Whistleblower
Our Whistleblower System
Complying with statutory regulations and internal rules, and the principles laid down in our Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Business Partners, has top priority at Audi South Africa. The success of our company is based on Integrity and Compliance. To meet these standards, it is important to learn of potential employee or supplier misconduct and to put a stop to it. Therefore, we entrusted the Central Investigation Office to operate an independent, impartial and confidential Whistleblower System on our behalf.
A key pillar of our Whistleblower System is the principle of procedural fairness. It also guarantees the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, persons implicated and employees contributing to the investigation of reported misconduct.
This also includes offering opportunities for anonymous reporting and communication. We assure not to perform any steps in order to identify anonymous whistleblowers, who do not misuse our Whistleblower System. Retaliation of whistleblowers and all persons who contribute to investigations at Audi South Africa will not be tolerated. Persons implicated are presumed innocent until the violation is proven. Investigations will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The information will be processed in a fair, fast and protected process.
How do we process your report?
The
qualified and experienced colleagues at the Investigation Office examine every
report for potential misconduct by a Volkswagen Group employee thoroughly and
follow it up systematically. First, you
will get a confirmation of receipt. The
Investigation Office then assesses your report. This includes gathering facts
particularly from the whistleblower. Only if this initial evaluation shows
grounds for suspicion of a violation an investigation by a dedicated
Investigating Unit will be started. Afterwards, the results of the
investigation will be assessed by the Investigation Office and appropriate
measures will be recommended. Information about the status* and the outcome of
the procedure will be given to you without undue delay.
*The processing time varies depending on the subject of the procedure
Potential violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners by suppliers, including serious risks and violations of human rights and environment by direct and indirect suppliers, can also be reported to the Investigation Office - as well as reports requiring otherwise immediate action. The Investigation Office will inform the responsible departments, who will process the issue accordingly. This particularly includes taking the necessary measures to minimize or end violations and/or risks.
More information on the respective procedural principles can be found here:
Volkswagen Complaints Procedure
What kind of report do you want to submit?
A complaint about products or services to our customer service
For complaints or feedback about vehicles and services of Audi South Africa or our business partners (e.g. car dealerships, workshops), please contact us using the details:
0860 434 838 (within South Africa)
+27 41 994 5616 (outside of South Africa)
Further information is available here: Contact our office
Please understand that we will not be able to forward your request or take any action for reasons of responsibility, as the Whistleblower System unfortunately cannot process customer complaints.
A report of potential misconduct to our Whistleblower System
The Whistleblower System offers various channels for reporting potential misconduct by Audi South Africa employees, violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners or serious risks and violations of human rights and environment in our Supply Chain.
Find the attached reporting channel brochure as reference.
Making a report to our Whistleblower System
The Investigation Office of Volkswagen can be reached via E-mail (in any language):
For customer complaints, please contact the channels listed under "A complaint about products or services to our customer service".
Postal address / in person
Central Investigation Office
Postal address:
Volkswagen AG, Central Investigation Office
Mailbox 1717
Berliner Ring 2
38436 Wolfsburg, Germany
In person:
Please make an appointment in advance by writing an E-mail to io@volkswagen.de
Ombudspersons
of Volkwagen Group
Ombudspersons
Volkswagen has appointed external lawyers to act as Ombudspersons. They advise on the Whistleblower System or ensure that reports from whistleblowers are forwarded anonymously to the Investigation Office if desired.
If you want to get in contact with the Ombudsperson you can find their contact details here: https://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com/
Voice Intake by phone
You can leave us a voice message by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After entering the phone number (specific to the country you are in), you will be prompted to enter the organisation code. Then, you can submit your report as a voice recording. Only a written transcript will be received by the Investigation Office. Dial back in to listen to the reply or further questions by our team.
The intake number for South Africa is +27 (21) 427 7937 (call charged at local rate) and corresponding organisational code is 122203.
For further details for your country or region, information can be found here: Volkswagen Group SpeakUp
Speak Up App
You can also download the Speak Up App “SpeakUp - Listen for a change “ by People Intouch (personal devices only) to access the secure reporting system. Through this app, you can submit your report in writing or leave a voice message (also anonymously).
To download the app, you can also scan the QR code:
Do you have further questions?
Questions or suggestions for improvement concerning the Whistleblower System can also be addressed to the Investigation Office.