FirstRand - Exercise of options and subsequent sale of securities

     FirstRand - Exercise of options and subsequent sale of securities          
     FirstRand Limited                                                          
     (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)                             
(Registration number: 1966/010753/06)                                      
     ISIN: ZAE000066304                                                         
     Share Code (JSE): FSR                                                      
     Share Code (NSX): FST                                                      
EXERCISE OF OPTIONS AND SUBSEQUENT SALE OF SECURITIES BY COMPANY SECRETARY 
     In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, the following    
     information is disclosed:                                                  
     Director:                      Adrian Herbert Arnott                       
Company:                       FirstRand Limited                           
     Date of transaction:           6 October 2006                              
     Nature of transaction:         Exercise of options                         
     Class of securities:           Options in respect of ordinary shares       
Number of securities:          46 055 @ R6.55                              
                                    32 897 @ R7.70                              
     Total value of transaction:    R554 967.15                                 
     Nature of transaction:         Sale of shares taken up in terms of         
share option scheme                         

     Class of securities:           Ordinary shares                             
     Number of securities:          78 952 @ R18.05                             
     Total value of transaction:    R1 425 083.60                               
Nature and extent of                                                       
     director"s interest:           Direct beneficial                           
     Clearance obtained             Yes                                         
     Sandton                                                                    
9 October 2006                                                             
     Sponsor                                                                    
     RAND MERCHANT BANK (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)                  
Date: 09/10/2006 12:23:04 PM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za                     
Produced by the JSE SENS Department