The annual financial statements are independently compiled by a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) (CA(SA)).

Use of the CA(SA) designation is governed by the Chartered Accountants Designation (Private) Act, 1993 (Act 67 of 1993), which regulates and permits the use of the CA(SA) designation exclusively by members of The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Use of the designation without SAICA membership is consequently a criminal offence, and misuse is subject to legal action.

SAICA is the premier accountancy body in South Africa and one of the leading chartered accountancy institutes in the world and all members must comply with the Code of Professional Conduct which conforms to the code released by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA). The SAICA code and definitions contained therein are consistent in all material aspects with the International Federation of Accountants’ (IFAC) code as well as the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors
(IRBA) code.

The following fundamental principles are embodied in the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct and are to be upheld by all CAs(SA) at all times.

• Integrity – a duty to be straightforward and honest in all professional and business relationships.
• Objectivity – a duty to not allow bias, conflict of interest or undue influence of others to override professional or business judgements.
• Professional competence and due care – a duty to maintain professional knowledge and skill at the level required to ensure that a client receives competent professional services based on current developments in practice, legislation and techniques and act diligently and in accordance with applicable technical and professional standards.
• Confidentiality – a duty to respect the confidentiality of information acquired as a result of professional and business relationships and, therefore, not disclose any such information to third parties without proper and specific authority, unless there is a legal or professional right or duty to disclose, nor use the information for the personal advantage of the chartered accountant or third parties.
• Professional behaviour – a duty to comply with relevant laws and regulations and avoid any action that discredits the accountancy profession.

A distinguishing characteristic of CAs(SA) are their responsibilities and duties which extend beyond the needs of individual clients and also includes the public as a whole.

Accordingly, this declaration serves to confirm that the annual financial statements are prepared by a CA(SA) who has observed and complied with the SAICA Code.