Nationalisation: ANCYL responds to Zuma

ANC YOUTH LEAGUE STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT ZUMA'S PARLIAMENTARY RESPONSE ON THE NATIONALISATION OF MINES DEBATE:

The ANC Youth League accepts the assertion by the ANC and South Africa's President Jacob Zuma that Nationalisation of Mines is currently not government's policy, and that no one should attempt to stop the ANC Youth League from raising the debate (see report). We agree that members of parliament and all South Africans should utilise whatever platform they have to engage the ANC Youth League's perspective on the Nationalisation of Mines (see policy), and not try to persuade the President to stop a healthy debate, because in the ANC, such is not allowed.

The ANC YL is acutely aware that currently, Nationalisation of Mines is not government policy. That is why the ANC YL is raising the debate in ANC structures with the intention of influencing a concrete ANC resolution to guide government on how Nationalisation of Mines should happen. If Nationalisation was government policy, it would be unnecessary for the ANC YL to call for the Nationalisation of Mines. The reason why members of Parliament are discussing nationalisation of Mines proves that we are indeed on track towards influencing a concrete, correct and coherent government policy on the Nationalisation of Mines.

Now that we the debate has been raised even in Parliament, patriotic citizens should make input on how nationalisation of Mines should happen in South Africa in a manner that will ensure that all people benefit from the country's mineral resources. In the process of the debate, the ANC YL will never be accommodative of views that seek to altogether suggest that nationalisation of Mines will never happen or seek to present a picture that the status quo is acceptable. The debate is not whether nationalisation should happen or not, it is on how best we nationalise Mines in South Africa in a manner that will ensure that Minerals wealth beneath and above the soil is used for the benefit of all people.

It remains the ANC Youth League's considered and measured conviction that Nationalisation of Mines will happen not in the distant future. Investors, businessmen, government bureaucrats and mining practitioners should begin to adjust to the reality that the democratic State is going to have greater control and ownership of minerals and the actual process of Mining in South Africa. The President of the ANC and RSA will never stop the debate on nationalisation of Mines. He will instead make input into the question of how to all South Africans benefit from the country's mineral endowments. The ANC Youth League is encouraged by the fact that the President has called on all South Africans to engage the ANC Youth League on the Nationalisation of Mines debate, and rejected attempts by the confused opposition parties to try and say the debate should not continue.

Statement issued by Floyd Shivambu, ANC Youth League spokesperson, February 16 2010

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Speechless Well, after taking awhile to decipher what exactly Mr Floyd Shivambu was trying to say, I am slightly appalled by what he is implying. Sure its all well and good that they wish to divide and share South Africa's mineral wealth, but dreaming it and . .more implementing it are two completely different things. I really don't want to pull the Africa card, but I fear I must, many African nations have tried the Nationalisation option and rarely has it worked. Off the top of my head Nigeria comes to mind, and a more recent example is Zimbabwe. In most cases the money ends up in the pockets of a few "Politically" astute ruling party members. Not that I am saying its likely to happen that way in South Africa, its just that certain ANC YL members do not inspire confidence. Reality is capitalism, relatively free and unbridled is the only system that works - and it hurts me to say this being a staunch Socialist - but tampering with things is only going to lead to more trouble and hurt OUR country in the long term. . .less by Eugene on February 17 2010, 00:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Grammar When is somebody going to teach this cretin to use capitalisation in a proper way? by funky chicken on February 17 2010, 00:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The nationalized mining sector The nationalized mining sector in Zambia has undergone virtually complete privatization since January 2000. Immediately prior to this, Zambian mines, while blessed with substantial copper and cobalt deposits, had been significantly . .more undercapitalized1, with little upgrading or funding. I believe that the same has happened to the Bolivian Industry. Thus is this a cycle that happens. First nationalise a potential cash cow, the starve the cow to the point it does not produce milk the sell it again and make more money . .less by Concerned on February 17 2010, 00:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Our "de facto" president, Julius Malema, has spoken! The discredited Jacob Zuma dare not challenge him, and Zuma's Polokwane coupsters support every word Julius says. Therefore young Julius's prophesies must come true. With equal certainty, all foreign investment not long scared off by BEE . .more expropriation and threats of our still impending Zimbabwe-style landgrab must now evaporate, together with all local money that isn't tied down. Viva Malema, and pity the rising tide of our unemployed under his unchallenged leadership of the country. And shed a tear for Pravin Gordhan who's supposed to "budget" our self-destruction. . .less by Siegfried Hannig on February 17 2010, 03:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

CALL HIS BLUFF Call for a "debate" with Malema on TV - Godzille vs the Infant Terrible. SABC ratings will go through the stratosphere. by old, female on February 17 2010, 06:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

In practise.... May I respectively suggest that Julius Malema be deployed to making AlexKor sustainably profitable and beneficial for the local inhabitants as an example of the benefits of nationalisation of mines. After that he must then be tasked with making the . .more parastatals sustainably well-run and profitable, and government departments functioning without corruption and deplorable financial management. . .less by Concerned Citizen on February 17 2010, 07:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Blind mans bluff,.. Oh we wish the big mining corps would do as they say,. Prepare for the inevitable,. Shut the show down,.. Slow the tax payments down,. Tighten that noose around their necks,.. Question is, who the heck pays these idiots salaries,. Someone with a lot . .more of crown wants to starve this SA cow!!! . .less by Dr. Foolhardy on February 17 2010, 07:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

a suggestion Until such time as nationalisation becomes government policy let us simply get on with our lives and ignore all the silly comments arising from the ANCYL. The mining industry no doubt talks to government and if they are worried then they will make . .more suitable plans to protect their interests. . .less by voter on February 17 2010, 07:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANCYL = IDIOTIC MORONS who will destroy any economy, SA must.. not even give publication to any statements of the ANCYL, they are totally fu&^%%$$£"ed-up idiots! by malemasemoer on February 17 2010, 07:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Actually Actually, government does benefir from the mining industry. Let us not forget that mining licenses constitute a hefty fee. In addition, mines pay 28% of their profit across in tax, not to mention 14% VAT on every transaction. So basically, 35% to 40% . .more of profits go to government. For this, government has no risk of any negative financial loss. Now these one eyed buffoons want to create a risk environment. If a mine goes wrong, it does so horribly. Alexcor - by the way the only government mine - has costs hundreds of millions as it bleeds cash that could be used more productively elsewhere. For that matter so have SAA, Eskom etc. . .less by Realist on February 17 2010, 08:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Critical and important issue The nationalisation of mines, to me does not sound bad, but like the voter said, the issue needs collaborations and discussions from various angles. At this point it's quite clear that mineral wealth only benefits the few and that few is comprised mostly . .more the minority group. I know for sure that even when nationalised it will still benefit the few, perhaps from the majority group, but at least there will be plans, processes and actions to work for the benefit of most citizens, and those are currently in non-existence. In my knowledge mineral companies dont even sponsor SA sports, or anything that can benefit majority citizens. I think its' time now for SA to give mothe love to all of her children, and not only the Openheimers, their generations and their associates. And of course the issue should be tackled with extra care, as to avoid falling into the shoes of Uncle Bob and others. . .less by Educated on February 17 2010, 08:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

why not what are the distractors worried about? because they have benefited now when a topic is put on table they start name calling. it is an invitation to come an debate nationalization. posetive debate will settle & put everyone at easy. what are other parties . .more youth league's saying concerning the topic. are they not in existance or what???? . .less by woried on February 17 2010, 09:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANCYL does not think! It is not suprising at all that the ANCYL idiots have decided on a route of action without a second's meditating on the "how" of things. For one: Where is the money going to come from to refund the shareholders? And, before Julius Stupid opens his mouth . .more on simply grabbing it, he has to remember that his own kin have interest in the mines through their provident fund investments. So how now, my oke? Are you going to tell your kin that they have to sacrifice their retirement funds for the cause? (Obviously the cause being the pockets of the elite ruling party members!) . .less by othello on February 17 2010, 09:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Leave for Zim Floyd Move to Zimbabwe Floyd, then you can finally enjoy the fruits of Nationalisation that you so cherish. As for the mines in SA, leave them to the people who know what they are doing. by Airwolf on February 17 2010, 09:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Nationalisation priorities 1 Chancellor House 2 ANCYL investment arm 3 A surtax on BEE tenders 4 "Unexplained" wealth accumulated by ANC cadres and cronies That would eliminate the budget deficit by Loudly South African on February 17 2010, 09:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zuma smokescreen Zuma is putting up a smokescreen govt policy! It may be but it is under threat by Zuma's closest allies. The Policy will be changed by the Jewel of the ANC debate. Malema is fighting the nationalisation issues to enrich his pals at Aurora . .more Empowerment. A company belonging to the Zumas and Mandelas. They are currently setting up a mining company of little worth. Watch the share price if LABAT, which is connected to the deal. See more at http://letterdash.com/g.annandale/malema-mining-for-gold . .less by Geanann on February 17 2010, 09:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What debate Love this, they say let's debate but then say that the debate has been concluded and we must all accept the fact that it is going to happen. So what happened to the debate? by Debate on February 17 2010, 10:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Typical Lets debate the issue...but on our terms only. Wtf***? Typical African mentality. Oh, forgot it is a democratic debate so the majority has the only say. by Steve on February 17 2010, 11:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Silver Bullet? I'm all for the retention of the value generated by SA's various natural endowments in order to benefit all South Africans. It seems only fair & right that the citizens of a country (ALL of them) should benefit from the gifts bestosed upon that nation by . .more God. However I get the feeling that the ANCYL is somehow fixated on this notion of mine privatisation as if it were some sort silver bullet whch is finally going to fix the problem of poverty in our land. There seems to be no intellectual discourse or insight at all. By all means, look at all options of creating a better life for all people, but at least try to have some serious insight into the real issues. A modern economy is a highly complex conglomeration of skills & forces and the role of the resources sector requires careful analysis before any suggestions are made. To be running about beating everyone with this privatisation stick is premature & indicates a lack of a serious-minded appraoch to the real problems at hand. Perhaps the ANCYL imagines the mines handing out a nice little bar of gold encrusted with a few precious stones & maybe a little platinum once a month so all the poor?! contd... . .less by Scott Silburn on February 17 2010, 11:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Silver Bullet contd. The realities of our existence on this planet must be confronted honestly: Life is difficult. There are no short-cuts to prosperity. Each individual must work hard to develop him or herself to the fullest extent possible. What the previous government has . .more truly stolen from the masses is education. The ANCYL should be focussing on the problem of properly educating all the people of this land & helping them to develop themselves in a peaceful & nurturing environment. This pre-occupation with grabbing wealth is futile & destined to lead to the further impoverishment of the masses. When a man is given wealth, he spends it & becomes weak & dependent. When the wealth is exhausted, the man is destroyed. But when a man develops his character, his intelligence, his wisdom, his skill & his love, he becomes a giant, capable of uplifting his countrymen & his land as a whole. Please ANCYL, show that you have the wisdom required to lead. A shallow understanding of the world leads to a shallow life. South Africa reached the state that it did in 1990 after hundreds of years of European effort & control. Do not allow the ANC to reverse all that progress in a few decades. Look at Zimbabwe - is that really a desirable model? Has poverty been alleviated there? . .less by Scott Silburn on February 17 2010, 11:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Perpetuating apathy this debate is reckless, as it gives the perception that the unemployed need only wait for the wealth to come to them. this only breeds anger. this will never happen, and if it does there will be no capital to capitalise by Gareth on February 17 2010, 11:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I feel it in my water .... That more and more are thinking twice about voting for ZANU-ANC next time around. Please correct me if I'm right. by Jessy on February 17 2010, 11:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ancyl - to 'Worried Didn't you notice the bit in ANCYL's release that says "The debate is not whether nationalisation of the mines will happen or not, it is on how best we nationalise mines in South Africa." Now, that debate is one vital step beyond the key debating point of . .more whether the mines should be nationalised or not, in fact making it utterly ludicrous for any sane person to take up the debate challenge. There is no such thing as 'debate' with ANCYL. It's either agree with them, or be sworn at and accused of every crime including treason, or at the very least, racism. As has been pointed out, the mines already put around 40% of their income into State coffers. Which is one hell of a lot more than the parastatals, which are without exception a massive cost to the fiscus. Why would any government want to destroy a cash cow such as our mining industry in order to satisfy its most dimwitted members? Oh alright, I guess the ANC govt would. . .less by A Letter on February 17 2010, 12:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Yadda yadda yadda Morons! by Alto on February 17 2010, 12:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

`a mine is just a hole in the ground` these are the wise words of Harry Oppenheimer, the man who, some seem to have forgotten, built almost all of the mines in S.Africa. Its not that the issue of nationalisation should not be discussed or, for that matter, ignored for the sack of maintaining . .more "the status quo". The world has changed alot since the first, and moderately successful, waves of nationalisation took place about 50-60 years ago. But today "the status quo",, even for South African miners, has evidently - as is seen in the declining production numbers - changed fundementally. Back then there were no Vale`s,Rio`s,Xstrata`s and other mining company of the same sheer size. these companies now have the power (both financial and in reserves, which they can extract at a much less cost then in declining SA) they can access all over the world). Malema once said that the local mining industry`s failure to provide for the beneficiation of our resources "a sign of a lack of innovation". which kind of makes me wonder what that says about his own ideas. . .less by Ntuhuzelo Mdledle on February 17 2010, 12:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The ANCYL is on track Why waisting your preciuos time trying to shoot the messenger. Majority of S.A'ns must enjoy the natural resources that God gave African people. by Welcome on February 17 2010, 13:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Shame poor boy. Wait till you become a man Shame, one could almost hear the slow ticking over of poor Floyd Shivambu's brain as he wrote this interesting piece. I'm sure it took a lot of effort and hours and hours of hard work. It's a pity that he expended all this effort . .more to end up writing such junk (polite word). Viva Capitalism. Down with Communism and be bloody careful with socialism. Africa is not ready for it yet, . .less by Tembo on February 17 2010, 13:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Proof Well here is the proof that the ANC are having an internal struggle for power and all they want is more power. The ANC are only driven by power hungery Thigs that will drive the Country into the ground. The put their needs for Power before the needs of . .more the people of South Africa . .less by WTH on February 17 2010, 14:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Proof Well here is the proof that the ANC are having an internal struggle for power and all they want is more power. The ANC are only driven by power hungry Thugs that will drive the Country into the ground. The put their needs for Power before the needs of the . .more people of South Africa. . .less by Francois on February 17 2010, 14:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Darn they're good Can't you see what the ANCYL are doing - they act like total ignorant morons, attract all the heat of the angry voters seeing a country being destroyed, leaving Zuma looking good by comparisson. How can a man focus on important things like the conquest of . .more nubile daughters of pals when the press are breathing down your neck. With the kiddies in the party taking the flak, he can now skulk around in the shadows away from the spotlight. Cunnng devils. . .less by Sad Days on February 17 2010, 14:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Those who don't know their history are condemned to repeat it. Want to know why Africa and Haiti are poor? Just read the press statement above and you have a prime example of why. History has shown many times that nationalisation leads to impoverishment. ANCYL from Malema down are simply a bunch of idiotic morons who . .more are causing further impoverishment in our country. . .less by semaarnet on February 17 2010, 14:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Carry on talking Julie The ANC Pres is clever, let them talk and talk & talk, by the time this is even on the ANC aganda approval (which will be neva as Julie will have moved from the League to an anc posie where he actually has to work instead of talk. . . . Great carry on . .more talking , as I assume once Julie has left hte League, this will crumble like the NRA roads . . . . .less by Mzwandile on February 17 2010, 15:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Luv this ANC to crumble before the nex election Carry on fighting, this is very clear that Zuma has lost his grit, and slowly loosing his power within the ANC, you Gonna be kicked out like they did to Mbeki (a waste as well) but Zuma (wat a chump) carry on having kids papa, your time is coming , Malema . .more has your number on his list (watch this happen) They youth run this country,we started the soweto uprising and trust me we can start a Zuma rising . .less by Buddy on February 17 2010, 16:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Best way for all. The wealth under the soil belongs to all the people, and the Government has affirmed and applied that principle. The best way for all citizens to fully benefit from this wealth is to commission those who know how to extract it, to do it for us at . .more an agreed price. This is the current practice, and the Government (i.e. the people) get their fair share. The moronic ANCYL think the people will do better if the Government itself takes charge of the extraction process. The Government, noting its inability to manage any complex business enterprise efficiently, sensibly opts to remain with the present arrangement. But the ANCYL's Moron in Chief (Malema) has his sights set on rich pickings for himself and the ANC, and is not to be put off. In fact this fathead probably thinks everything should be "nationalised", including all citizens and especially their property. . .less by Oompah on February 17 2010, 16:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Unintended Consequences As always the ANCYL claim to have good intentions. They are worried about the poor and want this solution "for the good of all". But they refuse to learn any lessons from history. Other countries have demonstrated that this approach doesn't work. Our own . .more parastatals have demonstrated failure on all fronts. Mining is highly specialised and becoming increasingly difficult and less profitable. Many shafts are only kept open because the private companies have improved efficiency to maintain thin profit margins. This is what has preserved jobs for many. If these are nationalized (with what money!) we can expect efficiency to decline (as in all parastatals). Shafts will need to be closed and many will lose their jobs. In the end only a handful of those currently employed will still have jobs. . .less by Dude on February 17 2010, 18:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Nationalization Can everybody just get this idea in their heads, please? Nationalization is theft. It is stealing somebody else's property. Someone took a risk with his money, and developed a mine. Everybody is free to do the same, the stuff that gets mined, is there . .more ready to be extracted. Just take your money , invest in geologists, equipment and labour, then refine it, and sell the end product to a client. Do not go and steal someone else's property, just by giving it a different name and justifying it "for the benefit of all", because it will not be and it never has been whenever it was done. . .less by CA Bez on February 17 2010, 21:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

nationalisation: ancyl responds to zuma since i was born; the mining rights have always been in the hands of a few whites.The 1996 class struggle produced few politically connected individuals as mining moguls. All of this never benefitted the poorest of the poor[ Africans; Coloured and . .more Indians]. The Freedom Charter refers to nationalisation. It is a guiding document upon which the ANC derives its policies. When the ANCYL raises this issue; those who have benefited begins to fund their friends in the media to cast aspersions on the leadership of the Youth Leaque as if they are a bunch of confused leaders whereas they are not. South Africa needs a radical change in order for the general populace to benefit from her natural resources. Comrade Julius and the entired leadership of the ANCYL are corrrect in raising this issue. When maltitudes of democracts met in Kliptown in 1955 to adopt the Freedon Charter they were concious of the fact that more needs to be done to alleviate the plight of the African masses. Julius and the leadership of the ANCYL go on with the campaign because you have us to support you. Why all of a sudden people begin raising concerns when they could not for decades produce a document to counter the Freedom Charter. The relevance of the Freedom Charter is now than ever before. Soldier on comrades. . .less by mfana chabane on February 25 2010, 16:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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