How we lead :
Our corporate governance report

Sound corporate governance is a critical part of the Business Connexion Group’s operations. We are committed to the principles of the Code of Corporate Practices and Conduct set out in the King Report on Corporate Government (King II). Our board of directors recognise the need to conduct all our enterprises with integrity, and according to accepted best practices. The directors are confident that Business Connexion has complied with the requirements of the King Report as far as possible in the year under review.

Our governance is continually reviewed and improved. Our recent key governance developments were: 

• Tony Ruiter’s appointment as independent Non-Executive Chairman of the board on 22 February 2008; and the appointment of Felleng Sekha as Non-Executive Director on 30 November 2007

• Further improvements in our reporting processes to the board, board committees and the Executive Committee (Exco)

• Ongoing alignment of governance standards and practices with King II

Our Application of King II

 
All entities within our group must subscribe to the spirit and principles of King II. 

While our board takes overall responsibility for our group’s compliance with the code, the directors of specific companies within the group are responsible for ensuring their own compliance.

Every year, our group facilitates a comprehensive process to review compliance with the code. This includes: 

• A board review of all aspects relating to our corporate governance, which is included in the annual report; and

• A review of current and emerging trends in corporate governance and our own governance system, as well as benchmarking our performance against local, and as far as possible, international best practice.

In its approach, the board believes that though compliance with the formal standards of governance is important, greater emphasis must be placed on effectiveness, with substance prevailing over form. The board also seeks to ensure that good governance is practised at every level and is an integral part of Business Connexion’s operations.

In an effort to ensure awareness of the impact of the Competition Law, Business Connexion has an ongoing process to assure the understanding of all board members, executives and management. A Competition Law guide has been prepared, which sets out the main areas of focus on the Competition Act, as well as the main areas of concern relating to transactions on both a vertical and horizontal level. An easy reference guide focusing on restrictions within the

Act has been prepare and distributed to relevant management and staff. Our Legal Services Division frequently presents a course on Competition Law as a part of its training initiatives.