Black empowered, diversified mining and energy company, Exxaro Resources - today dedicated its impressive performance at the 2021 Sunday Times Top 100 Companies Awards to every single member of its staff.
On 14 November, Exxaro was ranked number 5 at the annual awards, an achievement that represents admirable progression over the last 24 months from 13th in 2020 and up 32 places from its 37th position in 2019.
The prestigious Sunday Times Top 100 Companies Awards, sponsored by BCX, celebrates the contributions of the private sector in securing investments, creating jobs and keeping our economy robust. The awards acknowledge listed companies which have earned the highest returns for their shareholders over the past five years.
“We are honoured to have moved considerably up the Sunday Times list over the past two years,” said Mxolisi Mgojo, CEO of Exxaro. “This recognition is especially meaningful as it is a testament to the commitment and efforts of every one of our employees - who have bought into our purpose of ‘Powering Better Lives in Africa and Beyond.”
“The challenges that climate change presented us as a historically carbon-intensive company, coupled with the economic turmoil unleashed by the Covid-19 pandemic, makes this achievement even more special. Our teams have shown resilience and commitment to not only respond to the risks and opportunities presented by climate change, but to also make a difference in the lives of our host communities and generate a return for our shareholders.”
Mgojo notes that the company’s unwavering commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) has been important to its success. This global standard provides a holistic framework to guide corporations on how to contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of vulnerable citizens.
“At the core of our operations and decision-making is for our business to contribute towards the UNSDG objectives of ending poverty and hunger; creating decent jobs and economic growth; developing sustainable communities; and reducing inequality. We believe that corporations must act with urgency and put people at the centre of all their business decisions.”
Mgojo notes that according to the 2020 Exxaro Integrated Report, the company had a significant impact on the economy. The report records the following highlights, among others:
R3.8-billion went to employees through earnings and investments in skills development; 1209 cents per share was returned to shareholders through dividends; R19.5-billion went to suppliers and contractors through procurement spend; R1.9-billion went to governments through taxes and royalties; R79.8-million went to supplier development enterprises; R3.2-billion was reinvested in the growth of the coal business; and 25% was the return for finance providers who invested in the company. Sunday Times editor S’thembiso Msomi said the private sector’s contribution to South Africa was immense amid its socio-economic challenges. “The responsibility on businesses big and small, on SMEs and entrepreneurs, on corporates and industry giants, has ballooned. The country owes the private sector a great deal of gratitude and respect.”
The Sunday Times Top 100 Companies Annual Awards took place on 14 November 2021.