Code of Ethical Purchasing


The Code of Ethical Purchasing is designed to promote safe and fair working conditions and the responsible management of environmental and social issues in Vodacom's supply chain.

It is Vodacom's policy that we only deal with suppliers of goods or services who comply with Vodacom's ethical standards. These ethical standards are contained in the Code of Ethical Purchasing (see below). It is each supplier's responsibility to establish procedures to comply with this code. Breaching the Code will result in a detailed corrective action plan to be agreed with the supplier. Persistent failure to meet the requirements of the Code will result in the termination of the supplier's relationship with Vodacom.


Child labour

No person is employed who is below the minimum legal age for employment.Children (persons under 18 years) are not employed for any hazardous work, or work that is inconsistent with the child's personal development.Where a child is employed, the best interests of the child shall be the primary consideration.Policies and programmes that assist any child found to be performing child labour are contributed to, supported, or developed.

Forced labour

Forced, bonded or compulsory labour is not used and employees are free to leave their employment after reasonable notice. Employees are not required to lodge deposits of money or identity papers with their employer.

Health & Safety

A healthy and safe working environment is provided for employees, in accordance with international standards and national laws. This includes access to clean toilet facilities, drinkable water and, if applicable, sanitary facilities for food storage.Where an employer provides accommodation, it shall be clean, safe and meet the basic needs of employees.Appropriate health and safety information and training are provided to employees.

Freedom of Association

As far as any relevant laws allow, all employees are free to join or not to join trade unions or similar external representative organisations.

Discrimination

Negative discrimination including racial or sexual discrimination is prohibited.

Disciplinary practices

Employees are treated with respect and dignity. Physical or verbal abuse or other harassment and any threats or other forms of intimidation are prohibited.

Working hours

Working hours of employees comply with national laws and are not excessive.

Payment

Employees understand their employment conditions and fair and reasonable pay and terms are provided.

Individual conduct

No form of bribery, including improper offers for payments to or from employees, or organisations, is tolerated.

Environment

Processes are in place to actively improve the efficiency with which finite resources (such as energy, water, raw materials) are used.Appropriate management, operational and technical controls are in place to minimise the release of harmful emissions to the environment.Appropriate measures are in place to improve the environmental performance of products and services when in use by the end user.Innovative developments in products and services that offer environmental and social benefits are supported.