PPC - PPC - Trading Update - Chairman`s Statement at the AGM - 23 January 2007

PPC - PPC - Trading Update - Chairman`s Statement at the AGM - 23 January 2007  
Pretoria Portland Cement Company Limited                                        
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa                                    
(Registration number 1892/000667/06)                                            
("PPC" or "the company")                                                        
JSE code  :    PPC                                                              
ISIN code :    ZAE000005559                                                     
TRADING UPDATE - CHAIRMAN`S STATEMENT AT THE AGM - 23 JANUARY 2007              
The positive outlook continues as evidenced by regional cement demand growth of 
8.3% in the first quarter of this financial year over the comparable period last
financial year.  The Botswana market is starting to show some signs of recovery 
after a number of years of decline. All production lines were in operation and  
ran at high utilisation levels.                                                 
During this recent period of peak demand, imported Surebuild cement was supplied
to customers in the Cape Town and Port Elizabeth markets.  Currently customer   
requirements can be met from our own local production supplemented by supplies  
from our Zimbabwe operation and it is unlikely that further imports will be     
required before mid year.                                                       
The "Batsweledi" expansion project at Dwaalboom is fully contracted, within     
budget, progressing to schedule and start-up remains on course for the second   
quarter of 2008.                                                                
Whilst Porthold in Zimbabwe continued to experience very difficult conditions,  
given the political and economic environment, we are pleased with sales volumes.
Lime profitability and volumes remained satisfactory and in line with our       
expectations.                                                                   
Discussions are currently in progress with a number of potential BEE partners.  
It is anticipated that the details of our empowerment transaction will be       
announced by May.  This timing is dependent on the prior unbundling of PPC from 
Barloworld Ltd having been completed. Once the BEE transaction is finalised, the
company plans to appoint a number of additional black non-executive directors to
the Board and a black chairman.                                                 
AJ Phillips                                                                     
Chairman                                                                        
Sandton                                                                         
23 January 2007                                                                 
Sponsor                                                                         
JP Morgan Equities Limited                                                      
Date: 23/01/2007 13:23:01 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za                     
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