16 Jun 2020
Black Lives Matter statement by Bob van Dijk, Group CEO
The past few weeks have been a turning point as the world responds to the tragic injustice of the death of George Floyd and that of others before him. The Black Lives Matter protests are a clear message that racial prejudice, inequality and discrimination are a reality still faced every day by people across the planet because of the colour of their skin. There is no place for racism in this world, and if we want to change that, we must stand together to banish it.
As a global organisation with people in many countries, the events of the last few weeks bring into sharp focus our huge responsibility as a community of colleagues. A responsibility to strive for a diverse, inclusive and safe environment, for all of our people, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, who they love, how or whether they worship. An environment where every person feels they belong, that they are listened to, and where they are empowered to speak up.
Building such workplaces is already an enduring priority for us, but there is always more we can do both personally and as an organisation. Given Naspers’s indefensible role in South Africa’s apartheid past, we have an added responsibility to do what we can to help create a just and equitable society. The Naspers of today is a story of evolution and change and we are committed to supporting the democratic ideals and progress of South Africa. The recent events have strengthened our resolve.
About Naspers
Established in 1915, Naspers has transformed itself to become a global consumer internet company and one of the largest technology investors in the world. Through Prosus, the group operates and invests globally in markets with long-term growth potential, building leading consumer internet companies that empower people and enrich communities. Prosus has its primary listing on Euronext Amsterdam, and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Naspers is the majority owner of Prosus.
In South Africa, Naspers is one of the foremost investors in the technology sector and is committed to building its internet and ecommerce companies. These include Takealot, Mr D Food, Superbalist, Autotrader, Property24 and PayU, in addition to Media24, South Africa’s leading print and digital media business.
Naspers has a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (NPN.SJ), a secondary listing on the A2X Exchange (NPN.AJ) in South Africa, and has a level 1 American Depository Receipt (ADR) programme which trades on an over-the-counter basis in the United States of America.
For more information, please visit www.naspers.com.
Naspers Labs
In 2019, Naspers Labs, a youth development programme designed to transform and launch South Africa’s unemployed youth into economic activity, was launched. Naspers Labs focuses on digital skills and training, enabling young people to pursue tech careers.
Response to COVID-19
Naspers contributed R1.5 billion of emergency aid to support the South African government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This contribution consisted of R500 million towards the Solidarity Fund and R1 billion worth of PPE sourced and distributed to South Africa’s front-line healthcare workers. In addition, Naspers contributed R6.9 million to the Nelson Mandela Foundation's EachOne FeedOne programme to support families who COVID-19 has impacted with meals for a year.