As an organization we subscribe to the unique, dynamic richness of a diverse workforce equitably representative of the national demographic profiles of the countries we operate in. We believe in employing the best person for the job, irrespective of race, gender, age, or any other classification. Our behavior code guides us in selecting people with a positive attitude and strength of personal character that elevate them above the masses out on the job market.

Our strong EE target areas that we wanted to improve on last year were to recruit and develop African Female and Disabled employees across all levels. When it came to the recruitment of African Females the Group made definite progress in this area – largely due to the intern graduate program. These two areas still need much continued focus as does the introduction of black top and senior management across both genders and a focus on Coloured staff across all levels.

We have an Employment Equity Committee, which sits once a quarter to give feedback to top management on the progress made towards the EE Plan targets, as well as to discuss any attitudes/perceptions in the workplace to do with employment equity. During this year there has been increased involved from our Kliprivier base on the EE Committee and we have appointed further Kliprivier staff onto the EE Committee as representatives.

A mutually beneficial relationship with our Trade Union, NUMSA, is utilized to embark on meaningful conversations on how to ensure that there is no discrimination in any policy or practice within the business. Our current Employment Equity Plan runs through to end Sept 2011. It was decided to run with a 1 year EE plan going forward as it’s easier to project forward by only a year rather than having to imagine where the company will be in 5 years time when trading conditions are so volatile and much growth (organic and acquisition) is on the horizon for the Group.