on the ratification:

“The constitutional amendment exercise has been completed, and the amended constitution is now the official guiding document. As of today (Sunday), the amended articles are in effect.

“These changes are not a complete rewrite of the constitution but rather targeted amendments. Some updates address terminology, while others focus on terms of office.”

Dube further elaborated on the adjustments to executive elections:

“The ratification is done, and now it’s about ensuring these changes are implemented correctly. The most notable change is the alignment of all executive portfolios.

Previously, elections for the chairman, secretary and committee member were held separately from those for the vice-chairman and treasurer. Now, all five executive members will be elected simultaneously.

“This change was made because we now have a fully functional secretariat managing the club’s day-to-day operations. As such, any departure of executive members will not create gaps, as the CEO and their team will handle operations,” said Dube.

The amendments aim to modernise Highlanders’ constitution, aligning it with contemporary standards and best practices in club management. — @innocentskizoe