The Social Media Policy establishes a comprehensive framework for the responsible, ethical, and secure use of social media by employees, both in their professional capacity and in their personal use where it may impact the Company. It outlines expectations regarding confidentiality, professionalism, brand protection, intellectual property, data privacy, authorised use of Company social media accounts, acceptable online conduct, and compliance with POPIA and other applicable legislation. The policy also provides detailed guidance on social media security, protection against defamation and harassment, media communications, monitoring of social media activity, and the disciplinary consequences of inappropriate online behaviour, helping to safeguard the Company's reputation, confidential information, and business interests while promoting responsible digital engagement.

What's Included

1. Purpose

• Objectives of the policy
• Responsible use of social media
• Personal and business social media use
• Protection of the Company's reputation

2. Scope

• Employees covered
• Contractors and consultants
• Temporary and casual staff
• Compliance obligations

3. Consequences for Non-Adherence

• Disciplinary action
• Gross misconduct
• Impact on employment
• Protection of legitimate business interests

4. Policy Definitions

• Social Media
• Social Media Activity
• Confidential Information
• Personal Information
• Information Officer
• Intellectual Property

5. Responsibilities

• Management responsibilities
• Marketing Department responsibilities
• Information Officer responsibilities
• Employee responsibilities
• Reporting policy breaches

6. Guidelines for Social Media

Legal and Professional Conduct

• Compliance with applicable laws
• Copyright protection
• Professional behaviour
• Personal vs Company opinions
• Social media disclaimers
• Appropriate use during working hours

Responsible Social Media Use

• Honest and respectful communication
• Personal accountability for posts
• Managing online discussions
• Reporting inappropriate content
• Protecting the Company's reputation

7. Security, Privacy, Data Protection and Copyright

• Protection of confidential information
• POPIA compliance
• Intellectual property protection
• Personal information security
• Non-disclosure obligations
• Copyright and third-party content
• Avoiding phishing and social engineering
• Protection of Company security information

8. Use of Company Social Media Accounts

• Authorised users
• Approval process
• Marketing Department authorisation
• Company account management
• Gross misconduct for unauthorised use

9. Code of Conduct

• Professional online behaviour
• Harassment and bullying
• Defamation
• Discrimination
• Offensive and explicit content
• Respectful engagement
• Brand representation

10. Talking About the Company

• Media enquiries
• Press communication restrictions
• Promoting Company products and services
• Written authorisation requirements
• Social media marketing approvals
• Gross misconduct provisions

11. Liability for Defamatory Social Media Posts

• Definition of defamation
• Employee liability
• Civil and criminal consequences
• Financial damages
• Public apologies

12. Monitoring of Social Media Usage

• Monitoring of Company systems
• Business records
• Investigations
• Privacy expectations
• Social media access restrictions
• Legal disclosure obligations
• Protection of Company assets
• Disciplinary consequences