The 136-year-old Johannesburg Stock Exchange, whose roots and history stretch back to the earliest days of the mining boom in South Africa, is in need of smart augmentation and South Africa Incorporated must put its shoulder to the wheel to achieve that.
Points raised at last week’s AGM point to Sweden being a model that South Africa can emulate at this time to ensure that the exchange stops shrinking and begins hosting new listings, particularly at the small end of the exchange. South Africa can continue to also produce global giants with the right environment, the right policies, regulatory certainty, and trust in the goodwill of business and government.
With the right political will and the ongoing commitment of business, South Africa can regain its reputation as an investment destination of choice.