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Sustainability approach and governance

A vision of shared prosperity

Our long-term success is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around us. By building a sustainable business, we can engage in activities that contribute to transforming our society and promoting economic growth.

We were the first African stock exchange to create a segment for Green, Social, Sustainability, and Sustainability-Linked bonds. We are a signatory to the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment, a global investor initiative which encourages consideration of environment, society and governance (ESG) matters in investment decisions, and a founding partner of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative.

Several frameworks guide our sustainability approach, and applied based on relevance to our business model, role in society, and opportunity for impact. Our disclosure and reporting is aligned to this. The recommendations of King IV Code of Corporate Governance (King IV) form the basis for our overarching approach. Specific sustainability frameworks inform our sustainability strategy.

Apart from embedding sustainability practices in our Group, we also believe that the JSE plays a role in promoting the adoption of better sustainability practices in our markets. This will facilitate capital flows toward sustainable development and resilient market and economies.

Our sustainability purpose statement

Our reason:

Markets are a powerful force for good in achieving the aims of supporting and driving sustainable value creation. The JSE, as a leader in sustainability in emerging markets, recognises the importance of integrating the long-term perspective into financial markets to reduce socio-economic and physical risks and contribute to enhanced financial stability and a low-carbon economy.

Our sustainability mission:

To create an enabling environment for better sustainability practices and disclosure to grow.

As an exchange

  • Facilitating more efficient capital markets by supporting the better pricing of social and environmental risks through effective, consistent, and comparable sustainability and climate-related disclosure.
  • Supporting the growth and development of sustainable finance instruments.
  • Providing thought leadership and guidance to companies on sustainability and climate change disclosures.

As a regulator

  • Including mandatory governance requirements regarding sustainability in the listing rules.
  • Requiring companies to report using King IV on an “apply and explain” basis

As a listed company

  • Leading by example and integrating sustainability matters and SDGs into our operations and activities.
  • Raising ESG awareness and driving the sustainability agenda through investor briefings, showcases, presentations, partnerships and collaborations.

Advocacy through the JSE’s representation and participation in international and local ESG initiatives.