Code of Ethics

The ‘King Report on Corporate Governance’ to which all JSE-listed companies should comply with specifically states that all enterprises should have a ‘Code of Ethics’ which must embrace all stakeholders. The group’s Code of Ethics therefore forms the basis therefore of our relationship with shareholders, customers, business partners, employees, suppliers, communities and government.

Although stakeholders entrust our management team to look after the financial and social well-being of our group, all our employees have an important part to play in abiding by and living out our group’s Values and Ethics.

We want this Code to be more than a collection of high-sounding statements. It must have practical value in our day-to-day business and each one of us must follow these principles in the spirit as well as the letter.

M.R. UPTON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
GROUP FIVE

• Our customers
• Our employees
• Our business partners
• Our suppliers
• Our communities
• Our environment

• We will generate business through application of knowledge of our markets, timeous delivery of quality products and services and by building sound client relationships.
• We will at all times act in good faith in the best interests of the group as a whole. This applies to both external and internal business dealings and working relationships.
• We will at all times act in good faith in the best interests of the group as a whole. This applies to both external and internal business dealings and working relationships.
• We will operate within the laws and custom of any other country where we do business.
• We will not resort to bribery to further our business interests.
• We will keep accurate and reliable records, which fairly reflect all business transactions in keeping with South African GAAP.
• No employee of the group is to pursue any private business interests that will conflict with those of Group Five either by way of competition or diverting attention from the business of the group.
• We will declare any conflicts of interest that may arise, including employment of family members and any business with related parties.
• We will not divulge confidential information about our business without prior approval.
• We will act with disregard for any personal ulterior or improper motive, such as personal gain.

• We will be professional in all our business dealings to maximise our reputation as the preferred supplier of construction goods and services.
• We will be professional in all our business dealings to maximise our reputation as the preferred supplier of construction goods and services.
• We will strive to form constructive business relationships with our customers.

• We will adhere to the group’s Policies and Procedures and apply them fairly throughout the organisation.
• We will continue to pursue the group’s transformation objectives.
• All employees will operate within an agreed framework of authority and operating guidelines.
• We will ensure that our working practices conform to strict safety, health, environmental and quality standards.
• We will invest in the development of our employees and performance will be rewarded.
• We will act in a professional manner with each other and respect one another’s religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• We will maintain professional working relationships with our business partners at the same time as fostering a culture of teamwork.
• We will ensure that all our business partners fully understand our performance standards and requirements.
• In keeping with international practice, agents may be appointed by the group to assist in country establishment and work procurement. All agents, partners and commercial agreements pertaining thereto must be approved by group exco.

• We will maintain professional working relationships with all our suppliers.
• We will ensure that our suppliers understand our performance standards  and requirements.
• We will not divulge confidential information to our suppliers about our business strategies.

• We will consult with the communities where we operate on matters that may affect them.
• We will respect the values, culture and beliefs of the communities in which we operate.

• We will respect and care for all life (people, animals and plants)
• We will educate all staff on environmental issues.
• We will protect soils, water and air from damage through our operations  as best we can. We will rehabilitate what we can.
• We will control emissions from our operations and will manage waste disposal under strict constraints.

In a work environment where the achievement of an organisation’s goals is dependent on the combined efforts of all its people, it is imperative that all employees abide by a code of behaviour, which is supportive of the organisation’s objectives. It is therefore important that we uphold our Code of Ethics through proper behaviour in the workplace and that we apply ourselves diligently to our jobs.

In asking ourselves if our behaviour is ethical, we should answer the following questions:

• Am I doing something that could possibly be illegal or seen to be illegal?
• Am I doing something that is dishonest or could be seen to be dishonest?
• Am I doing something that could be in conflict with the Code of Ethics?
• Am I doing something that internal or external people to our group could  view as negative or be offended by it?

If the answer to any of the above questions is “Yes”, then you should not proceed with your actions. Please discuss with your manager what you want to do to see if there is an ethical solution to your problem.