/ 5 June 1997

‘Overwhelming response’ to Johnnic share scheme

THURSDAY, 11.30AM

THE Ikageng share scheme to attract small black investors to Johnnic has received an “overwhelming response”, and at least 75% of the offer had been subscribed by last week, according to Ikageng Trust chairman Hazel Ralefeta.

The scheme, launched in April by Johnnic’s new controlling shareholder the National Empowerment Consortium, involved a public offer of 9,1-million Johnnic shares valued at R546-million. Investors were offered between 50 and 400 000 shares at R66 a share. The offer closes on Friday.

The NEC, made up of black business and trade unions, acquired control of Johnnic from Anglo American in a R2,7-billion last October.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

DEBEERS, NUM TO MEDIATION WAGE negotiations between De Beers and the National Union of Mineworkers reached a stalemate on Wednesday, and both parties agreed to mediation at the Commission for Comciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. Management has offered a 9% increase, while workers are demanding 10%.

54 000 CASES OF WHITE-COLLAR CRIME SAFETY and Security Minister Sydney Mufamadi told Parliament on Wednesday that 54 846 cases of white-collar crime were reported last year. Most of the cases, 22894, were reported in Gauteng province.