South African Government Plan of Action regarding the Zimbabwean Government's Plan to Nationalise all its Mines

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: NO 219

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5 OF 17 MARCH 2006

MR D H M GIBSON (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

(1) Whether the Government has noted the Zimbabwean Government's plan to nationalise all mines in that country; if so, what action does the Government intend taking in this regard;

(2) Whether the government intends taking action to protect South African commercial interests in Zimbabwe; if not; why not; if so; what action? N235E

REPLY:

(1) The Government has noted the Government of Zimbabwe's intention to acquire 51% interest in mining companies involved in energy minerals, as well as a 51 % share in all precious metals and gemstones mines. The proposed changes to the Mines and Minerals Act were approved by the Cabinet of Zimbabwe. But these changes still need to be converted into a Bill of Parliament before they can be enacted as a full amendment to the Mines and Minerals Act. Government is therefore still waiting to see what the outcome of these proposed changes would be.

(2) Government is continuing to pursue its efforts to get the outstanding Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPPA) to protect the commercial interests of South African nationals in Zimbabwe.