Abstract:
The proposal to nationalise mines is a contentious issue in South Africa. There are
those who argue for, while others against, the proposal. Furthermore, the role of
government in this process is relatively unclear. The study investigates the proposed
nationalisation of mines and probable policy implications for South Africa. The study
is aimed at establishing whether the nationalisation of mines is worth pursuing or not,
given South Africa’s current political and economic landscape. The study also
investigates nationalisation from an international perspective and provides an
overview of countries where mineral and petroleum resources were successfully
nationalised. Moreover, these countries are compared to the South African scenario.
The study also analyses Alexkor, AEMFC, Eskom, SAA and the SABC and draws a
relationship between the management of SOE’s and the probable administration of
nationalised mines.
A qualitative approach was adopted for this study. Case studies were utilised to
address the objectives of the study. This research approach was relevant for this
study because it sought responses to the question of whether South Africa can carry
out the nationalisation of mines, given its current track record of the mines and the 5
SOE’s. The study seeks examples of countries that have successfully executed the
nationalisation of mineral and petroleum resources. Through the analysis of these
cases, recommendations are made in terms of how South Africa may approach the
nationalisation of mines in order for it to succeed.
The study analysed and investigated the debate of nationalisation in South Africa by
exploring its advantages and disadvantages to perspectives drawn from countries
where nationalisation was successful, including instances of failure. Moreover, the
study focused on the role of public administration, in the implementation of the
nationalisation of mines. The study revealed that the successful implementation of
nationalisation requires the state to take a lead role in the facilitation of the regulatory
environment. Furthermore, the study also revealed that the success of
nationalisation is dependent on the relationship between the government and private
investors. Negotiations in terms of the control of mineral and petroleum resources in
some countries have contributed towards the success of nationalisation.
