SAPREF Releases it 2004 annual report

22 July 2005

SAPREF today (22 July) released its annual report to stakeholders entitled "Towards Sustainability 2004".

For the last four years SAPREF has provided verified information on its operational, economic, environmental and social performance. In this year's report, the content has been expanded to include some of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines for sustainability reporting.

MD Wayne Pearce explained "Our business strategies are focused on the three components necessary for a sustainable business (economic, environmental and social) and our business processes require that we set objectives, and report and review performance regularly. Our annual report is an extension of this philosophy and our commitment to openness. This report highlights progress in 2004, as well as the areas where we need to do more and recognizes the challenges facing our business. We wanted to introduce the report formally to our stakeholders in recognition of their role and contribution."

The report details the following:

• SAPREF has continued to invest in the development of people and particularly in supporting the national skills development strategy through a learnership programme. The annual budget invested in training and development totals some R23m.
• Very good progress has been made with achieving employment equity targets and increasing BEE spend. Particularly on the clean fuels project more than R24m or 32% was spent with BEE companies.
• SAPREF's clean fuels project is on track. An investment of R700m will deliver the facilities to produce petrol with no lead and diesel and petrol with reduced sulphur as planned by January 2006. In addition lead will not be replaced with any other additives.
• Since 1997 sulphur dioxide emissions have reduced by 60%, including operating to a self imposed limit of 20 tonnes of sulphur dioxide per day averaged over the year. Performance in 2004 has been better than this self imposed limit.
• Through a focused initiative of a multi disciplinary team spills have reduced by 35 % and flaring by 10 %.
• Implementation of the recommendations of an independent study into SAPREF's transfer pipelines between the refinery and the Island View storage facilities commenced. SAPREF will go beyond the recommendations by coating all seven pipelines, not only two as recommended. In support of the commitment to keep residents informed and to ensure regular communication, three Community Liaison Officers from local communities have been employed for the duration of the project.
• A study into pipelines at Island View which is now part of a study by the City, was commissioned in 2004.
• The Community Liaison Forum held seven meetings in 2004 and has met every month so far in 2005. The meeting is regularly attended by some thirteen community organizations and local authorities.

"Whilst the above developments confirm solid progress, SAPREF recognises that it still has much to do," said Pearce. "Current strategies are focused on continuing the work already started and are grounded in a business philosophy of continuous improvement. We welcome comments on the report and have provided a feedback form and envelope to facilitate this"

For more information contact:
Prudence Mbatha
SAPREF Communications Officer
Tel: 031-480 1303
Fax: 031-468 1111
Cell: 083 627 0802
email: mbathap@sapref.com