United against racism: A message to Anglo American employees

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive

In recent days, I am sure that many of you have seen the reporting of the widespread protests in the US and elsewhere around the world triggered by the shocking death of George Floyd last week in Minneapolis. Mr Floyd was a black man, arrested by a white police officer, he was mistreated, and he died. The increasingly global outpouring of anger over the injustice that this tragedy represents and of solidarity for us all to unite against racism – an abuse that remains systemic in and across so many societies – reaches straight to our shared humanity.

I am privileged to lead our company, Anglo American, and all of you who make what we do possible. Together, we are an incredibly diverse organisation, whichever way you look at it. It is our diversity of nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, age and talents, to name a few, that makes us who we are as a company: a collection of people working together towards a common purpose, and sharing a set of non-negotiable values.

While we have come a long way, we also know that we are far from perfect. We all recognise that we have a lot of work to do to be the truly inclusive company we want to be and that each and every one of us deserves. It is only by valuing and embracing our differences that we can shape a future based on care and respect, with fair opportunity for all. It is only by confronting prejudices that we can cast discrimination aside for good.

Actions make a difference

Words are easy, but it is our actions that make a difference. Our Stand Up for Everyone inclusion and diversity programme has captured the hearts and minds of so many of us across Anglo American and we can feel proud of the openness with which we are breaking down barriers. We cannot allow ourselves and our collective opportunity to be hindered by exclusion. We must drive forwards and look back only to learn how we can be better.

We all have a role to play, as individuals and collectively. I encourage us all to reflect on what we can each do, to share your thoughts and feelings with whoever you feel most comfortable – at home or with colleagues or directly with me. Our confidential local employee assistance programmes are also there for you, as is our confidential YourVoice service for you to raise instances of discrimination of any kind that you experience or observe in our business.

Our colleagues at De Beers have drawn on what is probably the quote that best captures the essence of what we are talking about, from a man so dear to many of us at Anglo American, given South Africa’s history of fighting injustice. I cannot express it better than in these words from Nelson Mandela: “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

Let us reflect on those words and act in their spirit. We must continue to stand firm against racism, alongside all other forms of discrimination and injustice. An inclusive world is simply a better world.

Please look after yourselves…and one another.

Mark