FirstRand Namibia relaunches ethics line
The FirstRand Namibia Group has relaunched its new Ethics Line aimed at alerting FirstRand Namibia of suspected or observed unethical conduct in any of its businesses.“With this service, employees, customers and suppliers are encouraged to blow the whistle in good faith on unethical conduct affecting the interests of the FirstRand Namibia Group or that of any stakeholder,” says Sydney Tjipuka, business conduct and ethics head for FirstRand Namibia.
“We believe that everyone should speak up and report unethical conduct, as it is the right thing to do.”
Tjipuka continues: “We encourage employees, suppliers and other interested parties to advise us of suspected or observed cases of illegal conduct such as theft, fraud or corruption, as well as unprocedural conduct such as a breach of important policies or procedures likely to harm our people or our business.
“Further, wasteful conduct resulting in significant inefficiencies, such as losses of valuable time and revenue, should also be reported, as well as any other forms of unethical conduct like conflicts of interest, nepotism and cases of harassment and victimisation.”
Protected
“At no time will any of the details of a whistleblower be made known to anyone, and their protection is guaranteed all the time,” says Tjipuka.
“The FirstRand Namibia Ethics Line is a secure and confidential channel independently managed by Navex on behalf of FirstRand Namibia. This is of utmost importance to us, as we value everyone who also has our interests at heart and conducts business ethically and honestly,” he adds.
“When reporting, it is important to submit full names or some information that will help identify the person(s) allegedly involved in the misconduct, the department where they work, or their role; when and how the misconduct happened; and any detailed information that will help the investigation,” advises Tjipuka.
“If you have any documentary proof in your possession, you can add these as an attachment.”
Whistleblowers can report any wrongdoing anonymously, partially anonymously, or confidentially by using the following channels:
* Report online: https://firstrandbank.ethicspoint.com
* Report on mobile: https://firstrandbank.navexone.eu
* Voice calls: 083 380 0102
We encourage you to report any of the following:
* Fraud, theft, or financial misconduct,
* Harassment, discrimination, or any form of workplace misconduct,
* Breaches of company policies or ethical standards,
* Environmental, health, or safety violations,
* Any other illegal or unethical behaviour, and
* Demanding payments in exchange for loans/overdrafts.