Bulldog Watch Code of Ethics

As businesses, we earn our ‘licence to operate’ in society by being good corporate citizens, responsibly discharging our obligations and claiming our rights. In order to promote ethical business practices, BULLDOG WATCH proposes to businesses, product- and/or service providers to willingly commit themselves to the following standards and ethical values of good business practice.

By pledging your business in full to the below mentioned Code of Ethics & Good Business Practice, you also commit yourself to at all times adhere to the South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA) in full and without any conditions to such compliance.

Furthermore our members and those who pledge themselves to the below mentioned also commit themselves to inspiring their employees, suppliers and other businesses to act in the same manner, to create positive change in the market through the sharing of information and ideas as well as collaborating in the promotion and upliftment of these business ideals and to stand together and create unity, trust and respect amongst South African business owners and consumers alike.

Responsibility

Responsibility requires taking ownership of, and being accountable for our acts and omissions. It means that we take care of what is entrusted to us, recognising the economic, social and natural environments in which we operate.

Because we value Responsibility, we commit to:

• Exercising our obligations to consumers, competing businesses and our fellow man with due care, diligence and the required skill.
• Guaranteeing the products and services of the company and deal quickly and efficiently with consumer and user claims, with a view to achieving satisfaction beyond mere compliance with prevailing legislation.
• Aspire to excellence in the goods and services of the company in such a way that clients and consumers obtain the satisfaction expected therefrom.
• Search for and select only suppliers whose business practices respect human dignity, are not in breach of law and do not place the company’s reputation in danger.
• Select suppliers on the basis of the appropriateness of their products or services, as well as of their prices, delivery conditions and quality, not accepting or offering gifts or commissions, in cash or in kind, which could alter the rules of free competition in the production and distribution of goods and services.
• Practising good governance in our business strategies and operations.
• Upholding all applicable laws, rules, and standards.
• Pursuing business practices that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.
• Being prudent in our use of natural resources.
• Supporting growth and development in South Africa, by, amongst others, paying our due taxes.

Integrity

Integrity requires doing what we say, and always acting in good faith. This builds trust, which is necessary for any good business to thrive and be successful.

Because we value Integrity, we commit to:

• Maintain ethical and licit relationships with suppliers of goods and services.
• Being truthful and honest in all our dealings, disclosures and reporting.
• Honouring our commitments and delivering on our promises.
• Refraining from activities that are corrupt or can be seen as promoting corruption in society.
• Being transparent when funding political activities.

Respect

Respect requires acknowledging others’ rights and inherent human dignity.

Because we value Respect, we commit to:

• Treating customers, staff and all other stakeholders with dignity.
• Upholding basic human rights, including those set out in the South African Constitution.
• Duly considering the interests of people, communities and the environment where decisions could affect them.
• Refraining from arbitrary or unjustified discrimination against anyone.
• Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
• Recognising the interests and capabilities of those to whom we market our products or services.

Fairness

Fairness requires even-handedly balancing the interests of various parties, ensuring that everyone gets what is rightfully due to them.

Because we value Fairness, we commit to:

• Supporting free and fair competition by not being involved in price-fixing or other anticompetitive activities.
• Upholding just labour practices.
• Providing reasonable remuneration to employees.
• Negotiating in good faith, and refraining from coercion.
• Supporting freedom of association and collective bargaining.
• Being sensitive to social inequality in our business practices.

The above Code of Ethics was compiled in large part from the BUSA – South African Charter of Ethical Business Practice
and adjusted to include additional and important values and standards where needed