The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the largest stock exchange in Africa, celebrates two decades in Sandton Central this year. In 2000, the JSE relocated from 17 Diagonal Street in Johannesburg CBD to its current home at One Exchange Square on the corner of Gwen Lane and Maude Street.
Dr Leila Fourie, Group Chief Executive Officer of the JSE, says, "The JSE has been privileged to play a leading role in the South African economy for over 130 years. As the exchange has grown over time, it moved premises to keep up with changing trends and the need for additional office space. Sandton Central is a great fit as it is the financial district of South Africa and Johannesburg's premier business centre."
Sandton Central is home of the continent's finest contemporary business buildings with prime quality office space.
District Improvement Manager Elaine Jack of Sandton Central Management District (SCMD), says "We are fortunate to be home to a leading global exchange of the quality of the JSE. The bourse is part of what makes Sandton Central a leading financial district. Over the past 20 years, there has been much change and progress in the business landscape in South Africa in general and Sandton Central specifically, with the JSE playing a pivotal role."
When it opened 20 years ago, the JSE building at One Exchange Square Sandton Central became an instant landmark. It has also grown in popularity as a venue for key events, from company announcements to industry gatherings.
"We have had the honour of hosting a wide range of stakeholders: from distinguished local and international delegates and listings from across the world, to schoolchildren who are looking to explore a career in financial markets," notes Fourie.
Many guests visiting the JSE have been impressed by the bull and bear sculpture outside its entrance, which reflects the nature of the business conducted by the Exchange, although now all trading is electronic rather than on the open-outcry floor that was a feature of the Diagonal Street building for so many years.
Over the past 20 years, financial markets have evolved, and the JSE has too with the introduction of technology that can handle the increasing market volumes and values. The JSE has added a range of enhancements and investment instruments. For example, twenty years ago in 2000, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) were first listed. In 2003, the JSE launched the Alternative Exchange, simply known as AltX, with a focus on emerging corporates. Since then, several corporates have graduated from AltX to the Main Board. Further, in 2004, the JSE launched the Social Responsibility Index (SRI), which seeks to measure companies' policies, performance and reporting related to the three pillars of the triple bottom line (environmental, economic and social sustainability).
"We are humbled to have been able to contribute to the growth of quality South African businesses," says Fourie.
Sandton Central is another of South Africa's most exciting growth stories. Since the 1970s, Sandton has evolved from farmland into the country's acclaimed business district and dubbed the "richest square mile in Africa". Its ongoing development has brought about substantial changes in architecture, infrastructure and public services, such as, most recently, introducing state-of-the-art closed-circuit television to enhance the management and safety of public spaces.
Fourie notes, "The Sandton Central district has played an important role in offering growth opportunities in all industries. The Gautrain is one of the district's biggest accomplishments as it has changed the face of public transport and has promoted easy and efficient mobility.”
The area’s excellent ability to attract leading national, multinational and international businesses and brands, and appeal to skilled and talented people comes down to its wide range of amenities that contribute positively for citizens and businesses alike. "There are business facilities, public transport, restaurants and entertainment all within an easy reach. We have found that being in Sandton Central offers a great deal of convenience and efficiency,” reports Fourie.
The neighbourhood’s amenity-rich platform provides excellent value for money to businesses in a prestigious location and has sculpted Sandton Central into a powerhouse of business giants and corporate headquarters mixed with an exciting array of small and growing businesses. It is also the epicentre of responsible green building in Africa, which positions it strongly for the future.
Jack concludes, "We applaud the JSE on its many achievements during the 20 years it has called Sandton Central home and look forward to many more milestone accomplishments from our pioneering financial marketplace as it continues to enable inclusive economic growth."
