Safety of our customers is critical when using or exposed to any of our communications infrastructure and devices. We continuously update ourselves with the latest scientific research and compliance standards and best practises to improve our prevention mechanisms. We employ the best available technology in our systems to filter illicit content to protect our sensitive customers as well as prevent unauthorised access to our data storage centres.

Occupational health and safety officers ensure safe working conditions for our staff in all our operations. Specific high-risk issues of safety relate to installation, operation and maintenance of masts, and exposure of employees and contractors to EMF emissions at base station sites.

These technical employees are required to undertake compliance training to ensure that they operate safely and knowledgeably, and certified training to minimise occupational exposure is available to all employees and contractors working close to network antennae. Through MTN’s Safe for You programme in partnership with International SOS programme, all employees can work and travel securely in the knowledge that they can access a network of medical, security, travel, routine and emergency advice and assistance, and security evacuation. This service is available telephonically, online and locally (on-the-ground) 365 days a year.

Fraudulent and corrupt activities are a threat to the sustainability of any business. Our anti-corruption policy and plan to combat fraud is implemented through a holistic approach of proactive fraud risk assessments, audit plans and conducting fraud awareness training and reporting.

Reactive sources of managing fraud include audit reports, use of our whistleblower line, investigations, maintenance of fraud registers and departmental sources of data. We continue to encourage our employees to use our whistleblower line, called Tip-offs Anonymous, which we use as an indicator that our employees are aware of the importance of anti-corruption and they report corrupt activities.

86% of our operations have been trained on the management of fraud and corruption.

In 2011, we undertook training on the identification and control of corruption and fraud issues to MTN Sudan. Only MTN Iran, Afghanistan and Botswana have yet to undergo formal training, which we hope to complete by 2013 respectively.

Given our own recent history, as South Africans, we are particularly conscious of human and civil rights. In doing business, we work within the laws of the countries where we operate.MTN is acutely aware of the human rights and privacy dimensions that impact any company in the telecommunications sector. MTN operates within strict ethical principles that dictate what we do and how we behave. We expect our partners to operate within a similar framework.

The development of small to medium enterprises contributes significantly to the GDP of African economies. For example, in South Africa, SMEs contribute about 40% to the country’s GDP. Our footprint across emerging economies provides us with the opportunity to support the growth of small enterprises in emerging economies. Our aim is to provide support up to the point where they are profitable and sustainable. We achieve this through the provision of mentorship, support, advice and procurement from emerging entrepreneurs.

The Group President and CEO has directed that all operations are to establish Foundations that are funded by up to 1% of profit after tax (PAT). MTN Foundations projects are aimed at establishing sustainable initiatives that promote partnerships with our communities.

Employee volunteerism is an important part of our culture. MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme is structured to allow employees to give back to their communities, and takes place annually, usually within the month of June. Guidelines on how our employees can engage in community development work are provided and structured around a theme. Our 2011 volunteering theme focused on environmental sustainability.