This statement is made on behalf of Scientia Holdings Property Fund (Pty) Ltd ("Scientia") and its subsidiaries. Based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Scientia recognizes the severe impact of modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labor, and is committed to addressing human rights risks across our organization. We understand the importance of including ethical practices within our operations, supply chains, and partnerships, and actively support global efforts to eliminate modern slavery.
As a private equity firm dedicated to crafting growth, Scientia maintains its commitment to compliance with South Africa's Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013 and all applicable labor laws, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997. These frameworks outline strict measures for eradicating human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitative practices. Scientia remains committed to ensuring that our supply chains and business operations are free from such risks, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability throughout the organization.
We align ourselves with the principles outlined in international frameworks, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which emphasize the responsibility of businesses to respect human rights and eliminate exploitative practices. Furthermore, we support the principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO) aimed at abolishing forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking globally
Modern Slavery Statement
At Scientia Holdings Property Fund (Pty) Ltd (“Scientia”), we are deeply committed to upholding human rights and eliminating all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labor within our operations and supply chains. This statement reflects our dedication to crafting a reliable and ethical business environment while adhering to South Africa’s Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997, and the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995.
Our policies and practices are informed by global standards, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions on Forced Labor and Decent Work. We understand the social and economic impact of modern slavery and are constantly working to better integrate anti-slavery practices across all layers of our organization. This statement outlines the frameworks, policies, and actions we have established to identify, mitigate, and address risks related to modern slavery, both internally and within our broader stakeholder engagements.
Our Policies and Governance Framework
Scientia has implemented a set of policies and governance mechanisms to combat modern slavery while promoting compliance, accountability, and transparency. These policies reflect both South African laws and international human rights standards, aiming to ensure a comprehensive and legally sound approach to ethical business practices.
Our Code of Ethics and Conduct serves as the foundation of our ethical framework, prohibiting any form of forced labor, child labor, or human trafficking in our operations or supply chains. This policy is applied universally across employees, suppliers, and contractors to ensure that our commitment to integrity and human rights is upheld at all levels. To reinforce these principles, Scientia also enforces a Supplier Governance Policy, requiring all suppliers to adhere to our strict Supplier Code of Conduct. This code mandates full compliance with labor laws, ESG standards, and ethical business practices, verified through regular audits and due diligence reviews.
In addition, Scientia’s Recruitment and Employment Policy ensures the lawful and fair treatment of all employees, emphasizing compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. Employees are engaged under legally binding contracts, and practices such as unlawful recruitment fees or coercion are strictly prohibited. To promote accountability, Scientia has implemented a secure whistleblowing mechanism, in line with the Protected Disclosures Act 26 of 2000, allowing employees and stakeholders to report unethical practices without fear of retaliation. Further, we conduct regular risk assessments under our Risk Assessment and Monitoring Policy, identifying and addressing modern slavery risks within our operations and supply chains to ensure full legal and ethical compliance.
Key Topics Pertaining to Our Policies and Statement
Scientia will remain committed to ensuring transparency in all facets of its operations. Our dedication to supply chain transparency includes supplier vetting and ongoing monitoring to identify potential risks of modern slavery. Suppliers are required to undergo background checks and comply with ESG and ethical standards to maintain long-term partnerships. This aims to ensure that every aspect of our supply chain operates with integrity and accountability.
To strengthen our efforts, we prioritize capacity-building and training for employees and partners. Scientia delivers targeted training programs to educate employees on identifying modern slavery risks, understanding legal obligations, and implementing preventive measures. By creating larger awareness across all levels of the organization, we create a zero-tolerance culture for exploitative practices. Additionally, stakeholder engagement plays a pivotal role in our strategy. Scientia actively collaborates with industry peers, regulatory authorities, and community organizations to share insights and align with broader societal efforts to combat modern slavery.
Our policies are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By aligning with these global objectives, we emphasize our commitment to ethical business practices and inclusive growth. Lastly, Scientia is dedicated to continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and enhancing our frameworks to adapt to emerging risks and evolving regulatory landscapes. Annual reports on progress and findings are shared with stakeholders to maintain transparency and accountability, ensuring that our policies remain effective and relevant.