Ethics

Petra’s commitment to ethical behaviour is clearly set out in the Group’s Code of Ethical Conduct (“the Code”).

Download the Group’s Code of Ethical Conduct

The Code is introduced by Chief Executive Richard Duffy who comments: “In line with our value of “Doing it Right”, we want ethically correct behaviour to simply be the way that we do things here. It is not only part of our culture, but it is a central building block. This is why each and every one of us must own and identify with this Code of Ethical Conduct”.

Petra’s business ethics support the Company’s corporate vision, mission and values and encourage and guide our employees on how to conduct themselves professionally.

Likewise, Petra acknowledges the strong link that exists between ethical conduct and corporate governance, being the framework of rules and practices by which the Board of Directors ensures accountability, fairness and transparency in Petra’s relationship with all its stakeholders.

Human rights are important to Petra and the Code acknowledges the Company’s commitment to the fundamental principles set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the supporting legislation in the jurisdictions in which Petra operates.

Petra remains firmly committed to actively advance human rights in areas within its control, including gender equality, respect for freedom of thought and association, the prohibition of slavery, child labour and discrimination of customs and cultures. Any violations of these principles can be anonymously reported at all levels within the organisation and from external third parties through the Company’s whistleblowing programme.

Download the Group’s Human Rights Policy

Download Petra’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for FY 2021

The Code, and the Group’s Anti-Bribery Policy, is implemented through a training and communication plan. All future Petra employees and third party contractors will be informed as part of the Company’s induction procedure about these two important corporate policies.

Download the Group’s Anti-Bribery Policy

The Petra Diamonds Code of Ethical Conduct provides employees and others the opportunity to independently and anonymously report conduct that is in contravention of the Code e.g. fraud, corruption, diamond theft or other workplace crime. In order to uphold its independence, this service is outsourced to an independent service provider. The service is provided in all local languages in the countries in which Petra operates as well as a number of international languages, and the service is open to all Petra employees, contractors and suppliers, as well as any member of the public.

All “tip-offs” received i.e. via telephone, fax, e-mail, post or the website, will be directed to the service provider’s central facility for further investigation and feedback, where required. The identities of those reporting certain conduct as well as the contents of the tip-offs received will be kept strictly confidential and protected according to applicable local and international laws.

This service guarantees the anonymity of the reporter, except if the reporter explicitly provides permission for his/her details to be shared. The investigation of tip-offs received by the service provider will be conducted by Petra’s senior management, who will also report on these directly to the Group’s Board of Directors.

Download the Group’s Promotion of Access to Information Act Manual

Conflicts of Interest and the Prevention of Anti-Competitive Behaviour

The Code deals with the issue of anti-competitive behaviour and contains provisions to promote fair competition. It sets out the principles by which employees should act to avoid such anti-competitive behaviour.

In addition, the Code sets out the Company’s expectations of Directors, Management and other employees with regards to conflicts of interest and provides guidelines on Petra’s stance on donations, gifts, entertainment and hospitality. Directors are required to disclose all their business interests and confirm that they are not subject to any conflicts of interest, and if a conflict of interest does arise, it must be formally disclosed to the Board and minuted as such.

Corporate documentation

The Group’s commitment to ethical behaviour is set out in the following internal documents:

• Code of Ethical Conduct
• Anti-Bribery Policy
• Whistleblower Policy
• PAIA Manual (relating to the South African Promotion of Access to Information Act)
• Human Rights Policy
• Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement