General Supplier Enquiries
For general supplier, onboarding or registration queries:
suppliers@aogroup.co.zaSuppliers and Procurement
AO Group Supplier Code of Conduct
Our suppliers are important partners in the delivery of exceptional value, innovation and service to our customers.
The AO Group Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the ethical, social, environmental and commercial standards expected of suppliers working with AO Group and its subsidiaries.
Overview
Becoming a Supplier to AO Group
At AO Group, we recognise that our suppliers are key partners in delivering exceptional value and innovation to our clients.
We are committed to building long-term, transparent and mutually beneficial relationships that reflect the integrity, quality and excellence we bring to every engagement.
Our supplier selection and management processes are guided by the AO Group Supplier Code of Conduct. The Code applies to AO Group and its subsidiaries, affiliates and associated entities.
It is intended to ensure that every supplier we work with aligns with our ethical, social, environmental and commercial standards.
Responsible Business Conduct
Commitment to Ethical and Sustainable Practices
The AO Group Supplier Code of Conduct is based on recognised principles of responsible business conduct. All suppliers are expected to comply with applicable laws and regulations and to operate in accordance with the following principles.
Human Rights and Fair Labour Practices
Respect the rights and dignity of all workers.
Suppliers must:
- provide fair and lawful working conditions
- comply with applicable wage and working-hour requirements
- prohibit forced, bonded or involuntary labour
- prohibit child labour
- avoid unlawful discrimination, harassment and exploitation
- respect freedom of association where protected by law
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Maintain safe, healthy and fair working environments for employees, contractors and subcontractors.
Suppliers must take reasonable measures to:
- identify and manage workplace risks
- provide appropriate training and protective measures
- comply with occupational health and safety requirements
- report and address incidents appropriately
- promote employee wellbeing
Environmental Responsibility
Minimise environmental impact and conduct operations responsibly.
Suppliers are expected to:
- comply with applicable environmental laws
- manage waste responsibly
- reduce unnecessary consumption and pollution
- use energy and resources responsibly
- identify opportunities for continuous environmental improvement
Integrity and Anti-Corruption
Operate honestly, ethically and transparently.
AO Group does not tolerate:
- bribery
- corruption
- fraud
- kickbacks
- undisclosed conflicts of interest
- falsification of information
- unethical or unlawful conduct
Suppliers must immediately disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest relating to their engagement with AO Group.
Transparency and Accountability
Maintain complete, accurate and reliable business records.
Suppliers must:
- provide accurate documentation
- cooperate with reasonable AO Group compliance reviews
- respond honestly to information requests
- notify AO Group of material compliance concerns
- retain applicable supporting records
Suppliers are encouraged to demonstrate continuous improvement and to apply equivalent ethical and responsible business standards throughout their own supply chains.
Controlled document
Access the Full Supplier Code of Conduct
The full AO Group Supplier Code of Conduct contains the formal standards and obligations applicable to suppliers.
Suppliers should review the document before registration, onboarding or entering into a commercial relationship with AO Group.
AO Group Supplier Code of Conduct
The approved controlled document is not yet available for download on this site. Document version and effective date will be displayed here once the approved document has been published.
To request a copy of the AO Group Supplier Code of Conduct, email the supplier team at suppliers@aogroup.co.za.
Commercial Controls
No Purchase Order, No Pay
To support efficient processing, accountability and transparency in financial transactions, AO Group applies a No Purchase Order, No Pay policy.
- 01Every supplier invoice must include a valid AO Group purchase order number.
- 02Invoices received without a valid purchase order number may be rejected or returned for correction.
- 03A purchase order must be obtained before goods are supplied or services commence, unless a formally approved exception applies.
- 04Suppliers must contact their AO Group procurement representative, business unit head or contract manager to confirm the correct purchase order details.
- 05A request, instruction or engagement from an AO Group employee does not replace the requirement for an approved purchase order.
The applicable agreement, purchase order and approved AO Group policies take precedence where there is any inconsistency.
Supplier Registration
Supporting Documentation Requirements
Before a supplier can be onboarded or begin transacting with AO Group or any of its subsidiaries, the required supporting documents must be submitted for verification.
- Certificate of Incorporation or equivalent company registration document
- Identification documents for directors or authorised representatives
- VAT registration documentation, where applicable
- Current tax compliance certificate or equivalent proof of tax status
- Verified bank account confirmation letter issued by the supplier's bank
- Valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, where applicable
- Completed AO Supplier Registration Form
- Signed AO Supplier Master Services Agreement, where required
- Signed AO Supplier Non-Disclosure Agreement, where required
- Any additional industry, regulatory, insurance or compliance documents requested for the engagement
All submitted documentation must be:
- current
- valid
- complete
- legible
- consistent with the supplier's registered details
Suppliers are responsible for informing AO Group promptly of changes to:
- ownership
- directors
- addresses
- banking details
- tax status
- B-BBEE status
- regulatory licences
- insurance
- key contact details
- any other material company information
Process
How Supplier Onboarding Works
- 01
Business Need Identified
An AO Group business unit identifies a requirement for goods or services.
- 02
Supplier Engagement
The relevant AO Group representative engages the proposed supplier regarding the requirement and initial commercial terms.
- 03
Documentation Submitted
The supplier provides the required company, tax, banking, compliance and contractual documents.
- 04
Verification and Approval
AO Group completes the applicable due-diligence, commercial, compliance and banking verification.
- 05
Agreements and Purchase Order
Required agreements are signed and an approved purchase order is issued where applicable.
- 06
Supply Commences
The supplier may begin delivering the approved goods or services in accordance with the agreed scope and commercial terms.
Submission of supplier documentation does not guarantee registration, approval, appointment or future work.
Contracting
General Terms and Conditions
AO Group's applicable contractual documents, purchase orders, statements of work and general terms and conditions govern each supplier engagement.
For information regarding the terms and conditions applicable to a specific transaction or supplier relationship, contact the AO Group accounts team.
Access to terms and conditions may be subject to the nature of the engagement, the applicable AO Group entity and the contract entered into with the supplier.
Contact AO Group
Supplier Communication Channels
Suppliers should use the appropriate channel to ensure queries are directed to the correct team.
Accounts and Terms Queries
For account-related queries and information regarding applicable terms and conditions:
accounts@aogroup.co.zaProcurement and Contract Queries
For purchase orders, contracts, scopes of work or engagement-specific queries, contact your designated AO Group business unit head, procurement representative or contract manager.
Ethics
Raising a Concern
Suppliers are expected to report suspected unethical conduct, fraud, conflicts of interest, corruption, human-rights concerns or material breaches relating to their engagement with AO Group.
In the absence of a dedicated ethics-reporting channel displayed on the website, concerns should be raised with the supplier's designated AO Group contract manager or business unit head.
For general guidance, suppliers may contact the supplier team at suppliers@aogroup.co.za.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in Becoming an AO Group Supplier?
AO Group works with suppliers who share our commitment to integrity, quality, accountability and responsible business conduct.
Before engaging with AO Group, prospective suppliers should review the Supplier Code of Conduct and prepare the required onboarding documentation.
Important legal note
This webpage provides a summary of AO Group's supplier expectations and onboarding requirements. It does not replace the complete AO Group Supplier Code of Conduct, a signed contract, master services agreement, non-disclosure agreement, purchase order, statement of work or other applicable policy or legal document. Where there is any inconsistency, the formally approved and executed document takes precedence.