Anglo American congratulates the people of South Africa on the 25th anniversary of the country’s transition to democracy.  As a proud corporate citizen of this wonderful country, we have been humbled to be part of the peaceful democratic change from a fundamentally unjust political and economic system to one that carries within it the potential of a just and equitable future for all.

Our commitment to this great nation and its people is unwavering. We are proud of our heritage in South Africa – it is in South Africa where our journey began in 1917. Today this country continues to play an important part in our global portfolio: we employ around 50 000 people across our four businesses in South Africa, which in turn contribute 35% of Anglo American’s global earnings. It is also interesting to note that Anglo American is largely held by institutional investors who hold their interests on behalf of individuals – in their pension funds, investments and other funds. Around 35% of Anglo American’s shares are owned by South Africans – in other words South Africans own 35% of Anglo American.

Anglo American is aware that, 25 years after the end of apartheid, the legacies of our country’s past continue to afflict many citizens. The incidence of poverty, inequality and unemployment still requires a great deal of attention. We acknowledge that the responsibility for this rests not only with government but also with all other sectors of society with the capacity to make a difference. The business community and in particular the country’s largest and best capacitated businesses, have an obligation to play their part in addressing these issues. 

Linked to the above, South Africa has a difficult history of exclusion. It is this history that necessitates the need for transformation. For Anglo American, transformation is about building a country where all South Africans can achieve their potential, not only for themselves, but for successive generations too. We are proud of our longstanding commitment to advancing sustainable transformation in South Africa. We have led the transformation charge in South Africa in numerous ways over the past 25 years, most notably through championing the formation of several black-owned and managed companies in the mining sector and beyond, supporting black-owned SMEs and through our pioneering work in tackling the HIV/Aids pandemic and our ongoing contribution to the education of South Africa’s young people.

As South Africa celebrates this milestone, the country has an opportunity to find ways to build on the progress made through policies and practices that stimulate investor confidence and economic growth and to overcome corruption and inefficiencies. Anglo American certainly stands ready to play its part and looks forward to further cooperation with government and other stakeholders, both by ourselves and in cooperation with our peers in organised business.

South Africa’s story of renewal must continue to inspire the world and give hope to our people.