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Table of Contents
5.1 We are committed to ethical business transactions
5.2 Report unlawful or unethical actions
5.3 Conflict of interests
5.4 Respect
6.1 We will comply with legislation and regulations applicable to us
6.2 Act responsibly in public
6.3 Sustainability
6.4 We are committed to accurate and transparent reporting
The Co-op values its reputation. We realise that it takes years of hard work and ethical behaviour from all of our employees to build to a good reputation, but it takes only a moment bad judgement of one employee to destroy the whole organisation’s reputation. Damage to The Co-op’s reputation means that we will lose the trust of our employees, members, communities, suppliers, financiers and business partners. It is therefore critical that all employees work very hard to ensure that The Co-op’s reputation is not only maintained, but strengthened through ethical behaviour.
This policy provides guidelines and standards to ensure that we act ethically, both as individuals, as well as an organisation.
The Co-op and its employees act ethically and must act in terms of the relevant legislation that is applicable to it. We must consider the impact of our actions on the environment, our employees, financiers, suppliers, members and communities.
The Co-op’s values guide our behaviour. Our values are:
Dependability on our Creator
Integrity and transparency
Mutual respect and equal opportunities
Employee recognition, development and interdependence
Innovative thinking
Community responsibility
Environmental awareness
How do we know whether something is right or wrong?
As a rule of thumb, imagine that the action will be reported in tomorrow’s newspaper and will be read by your family, friends, colleagues and our members. How would you feel if they read of your actions in the newspaper? If you would not want your action to be in tomorrow’s newspaper, then you have probably acted unethically.
Herewith are our guidelines to act ethically:
5.1 We are committed to ethical business transactions
We will not tolerate corruption
As South Africans we are acutely aware the damage that corruption can cause. We will act honestly and as law-abiding citizens. No amount of additional money, either for The Co-op or an employee, justifies unlawful or unethical behaviour.
We must avoid external relationships that can impair our integrity and judgement.
We will not give or receive any gifts or give money to obtain a contract or do business. Gifts that we receive must be declared in terms of the Declaration of Gifts Policy.
Applicable legislation
The Prevention of Corrupt Activities Act
5.2 Report unlawful or unethical actions
We will speak up when we see something wrong
We will report unethical or unlawful behaviour when we become aware of it. Failure to report can cause severe damage to The Co-op and its employees.
If you are unsure whether something is unethical or unlawful, speak to an internal auditor or the Secretary.
You can report unethical or unlawful behaviour to a manager, Internal Audit, the Secretariat or through the Whistleblower system.
Applicable legislation
The Prevention of Corrupt Activities Act
We will act in the best of interest of The Co-op and not in our own interest.
An employee’s personal or family’s interest must not influence his/her decisions that it makes on behalf of The Co-op.
Our business relationships with our suppliers, financiers, partners and clients must be based on objective criteria like price, service, standards and strategic advantage. Our personal interests must not influence The Co-op’s business relationships. Where I or a family member benefit from a transaction with The Co-op, I must declare it beforehand in terms of the Policy for the Declaration of Interests.
An employee will not use the assets or intellectual property of The Co-op for her or her own or family’s benefit.
Respect is the cornerstone of ethical behaviour
We will treat our members, colleagues, clients, suppliers and communities the same way as we want to be treated.
This means that we will not discriminate against anyone based on their race, gender, sexuality or religion.
Applicable legislation
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa
Ethical behaviour also entails that The Co-op, and its employees, act as good citizens. This can achieved by the following:
6.1 We will comply with legislation and regulations applicable to us
We play by the rules
Non-compliance with legislation and rules can have severe consequences not only for The Co-op (for instance penalties and damage to our reputation), but also its directors and employees (for instance jail time).
Internal Audit and Legal Services can provide support and guidance on compliance with legislation and regulations.
Applicable legislation
The Co-operatives Act
The Competition Act
The Consumer Protection Act
The National Credit Act
6.2 Act responsibly in public
What we say and do, reflects on The Co-op
The Co-op respects freedom of speech. We must however make sure that the opinions or views that we express in public or on social media cannot be seen to be the opinions or views of The Co-op.
Discriminatory or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.
6.3 Sustainability
No undue risk for The Co-op, the communities that it operates in and the environment.
The Co-op wants to protects its employees, members, communities, and the environment.
We will make efficient use of our resources and aim to reduce the negative impact on the environment.
The Co-op will provide a healthy and safe environment for its employees, members and customers to work and do business in. We will comply with our Health and Safety policy.
We understand that taking business risks is part of doing business, but we will not take risks that can jeopardise the future of The Co-op, its employees and members. We will constantly evaluate the risks associated with our prospective actions and manage it.
Applicable legislation
National Environmental Management Act
6.4 We are committed to accurate and transparent reporting
Speak the truth
We can make better decisions if we have the right information. It is very important that the reporting of The Co-op’s business transactions and business information is done accurately and timeously.
We will not misrepresent the facts.
Version control: Ethics Policy V1 Approved 2023-03-07O
65 Voortrekker Road
Humansdorp
South Africa, 6330
65 Voortrekker Road, Humansdorp, South Africa, 6330
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