The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has declared its inaugural #Trade4Solidarity campaign a success.
JSE group CEO Leila Fourie announced that R34.4 million was pledged by the trading community to the Solidarity Fund.
“When President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the fund, we knew we had to rise up and play our part. We put out a call to our market participants and I am humbled at how everyone has rallied together jointly as the Capital Markets ecosystem in our efforts to donate to the solidarity fund,” she said.
Over a two day period, all revenues that the stock market earned across all asset classes were donated to the Solidarity Fund.
“The money raised will no doubt touch many lives that have been impacted by the coronavirus,” Fourie added.
The fund is designed to fund impactful initiatives that will increase the national health response contributions to national humanitarian efforts.
The third focus area of the fund aims to mobilize South Africans to flatten the curve and manage the pandemic and its impacts on households and communities.
“As South Africans we are known for our resilience and I am so pleased and thankful to the JSE, financial market members, organisations and ordinary South Africans that have really rallied together in their support of South Africans in our time of need by donating to the Solidarity Fund,” Solidarity Fund chairperson Gloria Serobe applauded the JSE and its 38 market participants.
Andre Nortje, CEO of market participant Strate, is thankful for the opportunity to get involved and play its part.
“Knowing that all the money raised will make a real difference to the people who need it the most in the fight against this pandemic, is greatly comforting,” Nortje said.
Fourie added that in addition to the #Trade4Solidarity pledge, the JSE board and group CEO have also pledged 30 per cent of their salaries to the fund – members of the JSE executive will also be making contributions.
“Employees donated in their personal capacity and I must applaud all my colleagues who gave so generously, and without reservation we raised a sizeable amount which is a true testament to the JSE way,” she concluded.
Related articles:
