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Sustainability awards
This year, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) received a record fifty-one entries for its 2008 Sustainability Awards. "It is extremely gratifying to see how an ever increasing number of companies in South Africa recognise that sustainability reporting plays a critical role in addressing material and long-standing needs in terms of obligations to their stakeholders," says Head of ACCA South Africa, Dr Quinton Simpson.
Participating companies were recognized for their contribution to sustainability reporting in South Africa, at a special function held at Hazeldene Hall in Parktown, Johannesburg. Assessments were based on Sustainability Reports submitted for the 2008 reporting period.
The categories in which awards are conferred are determined on an annual basis.
In a departure from previous years, the decision was taken not to recognise an overall winner. Member of the judging panel, Markus Reinhardt explains: "Over the years sustainability reporting has evolved and the distance between the leaders has become smaller and smaller. Because of the narrowing gap between the leaders, we decided to do away with an overall winner, because it is no longer practical."
Twelve awards were conferred.
Anglo Platinum Limited, (a second runner up in the 2007 ACCA Sustainability Reporting), was declared the winner in the category, Extractive Industry. AngloGold Ashanti was the runner-up. British American Tobacco South Africa, a first runner up last year, emerged as the winner in the category non extractive industries. Last year’s winner in this category, Mass Mart Holdings, was the runner up.
For the first time ever, an award was conferred in the category, financial sector. Nedbank Group scooped the top laurels, and African Bank Investments was the runner up. The previous year, African Bank Investments was the second runner up in the category non extractive industries.
The category, most improved report, was hotly contested. There were four contenders:
Altron, Kumba Iron Ore, Liberty Holdings and Sun International. Liberty Holdings was recognized as the winner, and Kumba Iron Ore, the runner up.
Group 5 was declared the winner in the category, best new comer. Wesizwe Platinum was the runner up in this category.
Cotlands was recognized as the winner in the NGO/SME category. Last year, Cotlands received a commendation from the judges for innovation in NGO reporting mechanisms. Imphala clothing, the runner up. The previous year, Imphala Clothing was recognized as the best newcomer, small enterprises.
Judges for the 2008 ACCA Sustainability Awards included: Douglas Kativu, Programme Manager, AICC, Shireen Naidoo, Director of KPMG Sustainability Services, Steve Nicholls, Senior Manager, Sustainability Services, KPMG, Marcus Reichardt, MD PE International (South Africa) Ltd and Partner, Reichardt & Reichardt, Cathy Reichardt,
Senior Manager: Safety, Health, Environment, Risk & Quality, Assore Limited, and
Dan Sonnenberg, Sustainability Consutlant.
ACCA is involved in reporting awards in more than twenty countries throughout Europe, Africa, North America and the Pacific Region. The Awards are endorsed by African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) and KPMG.
(If you would like more information about ACCA South Africa’s Awards for Sustainability Reporting, kindly contact Melanie Williams on 011 459 1900).