2009 Sustainability Report
Employment Equity
Management has defined recruitment, training and
people development targets which are in line with the
requirements of the Employment Equity Act. An Employment
Equity (EE) Charter has been drawn up to align
management and employees to the EE requirements and
develop a program that creates value in the organisation
requirements.
Skills development and Training
There is a strong focus on implementing and
monitoring skills development programmes for the Group.
Expenditure on skills development, employing
historically disadvantaged individuals and providing
training in management disciplines continue as part of
the ongoing program. Previously disadvantaged employees
who have displayed management potential were enrolled on
management development programs, to fast track these
individuals into management roles. Delta continues an
adult basic education programme with a number of
learners having passed the ABET level one syllabus and
are looking forward to commencing level two in 2010.
Bursary Awards
In 2009 the policy of granting bursaries to the
dependants of employees was reviewed to ensure a greater
proportion of the workforce benefits in a way that will
contribute to the up skilling of South Africa and
particularly the skills which are important for success
in a developing economy. The focus has now shifted to
providing tertiary education bursaries to students who
are studying Maths, Science, Finance and other skills
which are in shortage in the country. Six bursaries were
offered in 2009 to students studying in these fields.
Learnerships
A number of learnerships commenced in 2009. Employees
are studying fulltime to improve their skills to become
qualified artisans. In addition, placement of unemployed
learners form part of the business program and
individuals with the necessary tertiary education are
employed into trainee positions. Selected students
studying towards chemical engineering who require
practical training to complete their academic
qualification are given P1&P2 training at the Nelspruit
operation. These students added considerable value to
the Nelspruit operation whilst gaining industrial
experience for themselves.
Occupational Health and Safety
Significant improvement in Occupational Health and
Safety (OHSA) were recorded during 2009. The Nelspruit
and Black Rock operations have a behavioural based
safety programme, risk assessment and awareness training
implemented to reduce incidents and exposures. Through
audits, reviews, objectives and monitoring of targets,
the Nelspruit and Black Rock operations strive to
improve management systems so as to comply with and
exceed where possible the requirements of OHSAS 18001,
internal SHE Standards, Responsible Care® and all
applicable legal and regulatory requirements pertinent
to the business. Independent external OHSA audits are
carried out by International Risk Control Africa which
continue to record high standards.
Environment
There were no significant environmental incidents and
significant progress has been made with ISO 14000
certification. The Nelspruit and Black Rock operations
became a signatory to Responsible Care in October 2009
when Mr. Praveen Baijnath (CEO) signed the Charter in
front of employees at a ceremony in Nelspruit. A high
value is placed on the well-being of employees, the
communities and conservation of the environment in which
operations take place and commitment to operating in a
responsible manner in line with the principles of
Responsible Care. Through the benchmark to Responsible
Care Standards, the aim is to further improve safety,
health and environmental standards.
The Nelspruit operation converts its residue from
production processes into Greenfill, a by- product which
is the used as fill in the construction of roads. The
road fill application has been accepted by the
Department of Water and Mineral Affairs. Through this
process the Nelspruit operation has minimized its use of
registered residue disposal sites. During 2009 the
Nelspruit operation supplied Greenfill used in the
construction of 3.8 kilometers of forestry roads.
Community OutReach Programs
Local community participation
Over the past two years the Nelspruit operation has
engaged in a program to support a group of woman from
the local community in establishing a brick making
business. A Birkenmeyer commercial brick making machine,
with capacity of approximately 1000 bricks per hour was
donated, refurbished and modified to suit their
requirements. This was erected in an industrial area
close to their homes. All ground and civil works,
erection, electrical and commissioning costs site were
borne by the Nelspruit operation. Training was provided
to educate the local community in the operation of the
equipment and raw materials to get the brick operation
started was provided. An ongoing relationship is
maintained with this local community and technical
support is given when necessary.
Education Support and Industry
As part of the commitment to the community in
Nelspruit from which resources are drawn, the Nelspruit
operation on a regular basis host visits from senior
school learners in natural and mathematical sciences.
During these visits, tour guides attempt to demonstrate
the practical implications of a career in Process
Engineering, Production, SHEQ, Research and Development
and Quality Control. During the past twelve months,
delegations of top performers from neighbouring schools
participated in this programme.
Affirmative Procurement
Affirmative procurement continues to receive support.
HIV/Aids
HIV/Aids awareness training programmes continue to be
carried out.
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