Our performance in 2009 - Sappi

94
Directors’ approval
The directors are responsible for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records and the content, integrity and fair presentation
of the annual financial statements of the group and Sappi Limited
company, and the related financial information included in this
report. These have been prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International
AccountingStandardsBoard,theJSELimitedListingRequirements
and in the manner required by the South African Companies
Act. In preparing the financial statements, the group applied
appropriate accounting policies supported by reasonable judgements
and estimates. The auditors are responsible for auditing
the annual financial statements in the course of executing their
statutory duties.
The directors acknowledge that they are ultimately responsible
for the system of internal financial control established by the
group and are committed to maintaining a strong control
environment. Details relating to the group’s internal control
environment, including the requirement to comply with section
404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act (a requirement for companies
listed on the New York Stock Exchange), are set out in the
Corporate Governance section of this report.
The directors are of the opinion, based on the information and
explanations given by the company’s officers and the internal
Secretary’s certificate
auditors, that the system of internal control provides reasonable
assurance that the financial records may be relied on for the
preparation of the financial statements. However, any system
of internal financial control can provide only reasonable, and
not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The directors have reviewed the group’s budget and cash flow
forecasts. This review, together with the group’s financial position,
existing borrowing facilities and cash on hand, has satisfied the
directors that the group will continue as a going concern for the
foreseeable future. Therefore the group continues to adopt the
going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
The report and annual financial statements of the group and
the company appear on pages 97 to 198 and were approved
by the board of directors on 04 December 2009 and signed on
its behalf by:
R J Boëttger M R Thompson
chief executive officer chief financial officer
Sappi Limited
In terms of section 268G(d) of the Companies Act of South Africa, I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the
Company has lodged with the Registrar of Companies, for the financial year ended September 2009, all such returns as are required
of a public company in terms of this Act and that such returns are true, correct and up to date.
Sappi Management Services (Pty) Limited
D J O’Connor
group secretary
04 December 2009