CODE OF CONDUCT
1.0 PREAMBLE
The United Democratic Front (UDF) is a broad-based, inclusive civil society organisation committed to social and economic justice, participatory democracy, active citizenry and grassroots empowerment. All members and leaders must uphold the values of accountability, integrity, respect and unity in their actions and words, whether in public meetings, online spaces or community work.
This Code outlines the expectations of behaviour and responsibilities to always ensure our movement remains focused, credible and impactful. Adherence to this Code is mandatory for all members and leaders.
2.0 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT
2.1 Integrity and Accountability
A Members must act with honesty, transparency and consistency in all roles and responsibilities.
B Leaders and members must fulfil assigned tasks diligently and report on progress to the relevant structures.
C Misuse of funds, resources or positions for personal gain is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
D Accountability must be demonstrated in both individual and collective actions.
2.2 Respect and Inclusivity
A Treat all members with dignity, regardless of age, gender, race, class, creed, ability, socio-economic background, experience or opinion.
B Foster an environment that allows for free, constructive and respectful debate.
C Discrimination, harassment, bullying or intimidation in any form will not be tolerated.
D Ensure vulnerable groups, including women, youth and people with disabilities, have an equal platform for participation.
2.3 Unity and Solidarity
A Promote the UDF’s goals through cooperation and collective decision-making.
B Avoid divisive language, actions or personal attacks that undermine organisational unity.
C Prioritise the movement’s collective interest above individual agendas.
3.0 CONDUCT IN MEETINGS
3.1 General Conduct
A Arrive on time and remain engaged throughout meetings.
B Maintain a respectful tone when speaking or listening.
C Allow others to speak without interruption.
D Use language that uplifts rather than offends.
E Insults, disrespect or disruptive behaviour are unacceptable.
F Mobile phones should be silenced and distractions avoided.
G Apologies must be given to the relevant structures in advance.
3.2 Debate and Decision-Making
A Speak concisely and ensure all members have an opportunity to contribute to discussions.
B Disagreements must be expressed constructively, focusing on solutions rather than personal attacks.
C Decisions made collectively through democratic processes must be respected and upheld, even if they do not align with individual views.
3.3 Meeting Procedures
A Meetings must follow structured agendas to ensure focus and productivity.
B Clear records (minutes) must be taken and shared with attendees.
C Follow-up on decisions and tasks must be monitored.
4.0 CONDUCT ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS
4.1 Respectful Engagement
A Members must communicate responsibly and respectfully on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.
B Where applicable, members must abide by the rules of engagement set by the organisation for specific social media platforms or risk suspension or expulsion from the platform/s.
C Avoid sharing inflammatory, false or defamatory content that could harm the UDF’s reputation or create divisions.
D Language used must reflect the UDF’s values of respect, unity, dignity and accountability.
4.2 Official Communication
A Only designated leaders or media representatives may release official statements or represent the UDF publicly.
B Members and leaders must seek approval before sharing sensitive or strategic information on behalf of the organisation.
C Personal posts should reflect positively on the movement.
4.3 Conflict Resolution
A Disputes arising on communication platforms must be addressed privately or escalated through appropriate UDF channels.
B Public confrontations or divisive arguments on social media are strictly prohibited.
5.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Members must:
A Uphold the UDF’s values in all actions and words.
B Participate actively in campaigns, meetings, and initiatives.
C Fulfil assigned responsibilities and report back on progress.
D Support fellow members and avoid actions that harm organisational unity.
E Risk suspension or expulsion from the organisation if corrective actions to redress inappropriate behaviours are unsuccessful.
5.2 Leaders must:
A Lead by example, demonstrating respect, integrity, humility and accountability at all times.
B Foster a culture of transparency, inclusivity and mentorship.
C Ensure open communication, providing guidance, clarity and support to members.
D Monitor progress on decisions and responsibilities and take corrective action where necessary.
E Subject themselves to corrective action where necessary.
F Risk removal form leadership positions and suspension or expulsion from the organisation, if corrective actions to redress inappropriate behaviours are unsuccessful.
6.0 FULFILLING TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Members and leaders must honour commitments and deadlines for tasks assigned.
B Leaders are responsible for monitoring progress, providing feedback and offering necessary resources or support.
C Repeated failure to perform duties without valid reasons may result in disciplinary action, including reassignment of roles.
7.0 LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS AND NOMINATIONS
7.1 Nominations
A Members may nominate candidates for leadership positions who embody the UDF’s values and have a proven track record of commitment and integrity.
B Nominations must be based on merit and availability, avoiding favouritism or discrimination.
C Nominees may be screened by a committee of suitable members set up specifically for that purpose and against relevant criteria.
7.2 Elections
A Elections must be free, fair and democratic, conducted through a transparent voting process.
B Candidates may be screened by a committee of suitable members set up specifically for that purpose and against relevant criteria.
C Elected leaders are accountable to the membership and must remain open to feedback and evaluation.
8.0 CONFLICT RESOLUTION FRAMEWORK
8.1 Reporting Misconduct
A Members may report breaches of the Code of Conduct to designated committees or individuals, such as a national/regional/provincial ethics committee.
B Reports must be fact-based and avoid false accusations or personal vendettas.
8.2 Disciplinary Process
A Alleged misconduct will be investigated promptly, fairly and confidentially by an appointed disciplinary committee.
B The process may include mediation, formal hearings and corrective action.
C Outcomes may include warnings, reassignment of roles, suspension or expulsion, depending on the severity of the misconduct.
8.3 Appeals
A Members have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions through established processes. Appeals must be submitted within a stipulated timeframe.
9.0 TRANSPARENCY IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
A All financial resources, including funds raised or allocated, must be managed transparently.
B Leaders must provide regular financial reports to relevant structures.
C Misuse of funds will result in immediate disciplinary action, including possible legal consequences.
D Members must report suspected financial irregularities to the ethics committee.
10.0 TRAINING ON THE CODE OF CONDUCT
A All members, especially new recruits and youth, must undergo workshops on this Code of Conduct.
B Training must include conflict resolution, leadership ethics, and financial accountability.
C Refresher sessions should be conducted periodically to ensure understanding and compliance.
11.0 ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION AND GROWTH
11.1 Capacity Building
A Regular leadership training programmes, community workshops and political education must be provided.
B Members should be supported in developing skills to strengthen grassroots activism.
11.2 Youth and Women Empowerment
A Prioritise the inclusion of youth and women in leadership roles, decision-making structures and organisational activities.
B Create mentorship programmes to empower underrepresented groups.
12.0 ACCEPTANCE OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
A Every member is required to read and accept this Code of Conduct as part of their membership application process.
B By accepting the membership form, members commit to upholding the principles, rules and responsibilities outlined in this document.
C Failure to adhere to this Code may lead to disciplinary action, as outlined in Section 8.
13.0 CONCLUSION
This Code of Conduct ensures that all members and leaders act with accountability, respect, dignity, integrity and unity. Adherence to this Code strengthens our collective ability to create meaningful change and advance the goals of the UDF.
By upholding these principles, we honour the legacy of the UDF and build a strong, credible and effective organisation that serves the needs of all South Africans.