LEADERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2019 THROUGH INNOVATION
Glossary of Terms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations 5
ABOUT THE GROUP 6 Our Vision, Our Mission 7
Corporate Information 8
Pathway 8
PERFORMANCE REVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS 10 Chairperson’s Message 12
Group Chief Executive Officer’s Report 14
Group Financial Dashboard 17
Salient Events 18
INSIDE
Leadership Through Innovation 21
Sustainability Report 22 Statement of Compliance 25
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 26
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 27 Secretary’s Certificate 73
Statutory Disclosures 74
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 75 GLOSSARY OF TERMS, ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AIM Advance Institute of Motoring Ltd ARC Audit and Risk Committee BCSD Business Council of Sustainable Development CGNRC Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee CO₂ Carbon dioxide CSR Corporate Social Responsibility DEM Development & Enterprise Market of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius Ltd DPS Dividend per share EBITDA Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation EPS Earnings per Share FPSL FleetPro Services Ltd GCEO Group Chief Executive Officer GCA Group Chief Accountant HAWT Horizontal-axis wind turbine HC Hydrocarbons ICL Island Communications Ltd IFRS International Financial Reporting Standard kWh Kilowatt-hour MBA Master of Business Administration MIoD Mauritius Institute of Directors Ltd MyC mychauffeur Ltd NAV Net Asset Value NAVPS Net Asset Value per Share NGO Non-Governmental Organisation NOI Net Operating Income NOx Nitrogen oxides PAT Profit after Tax PET Polyethylene terephthalate PIE Public Interest Entity PM Particulate matter PV Photovoltaic RHT HL RHT Holding Ltd RHT BS RHT Bus Services Ltd RHT IL RHT Investments Ltd RHT PL RHT Properties Ltd RHT VL RHT Ventures Ltd ROE Return on Equity Rs Mauritian Rupees SEM The Stock Exchange of Mauritius Ltd SEMSI Stock Exchange of Mauritius Sustainability Index Sqm Square metres TMSL Transport and Micropayment Systems Ltd VAWT Vertical-axis wind turbine ZEB Zero-emission bus
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 5 ABOUT THE GROUP OUR VISION To be a trendsetter offering an outstanding level of service that meets the highest environmental and social standards. PURPOSE RHT Holding Ltd initially started its operations in 1954 under the name Rose Hill Transport Group, operating in public transport in Mauritius. Through its years of experience in the bus services sector, RHT Holding Ltd has established itself as the leading market player. In 2006, with a view to diversifying its activities, the Company was listed on the Development & Enterprise Market of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (“SEM”). A restructuring was implemented two years later to separate the different activities into clusters. Subsequently, in 2010, the shareholders resolved to change the name of the Group from Rose Hill Transport Ltd to RHT Holding Ltd. Although public transport remains the core activity of the Group, operating under the name of RHT Bus Services Ltd, there has been a diversification into corporate venturing, investment in property and equities of blue-chip companies trading on the SEM as well as in international funds. On 7 September 2015, RHT Holding Ltd was also listed on the SEM Sustainability Index (“SEMSI”), which seeks to promote the best companies in Mauritius working to provide a more sustainable business environment for all stakeholders. OUR MISSION We aspire to be one of Mauritius’ most The RHT Group is now entering a crucial phase. With the advent of the Metro project, the Company valuable companies through innovation, is poised to reinvent itself and transition to markets that offer better margins. world-class performance and a clear focus on each of our business segments.
6 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 7 CORPORATE INFORMATION
REGISTERED OFFICE BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPANY SECRETARY PRINCIPAL BANKERS 32 ex-14 Hugnin Road, Paul C.K.F. Ah Leung - Chairperson Navitas Corporate Services Ltd The Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd Rose Hill, Mauritius Sidharth Sharma - Group Chief Executive Officer The State Bank of Mauritius Ltd Ravindra Goburdhun - Executive Director EXTERNAL AUDITOR Barclays Bank Plc COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER Meha Desai MauBank Ltd Stéphane Leal BDO & Co. C893 Kamil Patel 10, Frère Félix de Valois Street, Port Louis, SHARE REGISTRAR Yoosuf Kureeman Mauritius DATE OF INCORPORATION Uday Kumar Gujadhur MCB Registry and Securities Ltd 27 April 1954 Van Man Sin Kwok Wong INTERNAL AUDITOR PwC Mauritius 18, Cybercity Ebène, Réduit 72201, Mauritius
Inclusion as one of the 15 constituents PATHWAY of the prestigious SEMSI (Stock Exchange of Mauritius Sustainability Index). Launch of Smartline on RHT was Route along with 1954 1972 1998 Listing of RHT 2005 probably 2011 2014 the Trip Planner 2016 Introduction of 2018 on the among the few ISO 9001:2008 mobile app for the Filao card. Recruitment of Development companies in certification. bus tracking. Procurement of Introduction of the first lady & Enterprise the world to Introduction of Incorporation of buses using automatic conductor, Market of the introduce FREE semi-low floor ICL Zambia, a EURO IV transmission driver and Stock Exchange Wi-Fi on its buses subsidiary of RHT standard Official Launch of gear Difficult time traffic officer Introduction of of Mauritius First trial of the buses Launch of Presentation of Ventures Ltd Launch of engines Launch of the Rose Hill during the GPS technology electronic fare Etoile Card the Mauritius Fleet Pro. country’s first Transport Ltd workers’ strikes. in RHT buses payment Business Reintroduction two-wheeler RHT was the only system Excellence of the driving school, bus carrier that Award. double-decker the Advanced maintained Introduction of buses Institute of service despite a the Chef on the Motoring trade union ban Bus Concept. Launch of 1965 1990 2001 2010 2013 mychauffeur.mu. 2015 2017
8 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 9 PERFORMANCE REVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS
10 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 11 CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE “Without the ambition to raise oneself to life’s challenges, growth and innovation
Dear Shareholder, would never happen.” On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my have yet to witness these long-awaited actions Mark Goulston pleasure to present the Annual Report of and their resultant impacts. RHT Holding Ltd (the “Company”) for the year On the other hand, this undesirable situation ended 30 June 2019. has not deterred our resolve to pursue with “Without the ambition to raise oneself to our motto, “Leadership Through Innovation.” life’s challenges, growth and innovation This year, in the midst of adverse conditions, would never happen.” (Adapted from Mark RHT BS has actually introduced two new Goulston) 100% electric buses, thus becoming the very first public transportation company to invest in the Company and its minority shareholders. possible essentially by way of dividends The RHT Group has been painstakingly rising to such vehicles. This platform’s primary objective was to act received through RHT Investments Ltd, various challenges over the last years and has as a vehicle to keep shareholders (especially which remains the main revenue driver for kept an unflinching resilience in the face of the STRATEGIC FOCUS the smaller ones) abreast of the means and the Group. hardships crossing its way. The Group’s strategy remains the development ways in which challenges facing the Group are ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Indeed, our public transportation cluster, of mobility solutions for goods and people, being addressed. They have unfortunately not RHT Bus Services Ltd (“RHT BS”) has dragged except that we are now extending our boundaries demonstrated the anticipated interest in this It is in trying times that we can truly evaluate down the financial results of the Group with an to encompass continental Africa. Indeed, the initiative, which will be put on hold until further the real strength of a Team! And we are increasing negative contribution of more than RHT Group is very much active in Zambia while notice. sailing through rough seas! I, therefore, wish Rs 1 million monthly due to: exploring new territories such as Kenya and to express our gratitude to our Management DIVIDEND • a drastic fall in ridership caused by delays Uganda. Team and staff for their dedication and Despite the difficult situation, the Board, engagement and wish to reiterate the trust and longer travel time; At the subsidiaries’ level, we have witnessed following the recommendation from the and confidence of the Board of Directors in • a reduced number of trips per bus; very promising results with the good financial executive management, considered it necessary the Group’s Executives and Managers. • enormous increases in fuel costs; and performance of FleetPro Services Ltd (“FPSL”), to remunerate shareholders even at a reduced • huge augmentations in overall inefficiency Island Communications Ltd (“ICL”), and Transport rate. Indeed, the total dividend declared in the rates. and Micropayment Systems Ltd (“TMSL”). I am financial year ended 30 June 2019 is Rs 0.90 per convinced that these clusters will be delivering All of the above was caused by massive traffic share, which is Rs 0.15 lower compared to last much higher returns in the years to come. congestion in most of the regions served by year. An interim dividend of Rs 6,081,075.00 RHT BS. SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT (Rs 0.50 per share) was declared in November We have nevertheless constantly been re- INITIATIVES 2018 and paid in December 2018 and a assured by the Government and relevant With a view to improving shareholder final dividend of Rs 4,864,860.00 (Rs 0.40 Paul C.K.F. AH LEUNG transport authorities that appropriate measures engagement and foster transparency in per share) was declared in June 2019 and Chairperson have and will be taken to alleviate our hardships, the affairs of the Company, the Board had paid in August 2019. As in recent years, and as such mitigate our losses – we indeed initiated meetings to build a bridge between the declaration of dividend has been made 27 September 2019
12 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 13 GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE We remain resolute in OFFICER’S REPORT becoming an important player in the Mobility
Dear Fellow Shareholder, segment.
HIGHLIGHTS The financial year ended 30 June 2019 has been August and garnered significant interest for its another very testing one for the Group’s flagship full maintenance leasing product. undertaking, RHT Bus Services Ltd (“RHT BS”). MyChauffeur has cemented its market position Fleet usage went down due to congestion and for an on-demand driver hiring service. The passenger footfall has consequently declined Company is still not profitable but has managed by 20% since 2017. The Company hopes that to build a strong brand. The focus is now on the operational landscape will change with improving average revenue per customer. the introduction of the Metro service. RHT BS compared to Rs 13.9m in the previous financial has been allocated 10 feeder routes that will Transport and Micropayment Systems Ltd year. Turnover went down by 4.5% as a direct require 23 buses. The service will be paid by (“TMSL”) on the other hand won the contract for consequence of the congestion associated Our fully electric Metro Express Ltd on a lump-sum basis and providing cashless payment solutions at Splash with Metro works. This negative trend is now the Company is expected to cover all its costs n Fun Leisure Park (formerly Le Waterpark and expected to reverse with the completion of works buses are the plus a margin. The Company will also negotiate Leisure Village) in Belle Mare. The Company on the Rose Hill-Port Louis segment. In addition, a standby fee in exchange for deploying its has also received a letter of confirmation for the the Company has been able to negotiate a more first of their kind fleet whenever the Metro is inoperative due to installation of cashless ticketing equipment on favourable transition subsidy arrangement. maintenance works. feeder buses for the Metro network and is now in Mauritius and positioning itself as a reliable supplier for the bus The level of financial subsidy obtained will be ELECTRIC BUSES industry. maintained as the Company’s fleet size and Two fully electric buses were launched by the represent a the number of employees remains the same. ICL Zambia, a subsidiary of Island Communica- Company on 17 June 2019. They are the first of In addition, the Government has allocated 11 tions Ltd (“ICL”) turned profitable this year and their kind in Mauritius and represent a significant significant milestone. routes to make up for the losses in ridership that has been steadily increasing its customer base. milestone. The ceremony was graced by the Vice the Company will face with the roll-out of the The Company has been functional in this country Prime Minister, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo Metro service. It remains unclear at this stage for over 2 years now and provides the Group with and the Minister of Public Infrastructure and whether these routes, that we initially intend to an opportunity to introduce its product range into Land Transport, Mr Nandcoomar Bodha. operate on a trial basis, will generate sufficient a new market. A 30% share of the energy powering the buses Ebene Carpark Ltd and Victoria Station Ltd. revenue. T h e G r o u p ’ s s t r a t e g y s e s s i o n w a s h e l d o n is obtained from photovoltaic panels installed Construction of the Ebene Car Park is on track Subsidiaries other than RHT BS have contributed 25 July 2019 and we remain resolute in becoming at the depot. The cost-benefit of the electric with completion expected by November 2019. more than 30% of the Group’s turnover and this an important player in the Mobility segment. We buses is compelling and make a strong case for Works have also started at the Victoria Urban figure is expected to further improve in the new are also focused on streamlining our business increasing their numbers in our fleet. Terminal. The project has taken longer than financial year. with a view to becoming more profitable. expected to initiate due to the complexity involved PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE in the first such public-private partnership in Fleet Pro Services Ltd (“FPSL”) had a good year FINANCIAL RESULTS and generated a sound profit from securing As reported in the Annual Report last year, Mauritius. However, the significant interest Group results have been pulled down largely by some important accounts. The Company the Company through RHT Investments Ltd generated among retailers gives a lot of comfort losses in RHT BS, which amounted to Rs 17.2m participated in the Salon de L’Automobile in (RHT IL) has made strategic investments in regarding the future success of the project.
14 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 15 We are also working on value- added services GROUP FINANCIAL DASHBOARD that could be provided in connection with the Metro project. Rs 189.5M Rs 17M Rs 27. 4M RHT Bus Services Ltd RHT Bus Services Ltd RHT Investments Ltd REVENUE LOSS OF THE YEAR PROFIT BEFORE TAX The Company is in the process of entering into an operational management contract with a bus company in East Africa. We are also working on value-added services that could be provided in connection with the Metro project. These new activities will be carried out under the Advance Institute of Motoring Ltd (“AIM”).
CONCLUDING REMARKS We now firmly believe that the uncertainty and challenges around the business model Rs 740.0M Rs 29.2M Rs 26.5M of RHT BS are behind us. We look forward to RHT Investments Ltd Island Communications Ltd FPSL delivering better results and stronger financial TOTAL ASSETS REVENUE REVENUE performance for the new financial year. I would like to thank you for your support and confidence in our Company.
Rs 275.0M Rs 7.9M Rs 0.90 GROUP GROUP LOSS DIVIDEND REVENUE BEFORE TAX PER SHARE Dr Sidharth Sharma Group Chief Executive Officer 27 September 2019 Rs -0.74 Rs 1026.1M Rs 55.4M Rs 31.00 EARNINGS TOTAL NET ASSET SHARE PER SHARE ASSETS VALUE PRICE PER SHARE
16 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 17 SALIENT EVENTS
AFRASIA BANK SUSTAINABILITY AWARD RHT Bus Services is a proud recipient of an AfrAsia Bank Sustainability Award, which was presented to the company during the AfrAsia Bank Sustainability Summit 2019 held on 14-15 October 2019 at the Caudan Arts Centre. A first in Mauritius, these awards seek to recognise local organisations which have made sustainability an integral part of their business practices.
ELECTRIC BUSES A first in Mauritius, RHT Bus Services Ltd launched its first two fully electric zero emission buses on 17 June 2019 . A proportion of 30% of the energy used by these semi-low floor vehicles with a seating capacity of 10029 % and 36 passengers respectively comes from photovoltaic panels installed at the depot. ELECTRIC
18 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 19 LEADERSHIP THROUGH INNOVATION ACCIDENT DRILL A full-scale accident drill involving a bus collision with a motorcycle and a shop was conducted on 21 August 2019 at Hugnin Street, Rose Hill. RHT Bus Services personnel and stakeholders such as the police, the Special Mobile Force, the Special Supporting Unit, fire services and first aiders took part in the exercise, which was completed in less than half an hour.
SOCIAL INITIATIVES RHT Holding Ltd demonstrated its ongoing The mobility landscape in Mauritius manage facilities developed in keeping with commitment to sustainability and corporate is undergoing significant change and international standards. A new paradigm will social responsibility through a number of RHT Holding Ltd (RHT HL) is inclined be established with ‘drop-and-pick’, similar different initiatives during the year under to make a meaningful contribution as to airport operation. review. a leading industry player. To succeed In addition, we intend to persevere with our in this endeavour, we have teamed up plans to set up a taxi business. We are also with Transdev, the largest private sector exploring the possibility of moving into new operator of multiple modes of passenger spheres through implementing a bike-sharing transit in North America. service and offering corporate transportation We have various projects underway, solutions. including the rolling out of a park and ride Our ultimate goal is to transform into a one- service to support the scheduled opening stop service provider and thus continue to of the Ebene Car Park, a multi-storey paid deliver on our mission to be one of Mauritius’ facility. We are also bringing our expertise most valuable companies through innovation, to the Victoria Urban Terminal, a key world-class performance and a clear focus multimodal complex in Port Louis. This will on each of our business segments. provide us with the unique opportunity to
20 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 21 The two Zhongtong semi-low floor buses – one with two discharge guns. To be sustainable, it is 8.5m long 29-seater and one 10m long 36-seater further envisaged to use the existing 500sqm procured and commissioned on 18 June 2019 rooftop to produce a daily average of 320kWh. consume an average of 36kWh of electrical With the completion of the new workshop power for night charging of the batteries rated at sheds, another 600sqm will be available to SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 136kWh and 202kWh. Since their commissioning, produce an additional 384kWh of sustainable an average of 193kWh is used daily for charging energy which will be fed into the grid. and the photovoltaic (PV) plant contributes to With the introduction of the ZEB, RHT Bus Services almost 19% of consumption. Ltd (RHT BS) also witnessed a 1.66% drop in the Both buses are charged through a 45kW charger monthly CO₂ emissions of 270,329kg.
The following report provides stakeholders of RHT Holding Ltd (RHT HL) with an overview of our sustainability targets and achievements for the review period, with a primary focus on our main and most environmentally impactful business line, bus services. FLEET AGE AND CARBON FOOTPRINT The RHT Bus Services Ltd (RHT BS) fleet consisted of 80 vehicles at end-June 2019 with a mix of 45 high EURO O EURO 2 EURO 3 EURO 4 ZEB chassis buses, 34 semi-low floor buses and one low floor bus, the only double-decker on the island. On the sustainability aspect, the 13kWp solar The average fleet age is 6.25 years with vehicles power plant connected to the grid produces an Daily Energy Consumption classified according to Euro emission standards average 36.5kWh daily. These ZEB further ensure from Commissioning to Financial Year-End below: lower operating costs and decrease the disposal of PV daily kWh % of CEB • 47.5 % are Euro 0; waste like used oil and wear-and-tear materials to Date production consumed kWh • 31.25 % are Euro II; the extent that 30 litres of engine oil are saved for MOVING TOWARDS • 1.25 % are Euro III; every 10,000km cycle. 18/06/2019 37.03 52.49 70.5 SUSTAINABLE ENERGY • 17.5% % are Euro IV: and As per the table below, the Euro IV buses procured RHT Bus Services Ltd (RHT BS) is currently • 2.5 % are zero-emission buses (ZEB). also contributed to lower CO₂ emissions. 19/06/2019 45.03 161.66 27.9 working on two projects: 20/06/2019 46.50 192.1 24.2 Vehicle Emissions a) lining bus roofs with around 7sqm of PV film MILESTONES ON THE PATH 21/06/2019 40.87 185.52 22.0 to roughly produce 1.5kW of sustainable RHT BS energy to power the lead-acid batteries and Stage CO₂ HC NOx PM 22/06/2019 42.14 152.02 27.7 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY Fleet further reduce the electricity consumption of % The new Euro IV vehicles are equipped with 24/06/2019 34.92 257.26 13.6 auxiliaries; and automatic Voith transmission, which enhances Euro 0 12.3 15.8 2.6 N/A 47.5 b) conducting research work on introducing 25/06/2019 34.06 228.38 14.9 comfort and decreases fatigue among drivers, a horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) who stay more alert on the road. There is also a Euro 1 4.5 1.1 8 0.36 0 26/06/2019 10.93 217.04 5.0 or a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) to reduction in consumables related to wear-and-tear Euro 2 4 1.1 7 0.25 31.25 produce sustainable energy for operating parts like clutch discs and clutch booster kits. 27/06/2019 39.64 218.88 18.1 bus air conditioning systems and powering Euro 3 2.1 0.66 5 0.1 1.25 The two ZEB are fully electric buses with a 28/06/2019 38.5 248.37 15.5 auxiliaries. range of 200-250km after a full night’s charge. Euro 4 1.5 0.13 0.4 0.01 17.5 These projects will improve operational efficiency 29/06/2019 32.25 207.98 15.5 They consume an average of 250kWh daily and while reducing our fuel consumption and carbon yield a consumption of 75kWh per km operated. ZEB 0 0 0 0 2.5 30/06/2019 36.5 192.9 18.9 footprint.
22 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 23 The recycled water will be channelled through different pipelines to toilet flush and urinal systems, CONTRIBUTION TO again reducing dependency on potable water. PRESERVING WATER TABLES Waste Recycling Batteries reaching the end of service life, used STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE The use of sealed maintenance-free batteries for the past year has contributed to decreasing oil maintained in steel tanks along with PET (SECTION 75 (3) OF THE FINANCIAL REPORTING ACT 2004) the rate of battery failures and cracked battery bottles are disposed of with the approved service casings, thus eliminating damage caused to provider. water tables through the release of electrolyte to the soil. Rainwater Harvesting Cleaning activities are carried out in a designated All rainwater from the workshop’s covered sheds area to ensure that there is no water table is channelled to 5,000 and 15,000-litre water tanks contamination. Monthly effluent analyses show to contribute to reducing the use of potable water Name of Public Interest Entity (‘PIE’): RHT Holding Ltd no deviation from standards prescribed by the Reporting Period: Financial year ended 30 June 2019 Wastewater Management Authority. In the below Energy Consumption table providing monthly effluent analysis results, all standards are met except for BOD. RHT Bus Services Ltd (RHT BS) closely monitors On behalf of the Board of Directors of RHT Holding Ltd (the “Company”), we confirm that, to the best of the monthly electricity consumption, which is on our knowledge, the Company has complied with all of its obligations and requirements under the Code a downward trend with the use of highly efficient Monthly Effluent Analysis Results of Corporate Governance for Mauritius (2016) (the “Code”). LED lights, among others. Maximum daily power Units Norms Achieved consumption of 37kW was recently recorded at the It is to be noted that the Board of Directors of the Company complied with the eight principles of the
Adsorbable Organically RHT Depot, whose monthly average consumption Code. mg/L 1 <0.1 Bound Halogen - AOX is shown in the below table:
Biological Oxygen mg/L 40 314 Consumption Pattern over the Years Demand
Chemical Oxygen Admin Parking 2 mg/L 1,500 976 Demand 2014-15 74,115 1,013 pH 5 to 9 7 2015-16 74,187 1,059 Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen mg/L 80 26 2016-17 65,841 943 Total Suspended Solids mg/L 400 204 2017-18 56,132 1,055 Cadmium mg/L 0.05 <0.001 2018-19 64,474 807 Chromium mg/L 1 0.001 Paul C.K.F. Ah Leung Dr Sidharth Sharma Chairperson Group Chief Executive Officer Lead mg/L 1 <0.001 The increase in consumption in 2018-19 is due to Manganese mg/L 2 0.14 the introduction of an electric charger for buses and auxiliaries. Mercury mg/L 31 <0.0002 sa e Nickel mg/L 2 0.002 Phosphorous mg/L 50 0.38 Zinc mg/L 2 0 Furthermore, RHT Bus Services Ltd will be equipped with an automatic bus washing machine where all the water used, will be recycled and used again. The amount of potable water will again drop d in ar ing to almost 80% of the 128m³ used monthly. Lin aire d in Lin aire d in
24 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 25 STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES GOVERNANCE REPORT The Directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:
(i) adequate accounting records and maintenance of internal control systems; (ii) the preparation of statements which fairly present the state of the Company as at the end of the year and the results of its operations and cash for that period and which comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); and (iii) the selection of appropriate accounting policies supported by reasonable and prudent judgements.
The external auditors are responsible for reporting on whether the financial statements are fairly presented. The Directors report that:
• adequate accounting records and a system of internal controls and risk management have been maintained; • appropriate accounting policies supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates have been used consistently; • International Financial Reporting Standards have been adhered to. Any departure in the interest of fair presentation has been disclosed, explained and quantified; and • the Code of Corporate Governance has been adhered to.
Approved by the Board of Directors on 27th September 2019.
Paul C.K.F. Ah Leung Dr Sidharth Sharma Chairperson Group Chief Executive Officer
26 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 27 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kamil Patel Paul C.F.K. Ah Leung Sidharth Sharma Independent Director Uday Gujadhur Stéphane Leal Ravindra Goburdhun Chairperson and Group CEO and Independent Director Non-Executive Director Executive Director Independent Director Executive Director Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee
Mr. Ah Leung was born in 1967 and is Dr. Sharma was born in 1974 and prior to Mr. Patel was born in 1979 and is the CEO of Chairperson of the Corporate Governance, Mr. Leal was born in 1971 and holds a BSc Mr. Goburdhun was born in 1958 and a Member of the Chartered Institute of joining RHT Holding Ltd in 19 9 6 as Logistic s the Rentsolutions Group. He holds an MBA Nomination and Remuneration Committee in Finance and Marketing from Boston holds a BSc Science from the University Marketing (UK). He is the current Group Manager, he worked as a Research (cum laude) from the University of Edinburgh Mr. Gujadhur was born in 1955 and is a College since 1994. of Udaipur, India. He worked for 10 years Chief Executive Officer of Rey & Lenferna Engineer with British Telecom. Dr. Sharma and was appointed as an Independent in the hotel sector in France. He is also Fellow of the Association of Chartered He is a Director of Mauritours Ltd and a Ltd, ATS International Ltd, and ATS obtained his Ph.D. in Telecommunications Director of the Group from 1 July 2014. a Director of RHT Investments Ltd, the Certified Accountants, the UK with over number of other companies in the tourism Manufacturing Ltd. from the University of Bristol in 2004. 30 years of professional experience in investment arm of the Group, FleetPro Currently, Mr. Patel is also the Chairperson sector. auditing, taxation and consulting. He is Services Ltd (previously known as Fleet Mr. Ah Leung holds directorship in a A Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of of Rentworks, one of the largest leasing also a Fellow of the Mauritius Institute of Mr. Leal was appointed to the Board of Africa Indian Ocean Ltd) and Transport number of Mauritian and international the Institute of Directors, he is currently companies in South Africa. Prior to Directors and a member of the Institute of RHT Holding Ltd on 27 September 2004 and Micropayment System Ltd. companies. He is also a member of the a council member of Business Mauritius founding the Rentsolutions Group, he Directors, UK. and is also a Director of RHT Bus Services Mauritius Institute of Directors and was and the National Road Safety Committee was the CEO of the Dölberg Group for Directorships in other companies: RHT Ltd and of the venture companies of the appointed as an Independent Director to as well as an Executive Director of all 9 years. Before that, Kamil ran his own Mr. Gujadhur serves as an Independent Investments Ltd, RHT Ventures Ltd, Non-Executive Director of several Group. the Board on 10 January 2007. the subsidiaries of RHT Holding Ltd. He tennis business within the hospitality Island Communications Ltd, Fleet Pro companies including Investment funds was appointed as Director to the Board in industry and has been publicly credited for Directorships in listed companies: Nil Services Ltd, Transport Micropayment Directorships in other companies: Forges and listed entities. He is a Board member 2000 and Group Chief Executive Officer changing tourism in Mauritius. System Ltd, mychauffeur Ltd, Advance Tardieu Ltd (NED), Rey & Lenferna Ltd of Essar Capital Limited and Investment of RHT Holding Ltd on 7 March 2012. Institute of Motoring Ltd (CEO), Rey & Lenferna International Ltd He is a Mauritian citizen who grew up Manager to Essar Global, a Caymans Fund with investments worldwide. Until 2008, he (CEO), ATS Ltd (NED), ATS International Dr. Sharma is a past Board member of in Ethiopia, Switzerland and the United was the CEO, Director and shareholder of Ltd (CEO), ATS Manufacturing Ltd (CEO), the Mauritius Institute of Directors. States and has strong ties with the a major Trust and Fiduciary Company in Linux Solutions Ltd (ED), Lubatech Ltd UK. He is a member of the Institute of Directorships in other companies: RHT Mauritius. (CEO), Poivre Corporate Services Ltd Directors, President of the Mauritius Bus Services Ltd, RHT Ventures Ltd, (NED), Petite Rivière Investments Ltd Tennis Federation and a member of the On the social side, he is an active member RHT Properties Ltd, mychauffeur Ltd, (ED), Rey & Lenferna (Seychelles) Ltd Confederation of African Tennis. and past President of the Rotary Club of Transport and Micropayment System Ltd. Port Louis engaged in various community (CEO), Systec SARL (Madagascar) Gérant Directorships in other companies: Ilot Malais projects. statutaire non-résident (ED) Ltd, Eco Dynamics Limited, Ferrotech Directorships in listed and public companies: Limited, Lavoro Limited, Rentsolutions Bavure Holdings Ltd, Trevo Capital Ltd, Limited, Dölberg Finance Holdings Limited, Quality Beverages Limited, The Mauritius Dölberg Investments Ltd, mychauffeur Ltd, Commercial Bank Limited, Soap & Allied RHT Holding Limited, RHT Investments Ltd Industries Limited, Dacosbro Limited
28 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 29 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Yudheesha Napaul Crouche Devarajen Adiapen Ganesan Veeraragoo Yoosuf Kureeman Van Man Sin Kwok Wong Meha Desai Non-Executive Director Non-Executive Director Non-Executive Director Human Resources Manager Procurement Manager Operations Manager RHT Holding Ltd RHT Bus Services Ltd Fleet Pro Services Ltd
Mr. Kureeman was born in 1956 and was Mr. Sin Kwok Wong was born in 1956 and Ms. Desai was born in 1984 and is currently Yudheesha Crouche joined the RHT Group Holder of a BA in Business Administration Ganesan Veeraragoo joined the company appointed to the Board on 1 January 2007. is a Fellow Member of the Association of a doctoral student at the Ironbridge as Human Resources Manager in July since 1998 from City College UK. in January 2017 as Fleetpro Coordinator He is also a Director of RHT Bus Services Chartered Certified Accountants as well International Institute for Cultural Heritage 2018 and has over 6 years of progressive Devarajen also holds a BTech in Business and was promoted to Sales Manager in Ltd and of the venture companies of the as the Mauritius Institute of Directors. at the University of Birmingham. experience in the field. and finance and a post-graduate January 2018. He is responsible for the diploma in HRM since 2012, Devarajen setting up of FleetPro Services Ltd and Group. She has worked in various environments, His varied experience in Mauritius She was previously a freelance writer Adiapen joined RHT Ltd in May 1998. has been a major contributor to sales such as Textile, Manufacturing, and Directorships in other companies: RHT comprises public practice, commerce, and editor focusing on culture, food, He is currently the Group Procurement achievement. Technology. Her experience encompasses Bus Services Ltd, RHT Ventures Ltd, Island and the hotel industry, where he worked and lifestyle stories. She has written Manager and is also the Chairperson of talent acquisition, employee engagement, Ganesan was self-employed until Communications Ltd, RHT Properties Ltd, for 20 years as a Financial Controller extensively on sustainability issues and the Health and Safety Committee since employee performance appraisal, auto- December 2015. He is a result-oriented Hugnin Property Development Ltd and Deputy General Manager of a five- ethical business practices across various 2003. star luxury property. He joined the Board industries. Her writing has been featured mation of HR processes, payroll, employee person with experience in operation of RHT Holding Ltd on 30 June 2005 as in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, relations, job profiling, and remuneration Devarajen is a member of the Association management, administration, budgeting, Independent Director. YouPhil.com, Sundays, Goya Journal, mechanism. of Business Executives, UK and is also product development, supervision and looking after facility management over client relations. He has acquired computer and StarChefs. She has also written for Yudheesha is a graduate in Mathematics Mr. Sin Kwok Wong has also been an the Group. and technical skills and experience organisations such as the Indian Council from the University of Technology, Executive Director of RHT Holding Ltd, through international franchises like for Cultural Relations, The Craft Revival Mauritius and completing her master’s whereby he was mainly in charge of ADA in Paris and Engen Quick Shop and Trust, and the Alkazi Foundation. degree in Applied Statistics with property project developments. Effective Corner Bakery in Cape Town. from December 2018, his status has been Ms. Desai holds honours degrees in Operational Research. changed to the Non-Executive Director of English Literature from Delhi University RHT Holding Ltd. and in History of Art from The National Museum in New Delhi, India. She is an Directorships in other companies: RHT alum of the Mauritius Institute of Directors Bus Services Ltd, RHT Investments and has been with the RHT Group for Ltd, RHT Properties Ltd, RHT Ventures close to three years now. Ltd, Island Communications Ltd, FleetPro Services Ltd, Transport and Directorships in other Companies: RHT Micropayment System Ltd, Advance Bus Services Ltd, FleetPro Services Ltd, Institute of Motoring Ltd, Hugnin Property Advance Institute of Motoring Ltd Development Ltd
30 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 31 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Ajmal Abdool Reehaz Soobhany Prakash Rajkomar Hussayn Baulum Ashwin Ramchurn Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer Group Chief Accountant Senior Lead/Trainer Workshop Manager RHT Ventures Ltd RHT Bus Services Ltd RHT Holding Ltd Advance Institute Of Motoring Ltd RHT Bus Services Ltd
Ajmal Abdool was appointed Chief Reehaz Soobhany joined RHT Bus Prakash Rajkomar took up the role of Hussayn joined RHT Ventures Ltd in Ashwin Ramchurn was appointed as Operating Officer of RHT Ventures Ltd in Services in July 2019. He is responsible Group Chief Accountant in January 2019 2014 as a driver, before eventually being Workshop Manager of RHT Bus Services July 2018. for the overall running of the bus services to assist the Group Chief Financial Officer promoted to Transport Planner for his Ltd in June 2019. cluster and developing new businesses in in revamping the Finance Department. excellent performance and dedication. He joined ICL as Software Engineer He has an automotive engineering new mobility areas. Following his certification by AA DriveTech in 2005 and was promoted to General A Fellow of the Association of Chartered background and after completing his (UK) as Trainer & Assessor course for Manager in February 2007, responsible He comes from a technology background, Certified Accountants, the UK he was bachelor’s degree in 2011, he worked for On-Road and Workshop Driver Training in for the overall business growth, strategic having had consulting and senior responsible for the production of accounts ABC Motors, Toyota (Mauritius) Ltd and 2016, he became the trainer of the RHT direction, the performance of the company managerial positions with New Edge for quarterly reporting to the authorities CFAO Motors. Training Academy. and market diversification into Africa. Prior Solutions (Eclosia Group) and Ceridian. and managed the team in relation to Ashwin joined RHT Bus Services Ltd as to joining ICL, Ajmal was with New Edge He also held COO positions in both the accounting and finance duties. Upon the In 2018, Hussayn was promoted as Assistant Workshop Manager in October Solutions as Special Projects Consultant, legal and distribution of fresh foods (SKC departure of the Group Chief Financial Senior Lead/Trainer at Advance Institute 2016. He also has a master’s degree in implementing various software projects Surat & Co. Ltd). He is well versed in Officer in the last quarter of the review of Motoring Ltd. Before joining the RHT Total Quality Management. within the Eclosia Group of Companies. new technologies as well as operational period, he was called upon to liaise Group, Hussayn has been in the transport Having started his career with Currimjee management, people management, and between Senior Management, Executive industry as a Planner for more than 15 Informatics as Business Systems strategy formulation and execution. Directors and the Finance Department. Years. He worked as Transport Officer for Consultant, he has accumulated over He is also involved in the administration of Tropic Knits (Member of Ciel Group) for Reehaz holds a master’s degree in 14 years of professional experience in the companies within the investment arm nearly nine years before joining Transport Business Administration from the the IT industry, covering a wide range of of the Group. and Fleet Logistics ltd as Planning officer. University of Mauritius as well as a Bachelor technical, operational and strategic roles. He has developed several skills such as of Information Technology Honours Prior to joining the RHT Group, Prakash worked planning, fleet management, Operations, Ajmal holds a master’s degree in Business (Software Engineering) from Australian for about 15 years for a Mauritius-based training, monitoring of performance & Administration (specialisation HR) from the National University, Australia. He has also offshore management company forming driving behaviours of road users and University of Mauritius as well as a Bachelor performed post-graduate research in Data part of a multinational. After joining as Senior coaching during his career. of Engineering (IT & Telecommunications) Mining at the Commonwealth Scientific Administrator, he was promoted to higher from Adelaide University, Australia. He is and Industrial Research Organisation, positions with the expansion of the business also a Chartered Member of the Logistics Australia and is a Member of the Mauritius over time, including Head of Accounting and & Transport Institute, UK and a Member of Institute of Directors. Director. He was also seconded to selected the Mauritius Institute of Directors. clients and to Group offices.
32 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 33 This report is laid out in the same order as the eight principles of the National Code of Corporate Governance for Mauritius (the “Code”) for ease of reference. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) PRINCIPLE ONE Governance Structure All organisations should be headed by an effective Board. Responsibilities and accountabilities within the Dear Shareholders and Valued Partners organisation should be clearly identified. The Company is listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and recognised as a Public Interest Entity. I am pleased to present the Company’s Corporate Governance Report for the It is therefore bound to comply with all the principles of the National Code of Corporate Governance for year ended 30 June 2019. Mauritius. The Board takes its fiduciary responsibilities very seriously. Each Director is appointed with Your Company has maintained a proactive approach in complying with the understanding of the amount of time and care that they will need to devote to the Board and to the the guiding principles contained in the Board Charter and National Code of organisation in order for it to prosper. Corporate Governance for Mauritius. In an ever-changing business environment, The following key governance documents are available on the Company’s website: we are committed to ensuring our governance framework continues to meet the • Board Charter needs of the Company while supporting the delivery of our strategy. • Organisation Chart We have a strong, highly engaged and committed Board of • Code of Ethics Directors with a wide range of experience and expertise. In the These documents have been drafted with the skills, knowledge, and expertise of the Board of Directors, year under review, we have considered and recommended the who have not only been fully involved but have unanimously approved these important documents and appointment of Directors on the Board of certain subsidiaries seek to adhere to them by the spirit and by letter. These are reviewed by the Board on a regular basis. to further strengthen their corporate structure. During the year, the terms of reference of the Committee were considered and reviewed by the Committee. In Company Structure addition, your Committee engaged an external consultant The structure of the Company is shown in the figure below: to undertake a Board evaluation exercise and will RHT Holding continue its Director development and training initiatives Board of Directors to build on expertise and capacity.
RHT Holding In our role as the Nomination and Remuneration Group Chief Executive O cer Committee, we also reviewed the remuneration of the Group CEO and an Executive Director to ensure alignment We have a with the principles for sound compensation practices. RHT Investments RHT Bus RHT Properties RHT Ventures I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the strong, highly members of the Corporate Governance, Nomination Executive Director Executive Director Group Chief Accountant and Remuneration Committee and Management of the engaged and Company for their commitment to corporate governance Chief Operating O cer Human Resources Manager Advance Institute excellence and responsiveness. committed Bus Services Ltd of Motoring Ltd FleetPro Services Ltd
Transport & Island Board of Chief Operating O cer Team Lead Operation Manager MyChaueur On behalf of the Committee. Micropayment Communications Directors... Ltd System Ltd Ltd
Operation Workshop Planning & Sales & Service General or Control Marketing Lead Manager Advisor Operations Supervisor Manager (Vacant) Manager (Vacant) Mr. Uday Gujadhur Chairperson The Board takes particular note of the following key governance positions which are critical to the Board performing against its strategy and achieving a high level of good governance. It has also approved the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee statement of accountabilities.
34 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 35 Group Chief Executive Officer CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) is responsible for leading the development and execution of the Company’s long-term strategy with a view to creating shareholder value. The GCEO’s leadership role also entails being ultimately responsible for all day-to-day management decisions and for implementing the Company’s short- and long-term plans. The GCEO acts as a direct liaison between the Board and Management of the Company and communicates to the Board on behalf of Management. The GCEO also communicates on behalf of the Company to shareholders, employees, Government authorities, Chairperson of the Board other stakeholders and the public. 1. provide leadership to the Board to ensure it functions effectively. The Board believes that it is The position of the GCEO is to hold the following key responsibilities: in the best interests of all stakeholders to have the flexibility to determine the most qualified 1. lead, in conjunction with the Board, the development of the Company’s strategy; and appropriate individual to serve as Chair of the Board and to ensure that the candidate is an 2. lead and oversee the implementation of the Company’s short- and long-term plans in accordance Independent Director; with its strategy; 2. plan the Board’s annual schedule of meetings and agendas in consultation with the Group Chief 3. ensure the Company is appropriately organised and staffed and have the authority to hire and Executive Officer, Company Secretary, and other Directors as appropriate; terminate staff as necessary to enable it to achieve the approved strategy; 3. coordinate with the Company Secretary to ensure that the Board receives the appropriate quantity 4. ensure that Company expenditures are within the authorised annual budget; and quality of the information in a timely manner to enable it to make informed decisions; 5. assess the principal risks of the Company and ensure that these risks are being monitored and 4. chair all meetings of the Board and ensure that meetings are conducted efficiently and effectively; managed; 5. call special meetings as and when required; 6. ensure effective internal controls and management information systems are in place; 6. facilitate full and candid Board discussions, ensure all Directors exercise their skills, knowledge, 7. ensure that the Company has appropriate systems to enable it to conduct its activities both lawfully and expertise on key Board matters and assist the Board in achieving a consensus; and ethically; 7. develop teamwork and a cohesive Board culture and facilitate formal and informal communication 8. ensure that the Company maintains high standards of corporate citizenship and social responsibility with and among Directors; wherever it does business; 8. help ensure that action items established by the Board are tracked and appropriate follow-up action 9. act as a liaison between Management and the Board; is taken as necessary; 10. communicate effectively with shareholders, employees, Government authorities, other stakeholders 9. make recommendations to the Corporate Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee and the public; as to Committee membership and Chairs for consideration and subsequent approval by the Board; 11. keep abreast of all material undertakings and activities of the Company and all material external 10. work with Committee Chairs to ensure that each Committee functions effectively and keeps the factors affecting the Company, and ensure that processes and systems are in place to keep the Board apprised of actions taken; GCEO and Management of the Company adequately informed; 11. be authorised to attend all Committee meetings, as appropriate; 12. ensure that the Directors are properly informed and that sufficient information is provided to the 12. chair annual and special meetings of shareholders; Board to enable the Directors to form appropriate judgements; 13. collaborate with the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee in identifying 13. ensure the integrity of all public disclosure by the Company; and recruiting new Board members; 14. develop Board agendas in concert with the Chairperson and Company Secretary; 14. collaborate with the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee on the 15. request that special meetings of the Board be called when appropriate; performance and structure of the Board of Directors and its Committees, including the performance of individual Directors; 16. determine the date, time and location of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and develop the agenda for the meeting in concert with the Chairperson and Company Secretary; 15. ensure that an annual Board evaluation exercise is carried out; and 17. sit on appropriate Board Committees as determined by the Board; and 16. maintain a close working relationship with the Group Chief Executive Officer and any other key senior staff. 18. abide by specific internally established control systems and authorities, lead by personal example and encourage all employees to conduct their activities in accordance with all applicable laws and the Company’s standards and policies, including its Environmental, Social, and Health & Safety policies.
36 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 37 Chairperson of the Corporate Governance, Nomination CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) and Remuneration Committee The Chair of the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee works in close cooperation with and provides support and advice to the Chairperson of the Board. He has the following additional responsibilities: 1. provide expertise in the areas of corporate governance, nominations, and executive remuneration; Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee 2. ensure the Board complies with global and national good governance standards; The Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee works in close cooperation with and provides support and 3. be a champion for good governance; advice to the Chairperson of the Board. He has the following additional responsibilities: 4. ensure that the policies around remuneration and nomination are regularly upheld and transparently 1. provide risk expertise to the Audit and Risk Committee; adhered to by the Board; 2. ensure compliance with the terms of the regulatory framework in Mauritius to act for the Audit and 5. oversee succession planning at the Board level with the Chairperson of the Board and with the Risk Committee; Committee, present recommendations to the Board on successors; 3. chair the Audit and Risk Committee meetings; 6. ensure that an update of each Corporate Governance Committee meeting is presented to the Board; 4. guide and advise the Board on the approval of the Annual Report and accounts and an appropriate 7. ensure that the Board receives regular and ongoing training and development; risk management framework; 8. oversee the production of the Company’s Annual Report each year; and 5. understand the accounting procedures, key internal controls, and risk management in order to assure 9. ensure that an independent evaluation is carried out each year and that the recommendations from the Board that the Company’s financial integrity is sound; that evaluation are implemented. 6. ensure that the Company has an appropriate reserves policy; 7. agree with the Chairperson of the Board and Chief Finance Officer on a reporting format for the Group Chief Accountant Board, ensuring that the objectivity and independence of the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee is not compromised; Reporting to the GCEO, the Group Chief Accountant (GCA) has the following responsibilities: 1. manage cash flows in a leveraged environment; 8. ensure that an updated report of each Audit and Risk Committee meeting is presented to the Board; 2. manage financial capital; communicate capital requirements/implications of business decisions to 9. ensure that the report and accounts are properly audited, and that accepted recommendations of the the GCEO, merchandisers and Board of Directors; external auditors are implemented; 3. ensure efficient capital expenditures and minimise taxes; 10. ensure that accepted recommendations of the internal audit reports are implemented; 4. provide useful financial insights to help make better decisions about formulating and executing the 11. meet the external auditor and, where relevant, the internal auditor independently from the GCEO and business strategy; Finance Director, at least once a year; and 5. establish the internal control processes required to manage and grow the business; 12. ensure that appropriate risk management training for Directors and Senior Management is available and effective. 6. drive the annual budget process and monthly reporting; 7. review monthly accounts prepared by the different business clusters as well as the quarterly and annual accounts to be filed with the authorities; 8. liaise with the auditors for the annual audit; 9. liaise with the internal auditors on internal audit assignments; 10. effectively lead the finance/accounting team; 11. develop and coach the existing team; 12. develop processes and discipline around monitoring and assessing risk in positions; 13. expand financial reporting systems; and 14. effectively manage sponsor, bank, Board of Directors and financial advisor relationships
38 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 39 PRINCIPLE TWO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) The Structure of the Board and its Committees The Board should contain independently-minded Directors. It should include an appropriate combination of Executive Directors, Independent Directors and Non-Independent Non-Executive Directors to prevent one individual or a small group of individuals from dominating the Board’s decision-taking. The Board should be of a size and level of diversity commensurate with the sophistication and scale Human Resources Manager of the organisation. Appropriate Board Committees may be set up to assist the Board in the effective 1. enhance the organisation’s human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating employee performance of its duties. relations and human resources policies, programmes, and practices; The Board of RHT Holding Ltd has attempted to create the right balance and composition in such a way 2. maintain the work structure by updating job requirements and job descriptions for all positions; as to best serve the Company. The Board has an appropriate mix of gender, experience, diversity and all 3. support the organisation’s staff by establishing a recruiting, testing, and interviewing programme, Directors wholly endorse the belief in diversity which is expressed in both the Board Charter and Code of counselling managers on candidate selection, conducting and analysing exit interviews; and Ethics. The Company has a unitary Board led by an Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr Paul Chung recommending changes; Kim Fung Ah Leung. Only Board members attend each Board meeting for the duration with other officers of the Company, advisors and other subject-matter experts only attending on invitation for as long as it 4. ensure planning, monitoring, and appraisal of employees, hearing and resolving employee is deemed necessary by the Chairperson. The use of Alternate Directors is permissible. This is made grievances, and counselling employees and supervisors. possible by the careful drafting of the annual Board calendar that is set out each year by the Chairperson 5. manage transversal HR projects within the Group; of the Board with the assistance of the Company Secretary. 6. ensure legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable employment laws and state Over the review year, the following meetings of the Board and Board Committees took place: requirements, conducting investigations, maintaining records and representing the organisation at hearings; 7. enforce management guidelines by preparing, updating and recommending human resource Corporate policies and procedures. Governance, Board of Directors Audit and Risk Committee Nomination and 8. retain historical human resource records by designing a filing and retrieval system and keeping past Remuneration and current records; Committee 9. complete human resource operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees and 13.11.2018 04.09.2018 30.10.2018 following up on work results; The main items on the agenda were: (i) a The main items were: (i) taking note of The main items were to 10. manage human resource staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees; review the audited financial statements of the delay in finalising the audited financial review the Corporate 11. the Company for the year ended 30 June statements of the Company for the year Governance Report of advance human resource staff job results through counselling and discipline, and planning, 2018; (ii) approval of unaudited financial ended 30 June 2018; and (ii) a review of the Company for the monitoring, and appraising job results; statements for the quarter ended 30 the revised timeline for completion of the financial year ended 12. September 2018; and (iii) declaration of an audit by Ernst & Young. 30 June 2018 and the promote effective employer-employee relations by helping to provide direction on contract interim dividend of MUR0.50 per share for Terms of Reference of the interpretations and participating in labour negotiations and grievance resolutions with relevant a total amount of MUR 6,081,075 for the Committee. labour representatives and unions; financial year to 30 June 2019. 13. contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for and development of 04.12.2018 24.09.2018 skills to engage with people of other cultures or backgrounds; The only agenda item was to examine the The main item discussed was to update details of the audited financial summary of on the finalisation of the audited financial 14. remain competent and keep abreast of best human resources practices through self-directed the Company for the year ended 30 June statements of the Company for the year professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues and attending professional 2018. ended 30 June 2018. development courses; 13.02.2019 12.11.2018 15. contribute to the overall success of the organisation; and The main items discussed were: (i) approval The main items discussed were: (i) a review 16. assist the GCEO in providing leadership and direction for the organisation with regard to employment of the condensed unaudited financial of the unaudited financial statements of legislation. statements of the Company for the quarter the Company and its subsidiaries for the ended 31 December 2018 and publication quarter ended 30 September 2018; and thereof; and (ii) taking note of the New (ii) recommendation of the same to the structure of accounts team and back-office Board of Directors for their approval prior processes. to publication.
40 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 41 Company Secretary CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) Navitas Corporate Services Ltd has been appointed as Company Secretary of the RHT group of companies, effective from 1 April 2016. Navitas Corporate Services Ltd provides a wide range of corporate secretarial, administration and advisory services to domestic clients ranging from small stand-alone companies to large conglomerates listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary who is responsible for 13.05.2019 12.02.2019 providing detailed guidance to the Chairperson and Directors as to their fiduciary duties, responsibilities, The main item discussed related to The main items discussed were: (i) and powers. The Company Secretary also ensures that the Company is at all times complying with its the approval of the unaudited financial reappointment of the Chairperson of the Constitution, terms of reference, applicable laws, rules, and regulations. statements of the Company and its Committee; (ii) update on Internal Audit; (iii) subsidiaries for the quarter ended 31 March review of the unaudited financial statements Moreover, the Company Secretary assists the Chairperson and Board in implementing and strengthening 2019. of the Company and its subsidiaries for the good governance practices and processes with a view to enhance long-term stakeholder value. The quarter ended 31 December 2018; and (iv) a review of audit fees to Ernst & Young. Company Secretary administers, attends and prepares minutes of all Board meetings, Board Committee meetings, and Shareholders’ meetings. The Company Secretary also assists the Chairperson in ensuring 17.06.2019 10.05.2019 compliance with Board procedures, the Company’s Constitution and relevant rules and regulations. The sole agenda item discussed was the The main items discussed were: (i) a review The Company Secretary is also the primary channel of communication between the Company and its strategy of RHT Bus Services Ltd as part of of the unaudited financial statements of the whole Group strategy. the Company and its subsidiaries for the shareholders as well as the regulatory bodies. quarter ended 31 March 2019; and (ii) an update on internal audit. Hugnin RHT Island Transport & Advance Propery RHT RHT Bus Investments RHT RHT Communications FleetPro Micropayment mychauffeur. Institute of Development The Chairpersons of the Board and Board Committees are all Independent Directors, carefully selected Holding Ltd Services Ltd Ltd Properties Ltd Ventures Ltd Ltd Services Ltd SystemsLtd mu MotoringLtd Ltd. for their relevant knowledge and experience in these key governance roles. Gilbert Patrick Stéphane Leal Michel Patrice Leal 4 4* 4 4 4 4 4 (as alternate to The Board of RHT Holding Ltd comprised the following Stéphane Leal) members at 30 June 2019: Sidharth Sharma (Dr) 4 4 4 4* 4* 4 4 4 4 4 Ravindra Goburdhun 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4* Board Composition at 30 June 2019 Van Man Sin Kwok Wong 4 4 4* 4 4 4* 4* 4 4 4 Paul Chung Kim Fung Ah Leung (Chairperson) Independent Director Yoosuf Mohammad 4 4 4 4 4 4 Kureeman Meha Desai Non-Executive Director Paul C.K.F. Ah Leung 4* Ravindra Goburdhun Executive Director Kamil Patel 4 4 4* Yoosuf Kureeman Non-Executive Director Meha Desai 4 4 4 4 Stéphane Leal Non-Executive Director Uday kumar Gujadhur 4 Kamil Patel Independent Director Ajmal Abdool 4 4 4 Sidharth Sharma (Dr) Group CEO and Executive Director Khevin Seebah 4 Van Man Sin Kwok Wong Non-Executive Director*
Uday Gujadhur Independent Director *Chairperson
*Effective from 19 December 2018.
42 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 43 Directors’ Interests in the Company’s Securities at CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) 30 June 2019 None of the Directors held any interest in the share capital of subsidiaries of the Company.
Direct Indirect Directors Shares % Shares % Meha Desai 540,660 4.4454 Attendance at Board and Committee Meetings Sidharth Sharma (Dr) 444,165 3.6520 30,500 0.25 All Directors are committed to attending meetings of the Board and Committees on which they serve. Van Man Sin Kwok Wong 108,930 0.8956 - - Below is a record of attendance at all Board and Committee meetings held in the reporting year: G.P. Stéphane Leal 215,850 1.7748 135,000 1.1 Yoosuf M. Kureeman 224,689 1.8474 - - BOARD & COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE Paul C.K.F. Ah Leung 5,000 0.0411 - - Corporate Governance, Board of Audit and Risk Ravindra Goburdhun 5,020 0.0413 - - Directors Nomination and Directors Committee Remuneration Committee Kamil Patel - - - - Meha Desai 3/5 - 1/1 Uday Gujadhur - - - - Gilbert Patrick Stéphane Leal 3/5 2/5 - Total 1,544,314 12.6976 - - Sidharth Sharma (Dr) 5/5 - 1/1 Total issued shares 12,162,150 Ravindra Goburdhun 4/5 - - Van Man Sin Kwok Wong 4/5 5/5 - Directors’ Transactions in RHT Shares During the Year Yoosuf Mohammad Kureeman 5/5 - 1/1 Paul C.K.F. Ah Leung 5/5 - 1/1 Director’s Name Number of Shares Bought/Acquired Number of Shares Sold Kamil Patel 3/5 4/5 - Uday Gujadhur 2/5 5/5 1/1 Sidharth Sharma (Dr) 300 In attendance Sidharth Sharma (Dr) 5/5 - Board Committees Prakash Rajkomar 2/2 The Board committees have been established to assist the Board in its mandate and enhance its efficacy. Rohan Lukhoo 2/2 - The Board has decided that the correct number of Committees at present is two and these are: 1. the Audit and Risk Committee; and the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee During the year under review, meetings were mostly held to approve the quarterly accounts of the Company. Decisions taken between meetings are confirmed by way of written resolutions, agreed and 2. the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee signed by all Directors entitled to receive notice. In addition to regular Board and Committee meetings, a two-day strategic offsite meeting was held to Composition of Board Committees discuss the following: • key risks facing the Group and mitigation factors; Committee Members • overarching strategy and objectives for the upcoming year; Kamil Patel – Chairperson • Audit and Risk Committee strategy for each Group subsidiary; Van Man Sin Kwok Wong • new ventures for the upcoming year; and Uday Kumar Gujadhur • key corporate governance initiatives. Stéphane Leal
Uday Kumar Gujadhur - Chairperson Corporate Governance, Nomination and Paul C.K.F. Ah Leung Remuneration Committee Meha Desai Yoosuf Kureeman Sidharth Sharma (Dr)
44 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 45 External Audit • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) Assess the effectiveness and performance of external auditors and their continuing independence with regard to audit and non-audit services. • Take note of updated accounting policies following recent changes in IFRS requirements and impact on the financial statements of RHT Holding Ltd. • Take note of interim financial reports issued.
Audit and Risk Committee Health & Safety • Ensure that the health, safety and environmental risk identification processes lead to sound management strategies within the various activities of RHT Holding Ltd. Dear Shareholder and Valued Partner, • Take note of the consolidated health & safety report (OSH cover and major issues in RHT Holding Ltd and subsidiaries). • As Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee, I am pleased to present this report for the financial year Take note of legal proceedings. ended 30 June 2019, which details the roles and responsibilities of the Committee and the work carried out during the year. I trust that it will be valuable to shareholders and stakeholders in appreciating the Risk Governance & Internal Controls fulfillment of the Committee’s objectives. • Ensure roles and functions of external and internal audits are clarified, coordinated and effectively The Committee has continued to play a key oversight role for the Board by placing significant emphasis carried out. on sustaining the standard of the financial reporting process, as well as assessing Management’s • Ensure the highest standards of behaviour within the Company and its subsidiaries. judgement on major accounting treatments and the work carried out by third parties. We have placed a • Evaluate the effectiveness of internal control and risk management system. significant focus on safeguarding the effectiveness and independence of the internal and external audit Based on the activities carried out, the Audit and Risk Committee believes that there were no material processes in considering a number of business challenges from the Company’s perspective. shortcomings in the design and effectiveness of internal controls, governance and risk management Going forward, each subsidiary will have to submit a risk report to the Committee on a quarterly basis. during the year. The Committee discharged its responsibilities according to its mandate. Looking ahead, we will remain focused on the audit, assurance and risk processes across the Group and its subsidiaries The Audit and Risk Committee continues to review closely any control failures identified in internal audit and maintain oversight of financial, environmental and other regulatory requirements. reports or otherwise and monitors the progress on Management’s and any subsidiary’s implementation of recommendations and action plans. Where required, the Senior Management Team is welcome to give an insight into challenges faced and the strategies used to manage those risks. On behalf of the Audit and Risk Committee and in my personal name, I wish to thank the GCEO and This year the Board with the support of the Audit and Risk Committee has focused on improving its internal Management Team, our external auditors, the internal audit team and Committee members for their and external controls. As our internal auditor, PWC has been giving quarterly feedback to the Committee. contributions to the discharge of our duties and responsibilities. The implementation of Management’s recommendations is followed closely by the Audit and Risk Committee.
The external auditors were rotated and BDO & Co. took over from Ernst & Young. BDO & Co. has been On behalf of the Committee, updating us constantly on their work as an external auditor. The Committee met six times during the year under review. The minutes of proceedings are available to the Board to keep Directors fully appraised of the activities of the Committee. The highlights for the financial year ended 30 June 2019 were as follows: Financial Reporting • Review quarterly reporting. Mr. Kamil Patel • Review the Annual Report 2018. • Take note and analyse the Group’s performance and position. Chairperson • Take note of the abridged audited financial statements. Audit and Risk Committee • Recommend the adoption of such statements to the Board of Directors prior to publication and filing. • Review significant matters and judgements including the valuation of investment properties. • Take note of the litigation registers for the Group and possible financial impact. • Identify, interview and recommend the appointment of new external auditors.
46 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 47 Succession Planning CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) The Board considers its succession very carefully in its annual strategy session. The Board has a defined succession planning policy which is applicable for the following personnel: 1. GCEO; 2. Independent and other Non-Executive Directors on the Board; 3. Senior Management Team; and 4. any other positions within the organisation at the discretion of the Chairperson and GCEO in PRINCIPLE THREE consultation with the Board. The Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall oversee and review succession plans from time to time and recommend the same to the Board. The Committee shall Directors’ Appointment Procedures proactively review the succession requirements for the Board and carry out due diligence to determine There should be a formal, rigorous and transparent process for the appointment, election, induction, and the suitability of every person who is being considered for being appointed or reappointed as a Director of re-election of Directors. The search for Board candidates should be conducted, and appointments made, the Board based on his educational qualifications, experience, and track record. The proposed candidate on merit, against objective criteria (to include skills, knowledge, experience, and independence and with shall be evaluated by the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee to determine due regard for the benefits of diversity on the Board, including gender). The Board should ensure that a the eligibility and fit and proper criteria as per the Companies Act 2001 and thereafter such candidature formal, rigorous and transparent procedure be in place for planning the succession of all key officeholders. shall be recommended to the Board for its consideration and approval. The succession plan for the Senior Management Team is based on the inputs received from the Human Appointment Resources Manager and the GCEO. The Committee shall periodically review any vacancy or probable As part of its mandate, the Board carefully considers the needs of the organisation in appointing Directors. vacancy in the position of Senior Management Team which may arise on account of retirement, resignation, The following factors are carefully considered: death, removal or incapacity whether temporary or permanent or otherwise. The Board shall strive to fill • skills, knowledge, and expertise required on the Board; such vacancy from within internal modes through elevation or otherwise subject to availability and in • skills, knowledge, and expertise of the aspiring Board member; case no suitable candidate is available to fill the position, external candidates shall be considered. The • previous experience as a Director; Board shall in consultation with the GCEO and the Chairperson of Corporate Governance, Nomination • specific roles required on the Board such as Committee Chairperson; and Remuneration Committee evaluate the suitability of any such person based on factors such as • balance required on the Board such as gender and age; experience, age, health, and leadership intelligence and recommend his or her candidature to the Board • independence where required; well before such vacancy arises to facilitate a smooth transition. • the reputation of the aspiring Board member in the country; The Committee may also resolve to engage the services of such a retired executive on a contractual • amount of time the aspiring Board member is able to devote to the business of the Board; or consultant basis or otherwise subject to his or her proven track record and his willingness to serve • the fees requested from each aspiring Board member; and the organisation in such capacity. The prevailing HR standards for promotions and/or transfers shall • conflicts of interest. be designed in such a way that the existing or proposed senior managerial personnel shall get all- To this end, a transparent procedure is in place to vet the aspiring Board member according to the above. round exposure in various domains to facilitate career progression, prepare them for administrative responsibilities for discharging their functions effectively. Thereafter the members of the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee will interview each postulant and make recommendations to the Board. The Board will agree on each Members of the Senior Management Team shall always endeavour to add capability in-house and appointment. Once aspiring Board members have been selected, they will be put forward to shareholder mentor subordinates with potential working under them to handle their responsibility in their absence by approval at the Annual General Meeting by way of ordinary resolution. exposing these persons to all aspects of work being handled by them. In the event of any unexpected occurrence in respect of any member in the core management team, the next person as per the Once postulants have accepted a seat on the Board, they are asked to sign a service contract which organisation chart shall take interim charge of the position, pending a regular appointment in line with carefully outlines the following: the succession plan. • term of office; • the time commitment expected from each Director; • confidentiality; • conflicts of interest; • directors’ liability insurance; • right to independent advice; • mandatory induction programme; • training and development programme; and • Board policies and procedures. Directors are re-elected each year at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders.
48 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 49 • CSR & corporate governance links; • the effective Board: proven case studies; CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) • Board approaches to strategic risk management; • holding Board committees to account; • fraud, whistle-blowing, anti-bribery and anti-corruption; • family-owned and/or controlled corporations and related topics; • the Dragonfly perspective: better decision-making by Boards; • corporate governance trends in Africa; • building your company’s ESG Capital: an investment success; PRINCIPLE FOUR • tensions in value creation: which goals, how and for whom? • 360-degree evaluation for Director strengths and development opportunities; and Directors’ Appointment Procedures • IT Security Governance: what every Board should know. Directors should be aware of their legal duties. Directors should observe and foster high ethical Independent Board Evaluation standards and a strong ethical culture in their organisation. Each Director must be able to allocate Each year, the Board appoints an independent evaluator to assess the performance of the Board, its sufficient time to discharge his or her duties effectively. Conflicts of interest should be disclosed and Committees, individual Directors and policies, and procedures. managed. The Board is responsible for the governance of the organisation’s information, information technology, and information security. The Board, committees and individual Directors should be The evaluation process comprises: supplied with information in a timely manner and in an appropriate form and quality in order to 1. the Consultant reviewing all relevant Board documentation; perform to required standards. The Board, committees and individual Directors should have their 2. each Director completing a comprehensive questionnaire; performance evaluated and be held accountable to appropriate stakeholders. The Board should 3. a one-on-one interview between each Board member and the evaluator; and be transparent, fair and consistent in determining the remuneration policy for Directors and senior 4. a final report of findings plus recommendations. executives. No Board evaluation was conducted but the next one is scheduled for November 2019. Legal Duties All of the Directors on the Board including any Alternate Directors are fully appraised of their fiduciary Succession Planning & Executive Development duties as laid out in the Companies Act 2001. The development of executives is a core responsibility of the general management teams of the respective companies. By taking this approach, we ensure that the skills and abilities of our executives are consistently aligned with the requirements and strategic objectives of our Group. At the same time, Code of Ethics we are establishing specific career paths for our executives. Our career-planning processes allow us to The Code of Ethics was drafted by the Board in consultation with the staff and management of the various identify and support internal candidates for key positions within the Company. entities and is available on the Company’s website. Both Directors and staff are made aware of this Code and the consequences of not complying with it. The Code of Ethics is reviewed each year by the Corporate Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. Crisis Management The crisis management team consisting of HODs was set up to prevent or lessen the damage a crisis Training sessions are held periodically throughout the organisation and its subsidiaries to ensure full can inflict on our Company and all stakeholders. There are pre-crisis and post-crisis committees where compliance with this Code. preventions and preparations related to the particular crisis are envisaged. The post-crisis phase looks for ways to better prepare for the next crisis and fulfils commitments made during the crisis, Induction including follow-up for corrective actions. The assessments shall take into consideration the severity An induction session is organised to introduce newly appointed Directors to the Group’s business and of the threat to the Company from various perspectives such as financial, company image safety and senior executives. The induction session meets the specific needs of both parties and enables any new ability to handle the situation. The action plan is then formalised to manage and respond to the initial Director to make the maximum contribution as quickly as possible. emergency response. Emergency cells have been established through a WhatsApp group to cater for any unforeseen matters during and after office hours, backed by our public relations consultant for all external communication. Continuous Development Programme The Director Development Programme was designed specifically for this Board last year. Conflicts of Interest The following topics are being covered over a two-year period: As a Public Interest Entity, RHT Holding Ltd makes every effort to ensure that Directors declare any • principal functions and responsibilities of the Board; interest and report to the Chairperson and the Company Secretary any related party transactions. A full • setting a strategic direction for the Company; register of conflicts of interest is kept by the Company Secretary and updated on a regular basis; it is • making a difference as a Director; available to shareholders upon request. • how to avoid capture: a guide to conflicts of interest; • shareholder relationship management;
50 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 51 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) DISCLOSURE FORM
I have read the conflicts of interest policy set forth above and agree to comply fully with its terms and conditions at all times during my service as a Board member on the Board of RHT Holding Ltd or its subsidiaries. If at any time following the submission of this form, I become aware of any actual or potential Each Director is requested to complete the following declaration: conflicts of interest, or if the information provided below becomes inaccurate or incomplete, I will promptly notify the Board of Directors in writing. Conflicts of Interest Disclosure As a member of the Board, I recognise that I owe a fiduciary duty of loyalty to RHT Holding Ltd and Disclosure of Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest: its subsidiaries. This duty requires me to avoid conflicts of interest and to act at all times in the best interests of RHT Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries. The purpose of the conflicts of interest policy (set ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… forth below) is to help inform the Board about what constitutes a conflict of interest, assist the Board in ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… identifying and disclosing actual and potential conflicts, and help ensure the avoidance of conflicts of interest where necessary. This policy may be enforced against individual Board members as described ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… below: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… As a member of the Board, I recognise that I owe a fiduciary duty of loyalty to RHT Holding Ltd and ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… its subsidiaries. This duty requires me to avoid conflicts of interest and to act at all times in the best ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… interests of RHT Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries. The purpose of the conflicts of interest policy (set forth below) is to help inform the Board about what constitutes a conflict of interest, assist the Board in ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… identifying and disclosing actual and potential conflicts, and help ensure the avoidance of conflicts of ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… interest where necessary. This policy may be enforced against individual Board members as described below: • Board members have a fiduciary duty to conduct themselves without conflict with the interests of I acknowledge and agree that my selection for service on the Board and the opportunities made available RHT Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries. In their capacity as Board members, they must subordinate to me by serving on the Board constitute good and valuable consideration for entering into this agreement, personal, individual business, third-party, and other interests to the welfare and best interests of RHT the receipt and sufficiency of which I hereby acknowledge. Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries. • A conflict of interest is conduct, a transaction or relationship that presents or might conflict with a In my individual capacity: Board member’s obligations owed to RHT Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries and the Board member’s personal, business or other interests. • All conflicts of interest are not necessarily prohibited or harmful. However, full disclosure of all actual and potential conflicts, and a determination by the disinterested Board members – with the interested Signature: ………………………………………………………… Board member(s) recused from participating in debates and voting on the matter – are required. • All actual and potential conflicts of interests shall be disclosed by Board members to the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee through the annual disclosure form and/or to the Board whenever a conflict arises. Members of the Board who are not affected shall make a Name: ……………………………………………………………… determination as to whether a prohibited conflict exists and what subsequent action is appropriate (if any). The Chairperson of the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall inform the Board of such determination and action. The Board shall retain the right to modify or reverse such determination and action, and shall retain the ultimate enforcement authority with respect to the interpretation and application of this policy. On an annual basis, all Board members shall be provided with a copy of this policy and required to complete and sign the acknowledgment and disclosure form below. All completed forms shall be provided to and reviewed by the Company Secretary together with the Chairperson of the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as well as all other conflict information, if any, provided by Board members.
52 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 53 The Board of Directors and Executive Management evaluate the fixed salary annually based on the results from the previous period and with due consideration to the trend in market standards. (Cont’d) CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT Incentive Pay To create alignment of interests between the Executive Management and the Company’s shareholders and to consider both short- and long-term targets, RHT Holding Ltd considers it expedient to set up incentive plans for the members of its Executive Management. Such incentive plans may consist of warrants and non-share-based bonus agreements, which may be continuous, one-off and event- Remuneration based. Each year, the remuneration of the Board is reviewed by the Corporate Governance, Nomination and The Board of Directors may enter into agreements with the Executive Management about cash bonus Remuneration Committee before making recommendations to the Board. Remuneration of both Directors plans. Cash bonus plans consist of a maximum bonus fixed annually which the Executive Management and the Senior Management Team is based on performance and effort. No Directors of RHT Holding Ltd will receive if all targets for the relevant year are met. The maximum cash bonus shall be equivalent to up or its subsidiaries have received shares in lieu of remuneration. to 100% of the fixed salary of each member of the Executive Management. The following policy on remuneration has been adopted by the Board: The payment of a bonus depends on whether the conditions and targets defined in the agreement have been fully or partly met. These may be personal targets related to the performance of the individual RHT Holding Ltd Remuneration Policy member of the Executive Management or the performance of RHT Holding Ltd or its subsidiaries. In exceptional cases, other agreements that may lead to the payment of a bonus of up to one year’s fixed Introduction salary may be made. Such agreements are typically expected to be made so as to take effect upon the Pursuant to the requirements of the Code of Corporate Governance for Mauritius, the Board of Directors of occurrence of a specific event, for instance the acquisition of a controlling interest in the company, the a listed company is required to define general guidelines for the company’s remuneration to the Board of completion of a project, the continuing employment of the Executive Management until a specific point in Directors and Executive Management, which must be approved by the Board before a specific agreement time, defined either as a date or a period after the occurrence of a specific event. on incentive pay with any member of the company’s Board of Directors or Executive Management is entered into. Change and Phase-Out of Incentive Plan The Board of Directors may change or phase out one or more incentive plans introduced pursuant to According to Recommendations on Corporate Governance, the Board of Directors is also recommended this policy. In the evaluation of whether this should be done, the criteria that formed the basis of the to adopt a Remuneration Policy applicable to the Board of Directors and the Executive Management establishment of the plan will be taken into account. However, such changes can only be made within the and that the Policy is tabled for Board approval on an annual basis. The recommendations are based on framework of this policy. More extensive changes must be approved by the shareholders. corporate governance best practices and apply to the members of the Board of Directors and Executive Management of RHT Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries. Any agreements between RHT Holding Ltd or its The total fees earned in the review year by Directors in their capacity as Board members are listed below: subsidiaries and the Board of Directors or the Executive Management concerning fixed remuneration or incentive pay must be subject to this policy. Independent and Executive Non-Executive Total Directors Board of Directors Directors Name The ordinary members of the Board of Directors receive a fixed base fee as consideration for their Board Rs Rs Rs duties. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors receives a fixed fee equalling two times the base fee Mr J. Patrick Stéphane Leal 470,000 - 470,000 received by the ordinary Board members. In addition, the Board members may receive a fixed fee for their Mr Mohammad Yoosuf Kureeman 502,140 - 502,140 work on committees established by the Board of Directors and the Board members may receive separate fees for completion of specific projects, e.g. a sale of the company or material assets. The remuneration Mr Paul C.K.F. Ah Leung 480,000 - 480,000 of the Board of Directors is determined on the basis of standards in the market and reflects demands to Mr Uday Kumar Gujadhur 342,000 - 342,000 competencies and efforts in light of the scope of their work and the number of Board meetings. Each year Ms Meha Desai 238,000 - 238,000 the general meeting approves the fees to the Board of Directors. Mr Kamil Tayub Patel 396,000 - 396,000 Executive Management Mr Van Man Sin Kwok Wong 205,500 748,650 954,150 Mr Ravindra Goburdhun - 785,395 785,395 Fixed Salary Dr Sidharth Sharma - 4,368,880 4,368,880 The aim of paying a fixed salary is to attract and retain the best-qualified members of Executive Management. The elements of the fixed remuneration are determined based on market standards and 2,633,640 5,902,925 8,536,565 the Company’s specific needs from time to time. As a part of the fixed salary, the Company may offer other standard benefits, such as a company car scheme and free telephone.
54 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 55 PRINCIPLE FIVE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) Risk Governance and Internal Control The Board should be responsible for risk governance and should ensure that the organisation develops and executes a comprehensive and robust system of risk management. The Board should ensure the maintenance of a sound internal control system. Information Technology and Information Security The risk governance of the organisation is the responsibility of the Board with very close monitoring with the assistance of the Risk and Audit Committee. The Board ensures a successful process of internal IT Policy and Related Expenditures controls and the key risks are listed below: The Board of Directors realises that in today’s technological era, it is important to have a strategic alignment of information security with business strategy in order to achieve organisational goals. As such, the Board ensures that appropriate resources are allocated for the implementation of information and IT Risk Category Risk Actions are taken security framework within the organisation. 1. Moreover, all companies within the Group have established a Risk Management Register to ascertain Political Changes in legislation affecting the transport Ensure open lines of communication and industry transparent dialogue that risks are systematically identified and mitigated so as to minimise the potential impact on information 2. Change in government resources. Social Changes in consumer habits Ongoing measures such as free Wi-Fi The Company is also embracing technological change and cloud hosting is used to store most of its and more efficient service to capture digital information. This is part of the strategy to cater for the growth of the organisation across multiple market physical locations and to ensure business continuity. Furthermore, the Company has implemented Strategic 1. Restructuring of the transport system Consultants hired to prepare a roadmap multiple security policies to ensure that data is safeguarded both within its premises as well as those 2. Lack of diversification on income streams for future scenarios hosted in the cloud including access rights granted only to authorised personnel, password expiry and 3. Poor response to customer care could result in The focus of the board on diversified complexity policy as well as a backup process for digital information. alienation or loss of clients strategy As part of the planning and budgeting exercise, all IT expenditures are identified. For all purchases of Proper follow up on CRM to ensure that over Rs 500,000, the Company has set up a Tender Committee for the evaluation and selection of the clients are serviced timeously most appropriate supplier for the requested services and purchases. Financial 1. Losses on investments due to incorrect Ensure investment managers give investment decisions multiple options with scenarios During the past financial year, in line with our strategic objectives, the Company has embarked on several 2. Loss of income due to restriction of routes and Proper gearing in place with the key IT projects. the metro diversification of income streams First of all, with our growing business activities, the Company now has multiple offices and all of them are 3. Lack of liquidity of investments for short term Established processes in place for interconnected through a secured VPN. This serves as a backbone for inter-company connectivity and or medium-term projects ongoing assessment of current and future has enabled the deployment of a centralised access control system. investments 1. Moreover, we have migrated our ERP software to the cloud to ensure better accessibility and uptime of Operational Route planning Ensure proper planning around routes the service. We have also recently started the implementation of a new HR software in the cloud. This especially at peak times 2. Cash collection/shrinkage from staff Proper procedures in place with daily will streamline the process of gathering employee attendance information and will greatly improve the waybill reconciliation payroll processing time. Human 1. Lack of succession planning resulting in a Ensuring the right people in the right Resources skills gap place 2. Lack of capacity growth resulting in an Leadership development immature workforce
Health & Safety 1. Road and traffic accidents resulting in injury Advanced training for drivers and first aid and or death training given to all crew 2. Pest control on buses Ensure that regular pest treatment is carried out
Physical 1. Lack of a proper health and safety system A high concentration of training for drivers resulting in injury or death
56 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 57 2.1.5 review and monitor the development and adoption of, and compliance with, the Company’s ethical due diligence policies and procedures covering: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) a) business relationships and activities, including the Company’s agents and intermediaries; and b) mergers, acquisitions or major new projects; 2.1.6 make recommendations to the Board on the establishment, review, and monitoring of compliance with the Company’s ethical policies and procedures, and in particular: a) responsibility for implementation of such policies and procedures; b) communication, both internally and externally of such policies and procedures; Management of Internal Risks c) provision of training in relation to such policies and procedures; The purpose of the Internal Audit is to provide independent, objective assurance services designed to d) reporting of progress to the Board in respect of the implementation and compliance add value and improve the Company’s operations. with such policy and procedures; and Once the audit had been carried out, the Internal Auditors prepare a risk-based audit plan to review e) as required, engage external auditors and obtain external reports; the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal controls. In conducting reviews, the 2.1.7 liaise if necessary with the Audit and Risk Committee on the mechanisms for employees Internal Auditors are alert to indicators of fraud and opportunities that could allow fraud, such as control to raise ethical concerns in confidence; weaknesses. In doing so, the Internal Auditors obtain reasonable assurance that business objectives 2.1.8 engage with regulatory bodies, industry groups, advisers and other stakeholders over for the process under review are being achieved and material control deficiencies are detected. ethical issues; Upon completion of each review, a formal report detailing the audit findings and the appropriate 2.1.9 review regular reports from the Company’s compliance officer and keep under review the recommendations will be issued to the Chairpersons of the Board and Audit Committee and the Group adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s compliance function with regard to ethical CEO. The timely and proper implementation of all required corrective, preventive or improvement matters; and measures is closely monitored. 2.1.10 at least once a year, review its own performance, constitution and terms of reference to ensure it is operating at maximum effectiveness and recommend any changes it considers The Internal Auditors report directly to the Audit and Risk Committee. PwC is the current Internal Auditor. necessary to the Board for approval. A risk register is maintained for each company and is reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee. 2.2 The Ethics Committee is a subcommittee of the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the Ethics Committee exercises Whistle-Blowing Policy such powers of the Board as having been delegated to it, is answerable to the Corporate Governance In order to ensure that RHT Holding Ltd is fully protected against bribery and or corruption, the Board has Committee and will report to it on a regular basis. It is authorised to investigate any activity within constituted an Ethics Committee whose terms of reference are listed below: its terms of reference and to seek any information which it requires from the Company. ETHICS COMMITTEE – TERMS OF REFERENCE 3. PROCEDURE 3.1 All members of the Board shall have the right to attend meetings of the Ethics Committee. Other 1. MEMBERSHIP individuals such as the Group Chief Executive Officer, General Managers & EthicsOfficer and 1.1 The members of the Ethics Committee shall be appointed by the Group Chief Executive external advisers may be invited to attend all or part of any meeting as and when appropriate. Officer. 3.2 In the absence of the Chairperson of the Ethics Committee and/or an appointed deputy, the 1.2 The members of the Ethics Committee will be drawn from the subsidiary companies of the Group. remaining members present (provided they are not less than two in number) shall elect one of The Ethics Committee will consist of not less than three members. themselves to chair the meeting. The Chairperson of the Company may not chair the Ethics 1.3 The Chairperson of the Ethics Committee will be appointed by the Board and shall be a Non- Committee when it is dealing with his or her succession. Executive Director of the Company. 3.3 The quorum necessary for the transaction of business shall be two. 1.4 The Confidential Secretary shall act as the secretary of the Ethics Committee. 3.4 A duly convened meeting of the Ethics Committee at which a quorum is present shall be competent to exercise all or any of the authorities, powers and discretions vested in or exercisable by the 2 DUTIES AND AUTHORITY Ethics Committee. 3.5 The Ethics Committee shall meet at least quarterly and at such other times as the Chair of the 2.1 The Ethics Committee shall: Ethics Committee shall require only if there is the business to conduct. 2.1.1 make recommendations to the Board through the Corporate Governance Committee on 3.6 Meetings of the Ethics Committee shall be summoned by the secretary at the request of any of its members. the development of strategy, policy, procedures, and processes on ethical matters; 3.7 Unless otherwise agreed, a notice of each meeting confirming the venue, time and date, together 2.1.2 make recommendations to the Board through the Corporate Governance Committee on with an agenda of items to be discussed, shall be forwarded to each member of the Ethics steps to be taken to establish a culture of integrity and honesty in all of the Company’s Committee, any other person required to attend and all other Non-Executive Directors, in a timely business dealings; fashion. Supporting papers shall be sent to Committee members, and to other attendees as 2.1.3 review and monitor the Company’s policies and procedures for the identification, appropriate, at the same time. assessment, management, and reporting of ethical risk; 3.8 The secretary shall minute the proceedings and resolutions of all meetings of the Ethics Committee, 2.1.4 review and monitor the Company’s policies and procedures to prevent persons associated including details of those present or in attendance and details of any conflicts of interest notified to with the Company from engaging in bribery; the Ethics Committee.
58 RHT HOLDING LTD I 65 years I Leadership through Innovation ANNUAL REPORT 2019 59 revenue collection. Remedial actions will be taken in the form of new initiatives that are expected to address the situation. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT (Cont’d) While RHTI was once again the main profit driver for the Group, the subsidiary’s performance was impacted by compliance with the requirements of IFRS 9. Gains made on investment disposals are no longer reported under Income but in Other Comprehensive Income. All cumulative gains in fair value of investments are now recognised in Other Comprehensive Income upon derecognition. On a separate note, FleetPro Services Ltd (“FPSL”) and Island Communication Ltd (“ICL”) made 4. REPORTING significant contributions to the top-line figure. Both companies contributed well in excess of Rs 20m with 4.1 Minutes of Ethics Committee meetings shall be circulated promptly to all its members and, once ICL repeating last year’s performance while FPSL exceeded expectations. agreed, to all members of the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee Advance Institute of Motoring Ltd, mychauffeur Ltd and Transport and Micropayment System Ltd faced a (unless a conflict of interest exists). few challenges in their respective business segments with improvements noted on the revenue generation 4.2 The Chairperson of the Ethics Committee will report formally to the Corporate Governance, side. Profit-making is on the agenda for the coming year. Nomination and Remuneration Committee on its proceedings after each meeting on all matters within the scope of its duties and responsibilities. RHT Holding Ltd’s key performance indicators are shown below. 4.3 The Ethics Committee shall make whatever recommendations to the Corporate Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee it deems appropriate in any area within its remit where action or improvement is needed. 4.4 The Ethics Committee shall have access to sufficient resources in order to carry out its duties. 4.5 The Ethics Committee is authorised by the Board to obtain outside legal or other independent professional advice. 4.6 The Ethics Committee’s duties, responsibilities, and activities during the year will be disclosed appropriately in the Annual Report and Accounts. No matter was reported to the Corporate s REVEN E Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee in the year under review.