Sapia was founded in 1994 – the first year of democracy. Its members had in mind the need to make South Africa a competitive nation, and were deeply aware of the role that the availability and cost of high standard fuel plays in achieving this target.

Members of Sapia remain answerable to some of the strictest statutory codes of business ethics so far operating anywhere in the world.

The low incidence of corruption or dishonesty in the industry is partly the result of 100 years of maturing – growing up from wildcat privateers to giant corporations with social obligations. Good governance within the industry is also the result not only of careful internal audit, but also of close scrutiny from outside interests in the most sophisticated global trading zones.

The founding members of Sapia are accustomed to working to rules which are practised and finely tested in Washington, Brussels, London, Bonn and elsewhere. These include the sensitive matters of political donations and commercial blackmail as well as the more obvious – but often more subtle – issues of bribery and corruption in business.

Sapia’s code of ethics is based on accumulated experience and applies to all its multinational and local members who operate under South African conditions. The oil companies emphasise “a recognition of our moral obligations ”and are proud of their modern reputation on industrial safety and environment.

MISSION STATEMENT

Among Sapia’s goals are:

• To ensure good governance and the highest standards of conduct in the industry.
• To promote communications within the industry.
• To create a forum for consultation between the industry, Government and other organisations on issues of public interest.
• To seek consensus with Government and all other role players on how the industry should be re-shaped to best serve the national interest.
• To promote understanding of the petroleum industry.
• To represent the SA petroleum industry at international level.

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT

Sapia members have grown up with South Africa over the past century and are committed to being a part of its future. The industry is essential to economic growth and forms the basis for much of the nation’s productivity.

The industry prides itself on having established itself as an ethical industry with high standards.

Some of the many corporate responsibilities, which Sapia members assume, are referred to in the Environmental and Reconstruction and Development reports as well as in other sections of this document.