Human Rights Policy

1 PURPOSE

This policy outlines the GROUP’s commitment to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

2 SCOPE

This policy applies to:

• All employees (permanent, temporary, fixed-term, and part-time)

• Contractors, consultants, suppliers, and service providers

• Visitors and any third parties acting on behalf of the organisation

3 LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The organisation is governed by the following laws, among others:

• Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Chapter 2 – Bill of Rights Guarantees equality, human dignity, life, freedom and security of the person, privacy, freedom of expression and association, labour rights, and more. [gov.za]

• Labour Relations Act (LRA), 1995 Provides for the right to fair labour practices and regulates collective bargaining, dismissals, and industrial relations. [iclg.com]

• Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), 1997 Prohibits forced labour and child labour and sets minimum employment conditions. [cms.law]

• Employment Equity Act (EEA), 1998 Prohibits unfair discrimination and promotes equal opportunity. [iclg.com]

• Children’s Act, 2005 Prohibits child exploitation, forced labour, and trafficking. [cms.law]

• Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 Prohibits trafficking, exploitation, and related offences. [cms.law]

4 CORE PRINCIPLES

4.1 Equality and Non-Discrimination

• The organisation prohibits unfair discrimination on any grounds listed in Section 9 of the Constitution, including race, gender, sex, disability, religion, social origin, sexual orientation, culture, language, pregnancy, or age. [gov.za]

4.2 Human Dignity

• Every individual will be treated with dignity and respect, consistent with the constitutional guarantee of human dignity as a fundamental right. [gov.za]

4.3 Freedom and Security of the Person

The organisation does not tolerate:

• Harassment

• Violence

• Torture

• Cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment

These prohibitions align with Section 12 of the Constitution. [justice.gov.za]

4.4 Prohibition of Forced Labour and Child Labour

In compliance with the BCEA and Children’s Act, the organisation prohibits:

• Forced labour

• Slavery or servitude

• The employment or exploitation of children [cms.law]

4.5 Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

Employees have the right to join trade unions, participate in collective bargaining processes, and engage in lawful industrial action as permitted under the LRA. [iclg.com]

4.6 Privacy and Data Protection

Personal information will be processed lawfully and responsibly, aligned with constitutional privacy rights. [justice.gov.za]

4.7 Fair Labour Practices

Employees have the right to fair working conditions, fair dismissal processes, and lawful resolution of disputes under Section 23 of the Constitution and the LRA. [cklaw.co.za]

5 ORGANISATIONAL COMMITMENTS

5.1 Fair Labour Practices

The organisation will provide a workplace free from:

• Hazards

• Violence

• Harassment

• Discrimination

Aligned with the BCEA and constitutional rights to security and dignity. [justice.gov.za]

5.2 Freedom of Speech and Expression

Employees may express their views responsibly without fear of retaliation, in accordance with Section 16 of the Constitution. [justice.gov.za]

5.3 Ethical Business Conduct

The organisation commits to responsible sourcing, prevention of human-rights abuses within the supply chain, and compliance with South Africa’s obligations under international labour conventions. [cms.law]

5.4 No Retaliation

Anyone who raises a concern in good faith is protected from victimisation, intimidation, or retaliation.

6 RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1 Employer Responsibilities

The organisation will:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable human-rights-related laws

• Conduct training on human rights and labour rights

• Implement procedures to detect, prevent, and address human-rights violations

• Take corrective action where violations occur

6.2 Employee Responsibilities

Employees must:

• Treat colleagues and stakeholders with respect

• Report suspected human-rights violations

• Comply with internal policies and ethical standards

• Avoid engaging in discriminatory or abusive behaviour

7 REPORTING MECHANISMS

Employees may report concerns via:

• Line Manager

• HR Department

• Anonymous reporting channels

• External regulators

All reports will be investigated promptly, fairly, and confidentially.

8 CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATIONS

Violations of this policy may result in:

• Disciplinary action

• Termination of contracts

• Reporting to law-enforcement or regulatory authorities

• Civil or criminal liability as applicable under South African law