Bryanston, South Africa - September 17, 2009
The Dow Chemical Company, a leading science and technology company, introduces the Human Element (Hu) campaign to celebrate its 50th anniversary in South Africa. The Hu philosophy communicates Dow’s inherent interest in enabling a better quality of life for all human beings, a showcase of the company’s commitment to addressing global economic, social and environmental concerns.
The global Hu campaign emphasizes the fact that the only element absent from the scientific Periodic Table is that of the Human Element. Dow believes that by adding this element into the equation, everything changes and the bond between humanity and chemistry creates a reaction whereby resources become visionary, and challenges solvable.
Sazi Lutseke, managing director, Dow Southern Africa, comments “Dow is ideally positioned to bring significant value to human life through the provision of innovative and quality products as well as supporting the communities in which we operate. We believe that Dow is judged by the responsible manner by which we manage our operations, our business partners, our employees and the communities wherein we all operate. As a global company operating in South Africa, we support the drive for sustainable growth and economic participation by all South Africans through Broad –Based Black Economic Empowerment.”
Dow achieved Level Seven status in 2007 through their first BBBEE self-assessment. Level Six was attained 2008, and their goal is to achieve Level Four status by 2012.
“Our policies and standards for managing HIV/AIDs issues are world class. Dow developed its HIV/AIDs program in conjunction with UNAIDS, USAID, SABCOHA, GBC, WEF and AMCHAM. This program has been recognized as a ‘best practice’ by various organizations. We have a prevalence rate of less than 5% amongst our workforce which is nearly 67% lower than average national rates of infection,” says Lutseke.
A further practical application of the Hu philosophy is illustrated by Dow’s activity within their corporate social responsibility realm. Dow supports various projects in the sphere of education, HIV/Aids and environment conservation.
Notable projects include:
- The Thokomala Orphan Care Organization whereby Dow provides education funding to HIV/AIDs orphans for their training in life skills, understanding technology and their preparation for university where appropriate,
- The Osizweni Community Development Centre whereby Dow donated a fully equipped mobile science laboratory that has reached already reached over 2000 students at 31 schools, and
- The Ground Hornbill conservation program in which Dow has contributed to research and development, and operational costs.
Dow’s 2015 Sustainability Goals, linked to the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, reach beyond the Company’s borders to focus on reducing Dow’s global footprint, improving product stewardship and directing the power of innovation to help solve the world’s challenges.
“Dow’s employees have embraced the Hu philosophy wholeheartedly. The human return on this investment is paying dividends within the communities we operate, our customers, and suppliers. It’s all about people,” added Lutseke.
About Dow
About Dow Southern Africa
Dow opened its first sales office in South Africa in 1959 and today the company is a significant local industry player with an annual turnover of R1,4 billion. Dow presently employs over 200 people based in eight locations spread over five of South Africa’s provinces. Dow proactively participates in various corporate social responsibility initiatives and adheres to the principles of economic transformation in South Africa.
More information about Dow Southern Africa can be found at: http://www.dow.com/imea/ssa/about/locations.htm
For Editorial Information:
Doritha Erwee
The Dow Chemical Company
27 11 575 1547