RNS Number:5694Q
Genbel South Africa Ld
28 January 2002

                          GENBEL SOUTH AFRICA LIMITED

                 (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)

                      (Registration number 1949/032379/06)

                 * Volatile markets * Restructuring initiatives

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2001

REVIEW

MARKETS

The events of 11 September have impacted on the global investment markets. In
order to minimise the effect of the terrorist attacks on the global economy,
central banks across the world lowered interest rates. The US has cut interest
rates four times since the tragedy, and has also reduced income tax rates in an
effort to support the American economy, which was already in decline before the
September 11 attacks.

The economic stimuli caused the NASDAQ to rally from 1 423 points on 21
September 2001 to 1 950 points on 31 December 2001, and the Dow Jones Industrial
Index to rise from 8 236 to 10 022 over the same period. Nevertheless, the
effects on the global business cycle will be felt for many years to come.

Emerging market economies have derated as a result of the flight to quality and
the impact of the US economic downturn.

In South Africa, the most notable economic feature was the sharp and prolonged
decline of the rand. The currency depreciated by 32,7% against the US dollar for
the period under review.

Various sectors of the JSE reacted differently to these events. Resources have
benefited from rand weakness, while the financial and industrial sectors reacted
negatively.

Interest rate concerns caused by the possibility of South Africa not meeting its
inflation rate targets, may postpone a possible economic recovery. This
uncertainty caused industrial shares with no foreign earnings to underperform.

GENBEL'S PERFORMANCE

Genbel's net asset value (NAV) declined by 14,9% to 1 738 cents per share for
the six months under review, while its benchmark, the FINDI, achieved a negative
return of 7,1%. The underperformance of Genbel's NAV relative to the FINDI can
be ascribed to Genbel's exposure to the Telecommunication-Media-Technology
(TMT), retail and financial sectors. The Genbel share price of 1610 cents on 31
December 2001 reflected a 7,4% discount to net asset value. Genbel's net asset
value reached the highest value for the period of 2054 cents a share on 2 July
2001 and a lowest value of 1612 cents on 21 September 2001. The Genbel share
price fluctuated between a high of 1770 cents a share and a low of 1405 cents
per share.

GENBEL SHAREPLAN

Over the period under review, there has been a marked outflow from the
SharePlan. As at 31 December 2001, 3,5 million shares were held through the
SharePlan by just more than 7 950 participants, in comparison to more than 10
700 participants holding 4,7 million shares at the end of June 2001.

GENBEL'S PORTFOLIO

No debt was used during the period as management felt that conditions were too
uncertain. In view of the uncertainty regarding Genbel's future and unstable
markets, cash levels were raised through the sale of shares across the
portfolio. As at 31 December 2001, Genbel's cash holdings stood at R161million.


INVESTMENT RETURNS TO 31 DECEMBER 2001

                                                  1 year return      3 year return per annum   5 year return per annum

                                                                                %                         %
                                                        %
Genbel South Africa                                   (18,3)                  (4,7)                     (2,0)
(net asset value)

Genbel South Africa                                   (3,3)                   (6,2)                     (0,6)
(share price excl. dividends)

JSE Financial & Industrial Index                      (7,5)                    5,6                       1,9
(excl. dividends)



OFFSHORE INVESTMENT STRATEGY

We have invested in the Gensec Region Active Equity Fund. In rand terms, the
fund delivered 36,2% growth over the six-month period ending 31December. This
investment has proved to be prudent, due to the weakness of the rand, and it has
added value to the portfolio.

SHARE BUY-BACKS

During the period under review, no further shares were repurchased.

STRATE

The conversion of the company's shares onto the STRATE system commenced on 18
December 2001 with dematerialisation of the shares. Electronic trading was
implemented on 14 January 2002 with the electronic settlement occurring from 21
January 2002.

DIVIDEND

A cash dividend of 70 cents was paid to the holders of ordinary shares
registered at the close of business on 24 August 2001. The dividend was paid on
4 October 2001.

RESTRUCTURING

The board continues to investigate the need for restructuring as commented upon
in the annual report.

CAUTIONARY

Shareholders are reminded that the company is still trading under the cautionary
announcement issued on 27 December 2001. The negotiations that warranted the
cautionary are still ongoing. Shareholders are advised to continue exercising
caution when trading in Genbel shares until a further announcement is made.

OUTLOOK

Low interest rates in developed economies should have a positive effect on
global economic growth during 2002. Forecasts indicate that the US should be out
of recession in the second half of the year. Economic growth in Europe should
continue to increase off a low base. This is expected to provide a more positive
investment environment.

South Africa's macro-economic fundamental position is sound, yet growth has
disappointed. Government remains committed to reducing the fiscal deficit and
achieving inflation targets. Despite these efforts, rand volatility is expected
to continue and economic growth will be subdued. The investment environment will
remain uncertain. In view of this, the portfolio has been positioned more
defensively.

APPRECIATION

Jaco Fouche, a board member since 20 August 1987, will be reaching the company's
compulsory retirement age on 26 February 2002. We would like to thank Jaco for
his dedicated service to the company. We will miss his wise counsel, clear
thinking and attention to detail and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Finally, we want to thank you, our shareholders, for your support and patience
during this period of uncertainty.

Johannesburg                                                28 January 2002
T L de Beer                                                 A D Botha
Chairman                                                    Managing Director



The full text of this announcement can be viewed on www.genbel.com.



NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting policies and methods of computation, used in the preparation of these
interim financial statements, are consistent with those adopted in the
preparation of the audited annual financial statements for the year ended 30
June 2001. The interim financial statements comply with the requirements of
AC127.

2. TAXATION

A deferred tax asset, in respect of timing differences, assessed and assessable
tax losses of R90 million at 31 December 2001 in a wholly owned subsidiary of
the company, has not been recognised, as uncertainty exists regarding its
realisation, given the possible restructuring of the group.

3. DIVIDENDS

Dividends are accounted for in the period in which they are declared.
Johannesburg                                                28 January 2002

Directors: T L de Beer (Chairman), A D Botha (Managing Director), P J Cook, J H
Fouche, Dr D Konar, R Masson, R W May, Dr K D K Mokhele, D K Smith.

Company secretary: E Yates



BALANCE SHEETS
                                                                 31 December           31 December               30 June
R million
                                                                        2001                  2000                  2001

                                                                   Unaudited             Unaudited               Audited
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investments available for sale                                           256                   348                   525
                                                                         256                   348                   525
Current assets
Trading assets                                                           271                   416                   267
Receivables and prepayments                                                -                    14                    11
Cash and cash equivalents                                                161                    31                   104
                                                                         432                   461                   382
Total assets                                                             688                   809                   907
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves
Share capital and premium                                                108                   147                   108
Revaluation reserve                                                       71                     -                   246
Retained earnings                                                        505                   375                   450
                                                                         684                   522                   804
Current liabilities
Trading liabilities                                                        -                   273                    80
Current tax liabilities                                                    2                     -                    11
Trade and other payables                                                   2                    13                    11
Money market liabilities                                                   -                     1                     1
                                                                           4                   287                   103
Total equity and liabilities                                             688                   809                   907
Net asset value (R million)                                              684                   887                   804
Net asset value per share (cents)                                      1 738                 2 126                 2 043
Number of shares (000)                                                39 355                41 718                39 355
Number of shares in issue (000)                                       43 892                46 255                43 892
Treasury shares (000)                                                (4 537)               (4 537)               (4 537)



CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
                                                                  6 months ended                              Year ended
                                                                   31 December                                   30 June
R million                                                             2001                   2000                   2001
                                                                 Unaudited              Unaudited                Audited

Cash flow from operating activities                                     58                    146                    257
Cash flow from financing activities                                    (1)                  (125)                  (163)
Net increase in cash and short-term funds                               57                     21                     94

Cash and short-term funds                                              104                     10                     10
at beginning of period

Cash and short-term funds                                              161                     31                    104
at end of period



INCOME STATEMENTS
                                                                   6 months to                                   Year to
                                                                   31 December                                   30 June
R million                                                             2001                   2000                   2001

                                                                 Unaudited              Unaudited                Audited
INCOME
Dividend income                                                          5                      6                     14
Interest received                                                        7                      1                      3
Net investment gains                                                    78                     17                    235
                                                                        90                     24                    252
EXPENSES
Financing costs                                                          2                      1                      1
Administration fee                                                       1                      1                      2
Other expenses                                                           3                      3                      8
                                                                         6                      5                     11
Profit before tax                                                       84                     19                    241
Taxation                                                                 2                      -                     11
Net profit                                                              82                     19                    230
Weighted average number of shares in issue (000)                    39 355                 44 892                 42 588
Earnings and headline earnings per share (cents)                       208                     42                    540
Dividends per share (cents)                                             70                     70                     70



STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
                                               Share                                      Share
R million                                                 Treasury      Revaluation    election      Retained
                                             capital        shares          reserve     reserve      earnings
                                                                                                                   Total
                                             premium
Unaudited six months ended 31 December
2001

Balance at 30 June 2001                          192          (84)              246           -           450        804

Dividends                                                                                                (30)       (30)

Dividends attributable to treasury                                                                          3          3
shares

Decrease in revaluation reserve                                               (175)                                (175)

Net profit                                                                                                 82         82

Balance at 31 December 2001                      192          (84)               71           -           505        684

Unaudited six months ended 31 December
2000

Balance at 30 June 2000                          268          (50)                           22           356        596

Shares cancelled                                (54)                                                                (54)

Capitalisation award                              17                                                                  17

Purchase of treasury shares                                   (34)                                                  (34)

Reversal of share election reserve                                                         (22)                     (22)

Net profit                                                                                                 19         19

Balance at 31 December 2000                      231          (84)                            -           375        522

Audited year ended 30 June 2001

Balance at 30 June 2000                          268          (50)                           22           356        596

Effect of adopting AC133                                                        551                     (136)        415

Effect of adopting AC107 in relation                                                       (22)            32         10
to dividends

Dividends                                                                                                (34)       (34)

Dividends attributable to treasury                                                                          2          2
shares

Capitalisation award                              17                                                                  17

Shares cancelled                                (93)                                                                (93)
Decrease in revaluation reserve                                               (305)                                (305)

Purchase of treasury shares                                   (34)                                                  (34)
Net profit                                                                                                230        230
Balance at 30 June 2001                          192          (84)              246           -           450        804

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT GENBEL SOUTH AFRICA OR THE SHAREPLAN PLEASE CONTACT:

Genbel SharePlan Helpdesk at 0800 00 49 35, (Toll free number available within
South Africa)

GENBEL SOUTH AFRICA LIMITED, 3A Summit Road, Dunkeld West, Sandton 2196

PO Box 411420, Craighall 2024, Telephone: +27 (11) 778 6000, Facsimile: +27 (11)
778 6990

Toll-free numbers available within South Africa

Telephone: 0800 00 49 35 Facsimile: 0800 00 49 36

Internet address: www.genbel.com E-mail address: moreinfo@genbel.com

Toll-free line for daily NAV estimates call 0800 11 56 50

LONDON OFFICE

Project Consultants Limited, Walnut House, Walnut Gardens, Claydon

Banbury, Oxon OX17 1NA, United Kingdom, Telephone: +44 (1295) 690180/1



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange


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