CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
The company operates within a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which supports its commitment to a policy of fair dealing, honesty and integrity in the conduct of its business. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been reviewed and approved by the board, communicated and distributed to all employees across all levels in the company. The Code is based on a fundamental belief that all business transactions should be legal and conducted beyond reproach in the spirit of honesty and fairness. The company has a zero tolerance approach to any violation of the law or unethical business dealing by any employee. The Code also addresses conflict of interest situations and encourages employees to report on any conflict or perceived conflict of interest situation. This may arise due to employees being offered and receiving gifts in return for favours, employees not being independent from business organisations having a contractual relationship or providing goods or services to Tongaat Hulett, and employees’ personal investments taking priority over transactions for the company and its clients.
Compliance by directors and all employees to the high moral, ethical and legal standards of the Code is mandatory, and if employees become aware of or suspect a contravention of the Code, they must promptly and confidentially report it to the Company Secretary or senior officials at management level. Tongaat Hulett has engaged the services of an independent whistle blowing service provider to provide mechanisms to report on unethical behavior or non-compliance with the Code. The Audit and Compliance Committee assists the board in overseeing the consistent application of and compliance with the Code, whilst management ensures its implementation across all operations in a day to day context. Appropriate action is taken in respect of all reported instances of non-compliance with the Code by employees.
No material infractions of the Code have been reported during the period under review.
