United Nations Global Compact
We are committed to upholding fundamental human rights, ensuring fair labour practices, working against corruption in all its forms and protecting the natural environment within which the Group operates. We are guided by the United Nations Global Compact’s 10 principles, which aim to mobilise companies to create a better, more equitable world.
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Principle 1 - Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
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We are bound by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which contains the Bill of Rights.
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Principle 2 - Ensure that the Group is not complicit in human rights abuses
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All employees and contractors are bound by the JSE’s conduct and ethics policy and are guided in their behaviour regarding integrity, loyalty, equity, tolerance, impartiality and discretion.
Human rights
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Principle 3 - Uphold freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
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We support collective bargaining and its principles as promulgated in South African labour legislation. While we have no recognised trade union and operate in a non-unionised environment, we promote good employee relations through detailed guidelines, policies and engagement.
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Principle 4 - The elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour
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South African law prohibits forced, compulsory, and child labour. South Africa is a signatory to the International Labour Organization convention, as applicable to fair labour practices.
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Principle 5 - The effective abolition of child labour
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South Africa has labour legislation that embodies these standards and the JSE’s employment policies incorporate these legislative provisions.
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Principle 6 - The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
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Our HR policy regarding employment equity aims to eradicate all forms of unfair discrimination. It aims to create opportunities for all employees, with special emphasis on previously disadvantaged employees, through specific employment equity programmes. These include affirmative action, performance management, learning and development plans, promotions and career planning.
Labour
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Principle 7 - Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
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We remain aware of our reliance on the natural environment, particularly at a time of growing concern about the environmental impact of non-sustainable business practices and the need to play a role in nurturing its ecosystem.
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Principle 8 - Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
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Environmental management and sustainability form part of the Group’s sustainability strategy.
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Principle 9 - Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
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We are involved in several significant initiatives and developments, including adopting the FTSE Russell ESG rating process, whereby eligible listed companies are assessed against a range of environmental themes, including climate change, water use, pollution and resources. This rating process determines the constituents of the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment index series.
We participate in the CDP reporting process annually as part of our journey to better climate change disclosures.
Environment
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Principle 10 - Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery and Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recommendations regarding corruption
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We have adopted a code of conduct and ethics, which articulates the values and acceptable ethical standards to which all persons associated with the Company are required to adhere.
We have a zero-tolerance approach regarding fraud and corruption and management is committed to combating fraud and corruption in all its forms.
Employees can report any transgression anonymously to a confidential whistle-blowing hotline. The toll-free hotline is independently managed and administered.
Our Market Regulation division reports suspicious trade activity in the JSE markets it regulates to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority for follow-up and further action.