In a rare interview, South African President Jacob Zuma maintained that though the African National Congress has discussed it extensively, there were no plans to adopt a policy of nationalization for South Africa’s mines.
As one of the world’s most relied upon providers of minerals like gold and platinum, national control of the mines could be a double edged sword for South Africa. Certainly having a firm handle on mining revenue streams would benefit South Africans, but the decision could also alienate foreign investors looking to do business in the country.
There have been rumors of extreme conflict between the more than 3,500 delegates of the African National Congress, even reports of fistfights within the governing body’s closed sessions.
Zuma sat down with BBC reporter Milton Nkosi to provide more insight on the country’s policy issues.
In matters of land reform, Zuma said that the country would not take land from its owners without proper payment. “It will be with compensation. We must do this within the framework of the law and within the constitution,” Zuma told Nkosi.
The land would be taken for use by the state, but Zuma did not make it clear if unwilling landowners would also be forced to take compensation. In response, he said only that a land management commission would be formed to seek solutions.
In response to the upcoming selection of a new African Union head, Zuma threw his support behind his ex-wife and former Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
