Telecom Namibia is committed to the principles of corporate social responsibility and good corporate citizenship. Passionate, positive and undeniably woven into the fabric of the Namibian society, TN has established strong community ties through support of communities we serve and have provided corporate resources, since incorporation in 1992.

Telecom Namibia receives an increasing number of requests from individuals and organisations seeking donations and sponsorships and partnerships for community and charitable causes.

Donations are cash or in-kind contributions made to organisations, schools or local community groups.

In-kind Donations are donations that do not involve a direct cash contribution but instead might include providing promotional items & other philanthropic grants.

Philanthropic Grants relate to those special community/area regional initiatives that invite the Company to give by way of a grant to a specific project. Such grants would be made on the basis that there would be no expectation of increasing the material gain (other than that related to corporate recognition, credibility and reputation) of the Company.

Sponsorships relate to opportunities that will in most cases offer a long-term association with a particular event or programme. In most cases sponsorships would allow the Company to develop a working relationship with the other party and to proactively participate to ensure maximum return on investment is achieved.

Telecom Namibia will make provision in its annual operating budget for Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and donations and sponsorships to individuals and community charitable and sporting organisations to assist in raising funds for specific projects or to stage events.

Only one donation or sponsorship allocation will be considered for any organisation or group in any financial year.

It shall be a condition of provision of a donation or sponsorship that TN's contribution be formally acknowledged in any publicity promoting the activity or project and the beneficiary shall enter into an agreement with TN and shall adhere to the terms and conditions therein.

Telecom Namibia is committed to ensure the CSR Policy remains effective. As part of our ongoing commitment, this policy will be reviewed every two years to reaffirm its effectiveness. Necessary amendments will be made to the policy where required and records of the reviews will be maintained.

In line with this Policy, Telecom Namibia will support individuals, groups and organisations in the following core areas:

• ICT sector development – supporting ICT skills development and access to ICT services.
• Sport & Recreation – supporting the development of sport and enabling participation in major events.
• Health - nurturing mind and body and encouraging a healthy lifestyle and wellness.
• Education – supporting the provision of quality education.
• Arts & Culture – developing skills in the sector and celebrating our heritage supporting platforms to showcase upcoming talent; promoting Namibian culture.
• Environment - reducing harm to the environment; focusing on recycling; climate change and electronic waste management; supporting clean-ups and awareness campaigns.
• Community outreach - assisting destitute and vulnerable communities such as orphans and the elderly.
• Entrepreneurial development – promoting and supporting upcoming entrepreneurs.
• Online Child Safety – Highlight, prevent and raise awareness about children’s safety and security in cyber space.
• Supporting the developmental needs of previously disadvantaged members of society, previously disadvantaged mainly women, people living with disabilities, and the elderly.
• Research & Development – supporting research and the development of solutions tailored to address advances in ICT development, and Namibia’s social and economic needs. Telecom Namibia to own Intellectual property rights for research funded.

The CSR Policy will seek to achieve a balance between the above Core Giving Areas.

The details of activities, programmes and initiatives, and their modalities of execution and implementation schedules will be drafted and reviewed on an annual basis. CSR expenditure shall include all expenditure on projects or programmes relating to CSR activities approved by the Head: Corporate Communications & Public Relations and/or the CSR Committee.

All applications will be evaluate against predetermined criteria and with due regard to the value of the donation and/or sponsorship request. Also to ensure that the application fits within the Company's CSR objectives and the policy is applied with consistency, some exclusions are listed below together with application guidelines.

Sponsorships should complement the existing brand values of the Company, enhance its image and provide a platform to increase visibility for and project positive image of the Company. The Company's donation and event sponsorship allocations must reflect favourably on our reputation as a leading telecommunications service provider in Namibia.

Preference is given to groups and organisations/groups that:

• Are registered non-profit and can demonstrate community support and involvement.
• Are working for the benefit of a wide range of stakeholders, in particular the youth, women, elderly and disabled of a community.
• Can demonstrate how the money or in-kind donation is to be spent and the expected outcome of the event.
• Commit to acknowledging the Company's contribution through the placement of various promotional banners, brochures, posters and the Company's logo on promotional material.
• Commit to acknowledging the Company's contribution by sending reports on the events through local media.
• Commit to providing the Company with a letter following the holding of the event that summaries the outcomes and benefits, where applicable.

As a general rule, TN will not consider support for the following:

• Organisations, groups, projects and other activities outside Namibia.
• Advertising and promotions, including advertising solicited on behalf of another organisation.
• Membership dues or school fees.
• Writing off debt owed to TN or any other organisation. Writing off of debt to be done in accordance with the Debtors Policy, Accounts Receivable Policy and Delegation of Authority.
• Churches or other religious groups, except under a charitable programme with the greater community as ultimate beneficiary.
• Labour or political organisation or candidates for public office.
• Corporate/family picnics
• Travel funds for trips, tours or expeditions.
• Individuals, organisations or programmes that are sensitive, controversial, harmful, or pose a potential conflict of interest.
• Professional fund-raisers working on behalf of an organisation.
• Additional funds for organisations or groups already under a multi-year commitment.

The process for making a request for donation or sponsorship funding is as follows.

1. Request for donation or sponsorship should be short and submitted in written form at least 60 days prior the scheduled project or event. The application should include supporting documents.

2. They should include the following:

• Contact person's name, mailing address, telephone number and qualifications.
• MHSS designation of non-profit status
• An outline of the project or event for which the donation or sponsorship is being requested and the expected outcome.
• The amount being requested, together with a total budget or projected cost of the event and supporting cost estimates from service providers and suppliers.
• A list of all project contributors or partners, particularly companies.
• A list of personnel involved with running the organisation.
• Information and commitments that will meet the criteria listed above.

3. Application for donation or sponsorship must be lodged in writing on attached pro-forma.

4. The Head: Corporate Communication & Public Relations and /or CSR Committee will consider application in accordance with the Company's current budget, the Delegation of Authority and the Principles and Criteria contained in this Policy.

5. The Head: Corporate Communication & Public Relations and /or CSR Committee may, if the application complies with the criteria contained within this Policy, approve sponsorship or payment of a donation in accordance with the above Principles and Criteria, budget availability, and guided by the Delegation of Authority Policy.