Background

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) were developed to transform the world by presenting a unified vision to end poverty, reduce inequality, and prevent further harm to the planet. The SDGs present a guiding framework to develop, measure, monitor, and report on our programs that support and contribute to sustainable development. The SDGs define global priorities and aspirations for 2030 and represent an unprecedented opportunity to eliminate extreme poverty and put the world on a sustainable path. Governments worldwide have already agreed to these goals. The South African government has adopted the goals and is committed to supporting these goals.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in relation to South Africa’s National Development Plan

In South Africa, the National Development Plan (NDP) is the guiding document that focuses on eliminating poverty and reducing inequality by 2030. In essence, it states that South Africa can realize these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society. The core elements of a decent standard of living identified in the NDP are housing, water, electricity, and sanitation; safe and reliable public transport; quality education and skills development; safety and security; quality health care; social protection; Employment; Recreation and leisure and finally a Clean environment. The NDP has been approved and adopted by the government and has received a strong endorsement from the broader society. The NDP however has many overlaps with the UN SDGs and striving to attain the goals of either of the NDP or the UN SDGs will result in the attainment of sustainable development for the majority of the people in the country.

Our contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainability is a strategic necessity for Matus and guides our efforts across the business. We are committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders. We do so by strengthening the sustainability of our operations, continue to prioritize the well-being of our people, their health and safety, promote sustainable consumption and production practices and retaining support for the communities we operate in, is daily examples of how we prioritize a cause that extends beyond financial profit.

Our commitment to playing a transformative role can be seen in the day-to-day operations of our business. We are dedicated to providing safe and healthy workplaces with equal opportunities, conducive to learning, and personal development. We have invested in community development that enhances education, economic upliftment, and diversity. Through our business partnerships with suppliers and customers, we encourage sustainable manufacturing and consumption practices that encourage recycling, reduce the consumption of water, lower carbon footprint, and responsible labour practices.

As part of our strategy, we have prioritized the following SDGs to ensure our business is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.