Fears that the mines in South Africa could be nationalised have been allayed by the country's president.

Speaking on Tuesday (February 16th), Jacob Zuma said nationalisation was not part of government policy, although he stopped short of dismissing the argument completely.

The issue was raised in South Africa's parliament after the youth league attached to President Zuma's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party called for the government to assume control of the country's mines.

While Mr Zuma said there were no plans to do so, he stated he was not about to suppress arguments in favour of the move.

"This is a democratic society, and as government, we cannot stop political formations to decide to open a debate on this topic or any other," he said.

As a leading producer of both platinum and gold, mining accounts for a significant portion of South Africa's economic output.

According to youth league president Julius Malema, poverty in South Africa could be alleviated if the state assumed greater control over the country's mineral wealth.

"He (Malema) has views, the ANC youth league always has views. Debate the views of Malema and don't confuse a debate raised to policy of government," Mr Zuma added.

Mr Zuma assumed the office of president on May 9th 2009, taking over from previous incumbent Thabo Mbeki.

Source:

Zuma says nationalisation not S.African govt policy (16/02/10)

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