KHALID Abdulla officially opened the stock exchange markets on Wednesday using the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE) mystical kudu horn.
Abdulla, who is group chief executive of African Equity Empowerment Investments (AEEI), was treated by the JSE to the sound of its mystical kudu horn, as AEEI celebrates an “exceptional year of performance, empowerment and governance awards”.
The blowing of the horn (ringing of the bell) is a tradition usually reserved for companies that are being listed on the stock exchange.
However, Abdulla and AEEI were honoured after the company showed consistent financial growth over several years, with an impressive trading period in the past 12 months and recognised by its peers with several top awards and consistent financial performance.
AEEI Chief Officer Khalid Abdulla said: “As testament to its forward-thinking approach, its high standards and its ability to deliver results, AEEI was recently recognised by Empowerdex in its annual benchmark of JSE Listed companies as the Most Empowered Company, the Most Empowered Management Control, listed by the Financial Mail as a Top 10 Performer on the JSE for financial performance and was also ranked by IRAS as the Top Performer for the highest SDTI for governance in the Sector: Financial Services – Other.”
Petersen said the accolades are well deserved.
“It has increased its current market cap to almost R2 billion from R500 million over the past three years, posted consistent above market year-on-year growth, with a record 53 percent increase in operating profit, and its net asset value increasing by 21 percent for the year ending August 2016,”she said.
Petersen said AEEI is following its “Vision 2020 Vision” strategy, “which continues to have a positive impact on the growth progression and operational efficiency”of the entire company.
“Consistent performance, coupled with increased brand awareness and recognition, its acquisitions and the value it unlocks in its operations as well as strategic investments is attracting investor interest and growing confidence. The company has also created significant stakeholder value,” she said.
Abdulla said the organisation’s belief in empowering its staff was one of the key reasons why he had the honour of opening the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Thanking the JSE for awarding AEEI the opportunity, Abdulla said: “This is for each member of the incredible AEEI team (management and staff) who all deserve the recognition and without whom we would not be here today. We are excited about what tomorrow holds.”