African National Congress (ANC) President Jacob Zuma yesterday (22nd March) warned South Africa's mines that their licences may be revoked if they do not invest in local communities.

The controversial politician explained that the incoming administration will focus on making it compulsory for community trusts to be set up in areas rich with minerals.

Speaking on the campaign trail in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, Mr Zuma criticised mining firms for "taking" wealth from the country but simultaneously "doing nothing" for communities.

In an address attended by over 60,000 people at the Jane Furse stadium, he is quoted by the Times as saying: "They [mining companies] are supposed to do certain things and they are not doing it.

"I think the government must have an enforcing mechanism to ensure that they do. And when they don't they must lose their licences."

In addition, Mr Zuma suggested that mining companies may soon be required to hand over a percentage of their profits to the areas in which they are operating.

"Why not make laws that say if platinum is mined here, a particular percentage, by law, belongs to the people?" he added.

Mr Zuma is perhaps the most prominent Zulu ANC politician and has remained popular despite being dismissed from the government in 2005 over corruption allegations.

Source:

Zuma threatens mining firms (23/03/09)
http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=964696