Rand Water | Integrated Annual Report 2025
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL Our intellectual capital is derived from our institutional knowledge created over the years which includes explicit and tacit knowledge, systems, policies, procedures, and protocols. The human knowledge (skills and experience), research, innovation, and patents associated with our brand and reputation, including information technology capabilities, innovation of new technologies and ability to develop new technologies, products and services are a driver of our Intellectual capital.
MANAGING OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Rand Water have developed the Intellectual Property (IP) Policy that provides for the appointment of the Chief IP Officer and IP Officers, within each portfolio to assist with the day-to-day management of IP within their specific area. It also provides for the establishment of an IP Management Committee to oversee all the activities relating to the protection and management of IP within Rand Water. Rand Water employs IP management strategies to maintain an IP inventory, implement naming and logo registrations, review contracts for IP clauses, educate staff on identifying and documenting IP and make use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Strategic Management of our IP includes: • Regular audits and assessments of intellectual properties. • Implementation of intellectual property policies. • Engagement with external experts for continuous improvement. HOW WE CREATE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES
Rand Water creates its intellectual properties through undertaking continued research and development activities with institutions of higher learning. The creation of our IPs is regulated by an approved IP Policy and Procedural Manual that ensures maximum legal and commercial value for sustainability and credibility. IPs are also created through inventions by employees. In terms of the provisions of the IP Policy, all IPs created by employees belong to Rand Water. Should it be established that there is value in the IP created, Rand Water will move to have the IP protected. Rand Water continuously create new knowledge and contribute to the IP creation through innovation and new technology development, as well as transferring and sharing knowledge generated with local, global audiences and stakeholders. PRESERVING ORGANISATIONAL MEMORY Rand Water complies with the National Archives and Records Service Act, No. 43 of 1996 (as amended) (NARS)with an exemption from Section 11 (2) (b) of the Act and is therefore allowed to permanently archive or preserve its records of archival or historical value. The approved Records Classification System (File Plan) is used as a filing system for correspondence records, as prescribed by Section 13(2)(b) (i) of the NARS Act. Rand Water in its quest to comply with legislative environment, invited the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) in the 2024/25 financial year, to conduct compliance inspection in terms of Section 13(2) (c) of the NARS Act which was honoured. The inspection was aimed at assessing and affirming the conditions of the exemption status granted in 1999 in terms of Section 11 (2) (b) of the Act. The inspection outcome affirmed the exemption status of the organisation. In line with its commitment to sound governance, compliance, and digital transformation, Rand Water continues to strengthen its information preservation practices through digitisation, archiving, and disposal programmes.
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Rand Water | Integrated Annual Report 2025
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