South Africa: Firms face apartheid reparations demand

Date: 29 Mar 2003

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has recommended to the South African government that businesses such as Anglo American and De Beers should be made to pay reparations to the victims of apartheid.

The Commission, which suggested amongst other measures a wealth tax, focused its comments on key business sectors that it said benefited most from apartheid policies, parastatals, mining companies and international institutions.

Anglo American executive director of corporate affairs Michael Spicer said on allafrica.com: "Since the government and other parties have indicated their desire for a formal debate on the report and indeed we understand that the minister of justice is convening a one-day session on the subject we have indicated we are willing to participate in a constructive spirit".

De Beers said if it were ever asked to pay reparations it would probably channel the request through the company's De Beers fund. This suggests that the contribution would be made by reducing other funding of community programmes.

Article source: allAfrica.com

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