Two sides of the same coin in Amplats land donation
Platinum mining giant recently released 270ha for use by the Rustenburg municipality, but detractors point to the bigger picture
In donating over 270ha to the Rustenburg municipality, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) hopes to change the conversation around land reform in SA. But detractors say the move is a drop in the ocean if mining is to truly redress its legacy of displacement and dispossession in SA. At a handover ceremony last week, Amplats donated the land, valued at R26m, to the Rustenburg Local Municipality and the Rustenburg Community Development Trust. The donation follows 204ha valued at R30.6m, which was given to the Rustenburg municipality in 2014. Complementing this is the company’s investment of R140m in bulk infrastructure. “In essence we, as a company, are creating a different narrative around sustainable land reform,” Amplats CEO Chris Griffith told Business Day ahead of the event. Of late, the land reform debate in SA has centred on the ANC’s contentious proposal of expropriation without compensation. And it’s emerged as a key concern for investors. Griffith says the handover demonstrates...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.