At the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT), our Code of Ethics is the foundational document that expresses our commitment to good governance and conducting business within the boundaries of the highest ethical principles. This Code is a guide for all employees, directors, and stakeholders, outlining the expected behaviours, which must always be rooted in integrity and transparency.

We are driven by our core values, which ultimately determine our corporate culture. By applying high ethical principles and standards of acceptable behaviour, we aim to ensure that ethical conduct is the norm across ERWAT and with all our partners. As a responsible organisation and corporate citizen, ERWAT is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethics, integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism in every respect.

Core Ethical Principles and Values

Our Code of Ethics is designed to help everyone—from the Board of Directors to day-to-day staff—assess every decision and action to ensure it is right, legal, and fair. These key principles are non-negotiable:

1. Integrity

Integrity means being honest, trustworthy, truthful, and open in all our conduct and business dealings. All ERWAT employees are expected to:

• Act loyally in line with company policies.
• Perform duties in good faith, diligence, honesty, and in a transparent manner.
• Avoid making any false or misleading statements to others.

2. Respect and Diversity

We recognize that our strength lies in our diversity and our ability to create an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.

• We treat everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness.
• We maintain a Zero Tolerance policy against discrimination, harassment, or any form of inappropriate behaviour.
• We commit to providing equal opportunities for career advancement, training, and development based on merit and transparency.

3. Compliance and Accountability

We are accountable for our work and committed to operating within the legal and regulatory framework.

• Compliance: We comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and organisational policies.
• Conflict of Interest: We must avoid and disclose any potential conflicts of interest to appropriate authorities, ensuring all decisions are made based on the best interests of ERWAT.
• Confidentiality: We protect sensitive information and respect the privacy of individuals.
• Reporting: We foster an environment where irregularities and misconduct can be reported comfortably.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical standards, policies on rewards/gifts, anti-corruption, whistleblowing, and other detailed expectations, we encourage you to download the official policy document.