PPC reported a 40 per cent increase in group EBITDA for the five months ended 31 August 2026, despite weaker cement demand in South Africa and Botswana. Its EBITDA margin rose to 22.1 per cent from 15.9 per cent a year earlier, while group revenue increased by one per cent.

Cement sales volumes in South Africa and Botswana fell eight per cent. Revenue declined by two per cent as improved pricing and product mix, including a diesel cost surcharge, partly offset the volume loss. EBITDA for the region, including group services, increased by 3.3 per cent.

In Zimbabwe, cement volumes rose three per cent and revenue increased four per cent. PPC said higher production of its own clinker and improved plant reliability helped lift the EBITDA margin to 34.2 per cent from 19.1 per cent. A planned shutdown at the Collen Bawn plant is expected to moderate the margin reported for the half year.

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PPC does not expect a near-term improvement in South African trading conditions. Construction of its new RK3 integrated plant in the Western Cape continues, while discussions with Sinoma on a proposed new Zimbabwe plant’s EPC contract are ongoing.