INTRODUCTION
Message from the Group chief executive
Mpumi Madisa
"We are no longer waiting for a return to a pre-COVID world.
In fact, this pandemic has given us an opportunity to recreate
and reimagine a new world. A world and society where
humankind better protects its people and environment.
A world where every business pays greater attention
to the way it makes profits.
A world where the manner
in which we conduct business and the impact of our
operations on the environment and society are equally
important. A world where social value is as important
as the bottom line."
Integrated thinking and planning is deeply embedded in Bidvest, enabling the reconciliation of our purpose with our long-term commercial objectives. Our 2021 theme of "People and Products Behind a Brighter Future" guides our efforts to create value for each stakeholder group which in turn drives our focus on optimising the value of our products and services, at a sustainable cost to society.
Our principals
OUR PEOPLE
Caring for the Bidvest family and driving positive change through partnerships and social dialogue
In line with SDGs aimed at good health and well-being and gender equality, the Group is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace with equal opportunities conducive to learning and personal development. In particular, the Group continues to promote and offer out-of-home hygiene services and integrated facilities management services in order to support safe and healthy occupational environments.
The Group is proud to be a deep-rooted corporate citizen in South Africa, as it is highly engaged in community development activities, with a particular focus on enhancing education, health, economic advancement and diversity. Investing in communities and human capital and supporting local suppliers, affords us the opportunity to operate, do business in and draw skills from the communities in which we operate.
Our people
THE ENVIRONMENT
Conduct profitable business in a responsible and accountable manner
In line with SDGs aimed at affordable and clean energy and climate action, the Group is focused on energy and water efficiency, responsible waste management, and innovative solutions to aid customer sustainability.
Bidvest’s environmental footprint is largely concentrated in its Freight operations, Bidair Cargo, laundries and the businesses with extensive operational networks, which collectively represent the vast majority of Group emissions and water usage.
The environment
GOVERNANCE
Doing the right thing even when no one else is looking
Bidvest has a deeply entrenched functional governance structure that places significant reliance on the ethical behaviour of all employees. This places a very high hurdle of responsibility and accountability on everyone. Rather than having many policies and manuals, we have a Code of Ethics that sets out our behaviour. When someone missteps, decisive action is taken, and communicated back into the business. An authority matrix forms the backbone of day-to-day governance.
Formal reporting structures complement business-level processes that result in dynamic and iterative risk assessments and mitigation actions. Relevant management and executive committees have been structured into each of the six divisions. These in turn report into divisional boards, represented by the divisional exco as well as representatives from Bidvest's corporate office executives. Matters from these divisional board meetings are escalated further to the Exco, which is attended by the Group directors and functional executives (covering strategy, M&A, finance, transformation, ESG, business development) as well as the six divisional CEOs. The three executive directors in turn report into the main Group board of directors, directly or through the established committees.
Governance
OUR CONTRIBUTION TO PROSPERITY
During FY2021 Bidvest generated considerable direct value
Revenue
R88bn
+16%
R50bn
spend on raw materials, goods and services, with R20bn spend in SA
Employee benefits
R26bn
+18%
Dividends declared to shareholders
R2bn
Employee and company taxes
R4bn
+27%
R303m
invested for future capacity (capex minus depreciation)
R230m
support to communities and employees
R372m
invested in skills development
Our contribution to prosperity
