At Decusatio Investor Communications, we regularly analyse data from our Google Analytics and other tools to stay attuned to the latest trends and topics shaping the Investor Relations (IR) and Public Relations (PR) landscape. Our insights help us understand what matters most to Investor Relations and Communications teams in South Africa, enabling us to deliver targeted solutions that resonate with our clients and stakeholders. 

Here are the key trends we’ve identified in the current environment.

1. Altvest’s migration from the Cape Town Stock Exchange to the JSE

A significant trend we’ve noted is the surge in interest around the investment holding company Altvest, which is currently in the process of migrating its primary listing from the Cape Town Stock Exchange to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). 

This move also includes the transfer of Altvest’s businesses: Umganu Lodge, Bambanani, and the Altvest Credit Opportunities Fund.

One of our most popular pages this month has been our interview with Altvest CEO Warren Wheatley, featured in our “Meet The Management” series. You can listen to the full interview here: Meet The Management: Altvest Capital CEO Warren Wheatley

This feature has garnered substantial interest from our audience, reflecting the growing curiosity and engagement surrounding Altvest’s strategic decisions and we would love to engage with other small and medium-sized businesses who wish to raise their investment profile.

In a recent article from Daily Maverick titled Contrasting the Altvest and Boxer listings, the approach Altvest has taken to shareholder engagement was highlighted as a key factor in its evolving market strategy.

This transfer raises important questions about the impact on the Cape Town Stock Exchange, which will lose four listings, thereby shrinking its investable universe. 

What does this shift mean for the future of smaller stock exchanges in South Africa, and how might this influence investor confidence?

 

2. JSE’s unclaimed dividends project

Another trend we’re observing is the JSE’s focus on unclaimed dividends, with an estimated R4.5 billion in dividends still waiting to be claimed by shareholders. The JSE’s “Unclaimed Dividends” project aims to bridge the financial literacy gap, encouraging South Africans to claim their rightful dividends. You can learn more about this initiative in the JSE’s article: Closing Financial Literacy Gap: JSE Empowers South Africans to Claim Dividends.

This project not only highlights the importance of educating investors but also underscores the need for greater transparency and communication within the financial services sector. By enhancing shareholders’ understanding of their entitlements, the JSE is fostering a more informed and engaged investor base.

 

3. Strengthening ties between the JSE and Nigerian businesses

The recent collaboration between the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the Nigeria Exchange Group is another noteworthy trend. This partnership, as reported by Proshare, focuses on governance, market development, and sustainability, aiming to foster closer ties between South African and Nigerian businesses. For more details, you can read the article here: SEC, NGX Group and JSE Collaborate on Governance, Market Development, and Sustainability.

This initiative signals a growing emphasis on regional collaboration, with the goal of creating more integrated capital markets across Africa. Such efforts are likely to enhance investment opportunities and encourage a more unified approach to economic development in the continent.

 

Partner with Decusatio for your IR and PR needs

As these trends highlight, the landscape of Investor Relations and Public Relations is rapidly evolving in South Africa. If your business is looking to enhance its Investor Communications or Public Relations activities, partnering with Decusatio Investor Communications could be your next strategic move. 

Our expert team is here to guide you through these complex areas, ensuring that your message resonates with investors and stakeholders. To learn more, reach out to us through our contact page.