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POSITIVE INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2003 RELEASED BY

Release Date: 21/05/2003 14:14
Code(s): SKJ
Wrap Text

POSITIVE INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2003 RELEASED BY SEKUNJALO INVESTMENTS LIMITED 21 May 2003 Sekunjalo Investments Limited ISIN: ZAE000017893 SHARE CODE: SKJ Media release Sekunjalo Investments have released a positive set of interim results for the half-year ended 28 February 2003. Group turnover for the six month period has increased by 16% from R151, 78 million to R176, 80 million; Operating income increased from R10, 39 million to R12, 75 million (23%); Headline earnings per share is up from 1,55cents to 2,03cents (31%). Dr Iqbal Surve, CEO of Sekunjalo Investments Limited, was delighted with the interim results and attributed the enhanced performance to the Group"s restructuring and implementation of a growth model. "The outstanding performance of the Group"s subsidiaries has largely been due to the innovation and efforts of its management and group employees who continue to show their commitment to the philosophy of Black Economic Empowerment." said Dr Surve. The health care subsidiary, Sekunjalo Health Care (SHC), has streamlined its management to improve operational efficiencies and obtain optimal returns. The Group"s businesses in medical consumables, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals are strongly established in the public sector market. Dr Surve comments "The extremely competitive nature of the health care environment, coupled with limited financial support extended to BEE health care companies, has constrained the growth and the ability of SHC to compete effectively in the market place. The Group has set itself the objective of increasing market share in the private sector." SHC is the single largest black empowerment healthcare company in the country. Sekunjalo"s Information Technology division, Health System Technologies (HST), has been successful in its acquisition of additional contracts by the Provincial Administration of the Western Cape and this has contributed to the positive performance of HST. Premier Fishing SA (Pty) Ltd has sustained its favourable performance and continues to export one of its core products to Asia, Europe and the USA. The focus on the perpetual growth of well-known local brands Peck"s Anchovette, Redro and Seagro has significantly increased its market share. Premier Fishing"s investment in the abalone aquaculture farm has benefited the company as a result of increased exports. Dr Surve states that the Group anticipates challenging trading conditions in the second half of the financial year due to the stronger Rand as well as the impact that the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in Asia will have on our exports. It is predicted that this will adversely affect our fishing subsidiary and as a result, have a negative impact on second half earnings. On a more positive note, Dr Surve wishes to draw to the attention of shareholders that the Group will soon be announcing an increase in corporate commercial activity in respect of Premier Fishing SA, a development that is likely to positively affect the Company"s business. The recent award by the BusinessMap Foundation to Sekunjalo of the "Top Market Performer 2003" is a timeous acknowledgement of the resilience and performance of Sekunjalo. The award has reinforced the commitment from management and staff to raising performance levels within the Group and facing the challenges that lie ahead. "We can proudly say that Sekunjalo has continued to pursue excellence in all its spheres of business" said Dr Surve. Sekunjalo is still actively pursuing the recovery of a substantial portion of its investment in LeisureNet. Shareholders will be kept informed about this initiative. ENDS Issued by Feroza Petersen on behalf of Sekunjalo Investments Limited For further information, please contact Telephone: 021 683 9100 Facsimile: 021 683 0417 Cellular: 082 367 5822 Date: 21/05/2003 02:14:21 PM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department

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