Developing solutions for social and environmental challenges is at the core of Bank of America Merrill Lynch's responsibility platform. In more than 100 markets around the world, the company partners with shareholders, clients, customers and employees to create shared value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive, whilst simultaneously contributing to the long-term success of our business. Bank of America Merrill Lynch focuses on responsible business practices, environmental sustainability, advancing opportunity in local communities through education and employability programmes, investing in global leadership development, and promoting cultural understanding. By harnessing our intellectual capital, sharing knowledge and developing innovative solutions, we can provide opportunities that effect positive change for all.

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BHP Billiton has an overriding commitment to sustainable development and strives to continually support and add value to the communities in which we operate. As the world's leading diversified natural resources company, our operations touch every corner of the globe. As a company we understand our responsibility to consider and respond to the needs of our diverse stakeholders across the world. We embrace this responsibility and together with our partners, employees and host governments, work towards contributing to the long term sustainability of the communities we operate in.

BHP Billiton has about 42000 employees across the 100 operations in approximately 25 countries. Its operations encompass a broad range of commodities including aluminium, energy coal and manganese particularly in South Africa.

To read more about me BHP Billiton, visit our website at www.bhpbilliton.com

Business and Arts South Africa is an internationally recognised South African Development agency which incorporates the arts into, and contributes to, corporates commercial success. With a suite of integrated programes BASA encourages mutually beneficial partnerships between business and the arts.  It was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative of government and the business sector to secure the future development of the arts industry in South Africa, through increased corporatesector involvement. Established as a non-profit company BASA is accountable to both government and its business members.