Naspers is a diverse group with international operations across the globe, some of which fall under the management control of the group, and are described in the review of operations section of this annual report.

All businesses under the operational control of Naspers or its major subsidiaries in South Africa are included in the GRI report. The majority of these activities and their impact are relevant to South Africa for the year ended 31 March 2008.

Naspers’s operations are clearly defined into electronic (internet, pay television, technology) and print media platforms, and have distinctly separate risk profiles. Therefore management’s approach is different in these businesses. MultiChoice South Africa and Media24 prepared separate GRI reports, which are available on their websites, www.multichoice.co.za and www.media24.com respectively.

Sustainability reports in accordance with GRI principles by some of our businesses outside South Africa will be considered in the ensuing financial year.

The workplace

Wellness

HIV/Aids

• information and awareness campaigns
• voluntary free testing
• free counselling, and
• comprehensive medical treatment programmes.

Environment

Media24 conducted an electricity efficiency audit during 2007 at its head office in Cape Town to identify possible improvements. South African operations will investigate further improvements in the use of electricity during the next year.

The South African businesses recently conducted a review of the potential impact that the current electricity crisis could have on our operations. The group invested R85 million in generators and UPS (uninterrupted power supply) units over recent years.

The Welkom Share Scheme, which was launched in 1999, matured in the 2007 financial year with every R1 000 invested yielding a return of R31 000. The total paid out to BEE (black economic empowerment) participants was R235 million.

Media24 successfully concluded a broad-based BEE share offer, Welkom Yizani, resulting in approximately 100 000 black people and groups owning an indirect interest in Media24 Limited.

MultiChoice South Africa completed two successful empowerment transactions, Phuthuma Nathi and Phuthuma Nathi 2. These transactions were structured to be truly broad based. Approximately 120 000 black people and groups now own an indirect interest in MultiChoice South Africa Holdings (Proprietary) Limited.

Staff participation and development

Our subsidiaries employ a variety of participating structures on issues that affect employees directly and materially, which are designed to achieve good employer/ employee relations. This is facilitated through effective sharing of relevant information, consultation and conflict resolution. These structures embrace goals relating to productivity, career security, identification with the group and, where applicable, local legislative requirements.

The group focuses on employment equity targets in its South African operations, including setting specific employment targets, mentorships for previously disadvantaged employees, integration of people with physical disabilities, promotion of an environment free from discrimination against women and preference in procurement. Employment equity targets are integrated into the South African operations’ business plans and performance is measured. Specific training needs for identified black successors are also actioned.

Succession plans for senior management positions are regularly reviewed.

Serving our communities