DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY

One of AEEI’s key material matters is to create sustainable value for all of its stakeholders and integrate sustainable development into its strategy, governance, management and reporting, with the strategic objective of reducing our negative impact on the environment. AEEI’s financial strategy is to grow through acquisitions and leverage the existing portfolio by maximising the net asset base and improving cash generation, thereby growing income sustainably and managing its costs.

Refer to https://onlinereport2021.aeei.co.za/our-performance/chief-financial-officers-report/ for further information on our performance and strategy.

STRATEGIC REVIEW/OBJECTIVES/FOCUS AREAS

The COVID-19 pandemic affected major industry trends requiring the Board to review its operational plans towards achieving its strategy, objectives and focus areas. Executive management is responsible for developing and refining the strategy in collaboration with the Board, which the Board will approve. In addition, executive management is responsible for implementing the strategy with oversight by the Board. The strategy includes the impact on the six capitals, the risks and opportunities facing the Company and how it supports the principles of sustainability and stewardship.

CREATING VALUE THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS

This report extends beyond financial reporting and includes non-financial performance, opportunities, risks and outcomes attributable to or associated with our key stakeholders. Our financial performance is a result of how we interact with all our various stakeholders. The Group had challenges in its relationship with banking institutions, and we engaged with banking institutions in this regard and kept all our stakeholders abreast of developments in these engagements. We also maintained communications with the JSE on listing and regulatory issues throughout the year, seeking their advice on transactions and responding to any concerns they raised. Our engagement with suppliers enabled us to ensure consistent delivery of products and services and better manage our working capital through negotiated terms. We also supported our suppliers by making payments on time. Our clients partnered with us and ensured that they paid us on time which helped us manage our liquidity. Our commitment to creating strong bonds with our stakeholders based on mutual respect and understanding remains unwavering.