Given South Africa’s history which resulted in a diverse and negative social structure, the Directors were of the opinion that corporate social investment should become a core feature to the group operations and its community responsibilities. A decision was taken to make corporate social investment an equity partner to the Group.

The Viking Social and Upliftment Trust was formed as part of the process to formalize the corporate social investment structures of the Group and the Trust acquired a 5% shareholding in Viking Fishing Holdings.

The sole object of the Trust is to provide funds for religious and/or educational and/or charitable and/or recreational purposes and/or general upliftment of communities of a public or private nature in the Republic of South Africa with specific regard to previously disadvantaged communities. Practically this has been limited to the Western and Southern Cape coastal communities where the Group operates.

Written requests are received throughout the year and the Trustees meet on an annual basis to approve appropriate community and charitable projects.