“Our strategic approach to investing in socioeconomic development is premised on the belief that the long-term viability of our business is linked to the wellbeing of our neighbouring communities

Our strategic approach to investing in socio-economic development is premised on the belief that the long-term viability of our business is linked to the well-being of the communities in which we operate and the areas from which many of our employees emanate. Securing the trust and endorsement of these communities and their political representatives is essential to our maintaining our social licence to operate.

This year we undertook a detailed strategic assessment of how we manage and maintain our social licence to operate in the different regions and countries where we operate. Through this process we identified the following three strategic focus areas as critical in ensuring business sustainability:

• Implementing social interventions in our areas of operation;
• Ensuring compliance with all transformational imperatives; and
• Engaging with our stakeholders to ensure responsiveness to their interests. (Refer to s 24 and 25)

Our strategic approach to social capital and licence to operate