COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERMENT
We support the aim to incorporate previously disadvantaged communities into South Africa’smainstream economy. Over the years we have introduced several broad-based black economic empowerment schemes.
Naspers is one of the most empowered media companies in
South Africa for the third year running, according to
the Financial Mail empowerment survey that
reviews the top listed companies on the JSE for black
economic empowerment (BEE).
Media24’s broad-based BEE initiative, Welkom Yizani, has approximately 100 000 black people and groups indirectly owning a part of Media24 Limited.
We are also proud that Media24 received full marks for the enterprise development and socio-economic elements of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Empowerment Scorecard.
MultiChoice South Africa’s two successful empowerment initiatives, Phuthuma Nathi and Phuthuma Nathi 2, have approximately 120 000 black people and groups owning indirectly a share in MultiChoice South Africa.
FOCUS
Our international businesses are mostly internet platforms (focusing on commerce, communities, content, communication and games). As the group’s international presence in emerging markets expands, the focus will remain on sustainable development. We want to contribute to the communities in which we operate; develop our own people; contribute to economic prosperity at national and individual level; and minimise our impact on the environment.
A more detailed governance and sustainability review can be found on pages 42 to 65 of this annual report.
DIRECTORS
In terms of the company’s articles of association, onethird of the non-executive directors retire annually and reappointment is not automatic. Messrs Ton Vosloo, Neil van Heerden, Hein Willemse and Lourens Jonker, who retire by rotation at the annual general meeting, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.
On 25 November 2009 Prof Debra Meyer was appointed as a new member of the board. Shareholders will be asked to consider the re-election of those directors who retire by rotation, and to approve the appointment of Prof Debra Meyer as a director at the upcoming annual general meeting, notice of which is contained in this annual report. The abridged curricula vitae of all the directors appear in the directorate.
PEOPLE
The global economic landscape and fast-changing markets demand that we adapt quickly. We require the right skills set to meet the challenges in each of the countries in which we operate. Across the group, skills development is critical to maintain our competitive advantage, especially in our technology-intensive businesses. In our internet businesses we aim to attract the best young engineers, and training is key to our growth strategy.
We are proud of the contribution made by our people in so many countries. During a tough year they have shown resilience and innovation to achieve most of the goals our businesses had set. We appreciate their commitment.
Finally, our thanks to fellow board members for their guidance and support.
Ton Vosloo |
Koos Bekker |
