Corporate and Business

This Pillar has been selected for purposes of this Project as it falls under ALRSA’s Corporate Accountability Programme, premised on the idea that Corporations operating in South Africa owe moral and legal duties to everyone whom their operations are affecting pursuant to South Africa’s constitutional regime. These duties extend beyond shareholders, directors, investors, management, customers, suppliers or even employees and other personnel. They are owed to the public at large and animals.

Part A of this Pillar sets out the rationale for its selection; the main national government departments with mandates in respect thereof; and how it connects with our Stakeholder Report in Section IV. Part B sets out background information as to how the Pillar connects with the Egg Supply Chain. Part C provides an overview of selected governance issues associated with this Pillar in the context of the Egg Supply Chain in South Africa. Part D provides examples of the other Parts in practice.

The rationale for including this as a separate Pillar is that this is a newer area in the context of animal law and animal protection, and there are regulatory considerations that do not necessarily fall neatly into the other Pillars to be considered. Given that the emphasis of this Project is Corporate Accountability, this Pillar intersects with all other Pillars discussed in different ways, such as in respect of the duties that Corporations have in relation to other Pillars (e.g., Corporations’ duties towards the environment and Corporations’ duties towards the protection of consumers, etc.).

That being said, due to their role and dominance in society and influence on regulation, corporations are often the worst offenders in terms of the infringement of rights and interests. Conversely, they have immense power to change the status quo for the betterment of all.

In the context of researching this Pillar and developing the Stakeholder Component of this Initial Report, we requested Selected Stakeholders provide access to their Annual Reports. Furthermore, we requested access to Selected Stakeholders’ animal-welfare centred Internal Policies. ALRSA is of the view that Internal Policies that expressly address Cruel Practices; provide for Progressive Measures to address these practices; and indicate mechanisms ensuring compliance, are indicative of a Selected Stakeholder adopting an accountable approach to animal welfare. Annual Reports, specifically addressing animal welfare measures and publicly reporting on Progressive Measures to address Cruel Practices reinforce corporate accountability.