How is AfrikaBurn managed?

As a Non-Profit Company, AfrikaBurn has a two-tiered governance structure consisting of Members and Directors. AfrikaBurn’s Memorandum of Incorporation (or founding documents) clearly and legally define the organisation’s purpose and object – both of which explicitly include the core principles of Communal Effort, Participation, Civic Responsibility, Immediacy, Decommodification, Gifting, Leaving No Trace, Radical Inclusion, Radical Self-Reliance, Radical Self-Expression and Each One Teach One.

The Members

Members form part of the two-tiered governance structure of Afrika Burns Creative Projects NPC. They are essentially the custodians of the organisation. They give guidance and direction to the organisation and generally get involved in non-operational matters that affect the sustainability and longevity of the organisation.

Members

  • Envision the philosophical direction of the organisation, set and support appropriate aims towards it.
  • Develop policy that determines the structure and function of the organisation to further its objectives in line with the Guiding Principles;
  • Have the mandate to appoint and remove Directors, appoint or remove Members, and amend the founding documents of the company;
  • Act as oversight of the Board of Directors;
  • In practical application support the philosophical efforts of the organisation through specific committees or working groups;
  • They may also be called on to act in support of the operations team from time to time;
  • Have the duty to ensure that appointed Members and Directors are fulfilling the purpose and objectives of the organisation, as defined in the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI);
  • And that the 11 Core Principles that form the foundation of the organisation, the mission statement, the stated objectives, and any adopted policies are adhered to.
      

Members should have a good understanding of the 11 Guiding Principles and actively apply these in their daily lives. Members should also be committed to the Burn as active participants.

Everyone in the broader burner community is encouraged to embrace these behaviours. As such new Members are sought with the express intention of filling identified and unknown gaps in the Membership that ensure cultural and cognitive diversity. The AfrikaBurn Membership strives also, to be the inclusive and equitable community we aspire to be.

An ideal Member is:

  • Collaborative by nature.
  • A strategic and lateral thinker.
  • Able to tolerate and work with a diversity of views.
  • Able to mediate between differing views.
  • Able to handle responsibility without authority.
  • Aware of the local social climate and context.
  • Conscious of their position/power.
  • Known, respected and active in their community.
  • Familiar with online communication platforms
  • Displays integrity and discretion.
     

Members are not paid for their service. They provide their time voluntarily and free-of-
charge.

Application Process

Any person involved in our greater community may apply to become a Member and is either motivated to come forward and apply themselves, or is encouraged to do so by someone within the AfrikaBurn community at large.

  1. Download the Member Fact Sheet here for more information on the role and responsibilities of Members
  2. Download and complete the Member Application Pack. 
    This includes the Members Fact Sheet, the Code of Conduct, and a written interview questionnaire.
  3. Submit your application pack to [email protected].
     

Members’ Application Pack (submitted in PDF please):

  • The completed Interview Questionnaire
  • The completed VIA survey 
  • Your Curriculum Vitae
  • Your letter of motivation
  • A letter of recommendation from your nominee / a member of the Burn community
    (please include their contact details).
     

Click here for a list of Current Members and past Members. AfrikaBurn and its participants are grateful for their passion, contribution and love.

Membership applications are not currently open. 

If you or someone you know is interested in being a Member, click here to download the Fact Sheet.

 

The Directors:

What are the obligations of being a Director?

The Directors of AfrikaBurn hold overarching responsibility for meeting the objectives of the organisation; for ensuring its activities are philosophically aligned with the guiding principles; and for the governance of the organisation. They are also responsible for the fiduciary health of the organisation as a self-sustaining NPC, and balanced against the overall objectives of the organisation and the movement.

They hold primary responsibility for the strategic planning; oversight of the annual AfrikaBurn calendar of events; policy development; ensuring the resources (including human) and compliance for operations and activities; sound management of AfrikaBurn’s finances; and legal and fiduciary governance of the non-profit company.

What is the structure of the AfrikaBurn Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors comprises of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8 Directors, the majority of whom are non-executive Directors.

Non-Executives Directors are elected by the Members. They serve on a part-time basis and are required to be external from the operations of the organisation. They drive forward the vision and strategy of the organisation. Non-executive Directors may not hold any other formal or paid position within the operations of the organisation.

Executive Directors are appointed on a full-time or a part-time basis, to interface with the operations of the organisation, execute decisions of the Board, and drive forward the vision and strategy of the organisation. Executive Directors may not hold any other formal or paid position within the operations of the organisation (unless determined otherwise by the Members from time to time by way of an ordinary resolution).

What are the characteristics of a Director?

AfrikaBurn seeks to have a culturally and cognitively diverse Directorship, that incorporates a range of skills and expertise at a strategic level. Candidates from all walks of life, backgrounds and interests are encouraged to apply; however, in all cases an individual must:

  • See their role as one of service to the AfrikaBurn community and carry out their duties with integrity.
  • Have sound leadership skills, organisation skills and communication skills.
  • Have a sound grasp of and ability to practically apply AfrikaBurn’s guiding principles.
  • Understand the duties and obligations involved in being a Director.
  • Be able to attend 1 full board meeting a month, and commit to an estimated 20 hours per month
  • Be eligible to serve as a Director under South African Company Law
     

While it is no longer a strict requirement, it is of benefit for any potential Director to have participated in Burn events previously, to fully understand the nature of the event as a mechanism for catalysing the organisation’s objects.

Application Process

Any suitably qualified person involved in our greater community may apply to become a Director, and is either motivated to come forward and apply themselves, or is encouraged to do so by someone within the AfrikaBurn community at large.

  1. Download the Director Fact Sheet here for more information on the role and responsibilities of Non-executive Directors.
  2. Download and complete the Director Application Pack.
  3. Submit your application pack to [email protected].
  4. Applications for Non Executive Directors are currently open until 31 October 2021.
  5. Candidates will be invited to interview between 1 and 15 November. 
     

Director Application Pack (submitted in PDF please):

  • The completed Interview Questionnaire
  • The completed VIA survey (you’ll need to create an account)
  • Your Curriculum Vitae
  • Your letter of motivation
  • A letter of recommendation from your nominee / a member of the Burn community
    (please include their contact details).
     

Further Information and Resources:

The following resources give applicants an insight into the structure and function of the AfrikaBurn organisation in order to assist their application.

Click here for a list of Current Directors and past Directors. AfrikaBurn and its participants are grateful for their passion, contribution and love.

If you or someone you know is interested in being a Director, click here to download the Director Fact Sheet.

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