Research on the nationalisation of mines was being carried out by the African National Congress (ANC), the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) said on Sunday.
“Our call for nationalisation of mines is firmly on the programme of the ANC and research [is] being conducted by the ANC on how best [to] take ownership and control of mines and mineral resources, ANCYL spokesperson Floyd Shivambu said.
“Nationalisation of mines and realisation of all Freedom Charter clauses remains on the agenda and will be the solution.”
In early January ANCYL president Julius Malema said at the 99th ANC anniversary celebrations in Polokwane that nationalisation was the answer to the problems South Africa faces.
The nationalisation of mines and other resources has remained on the ANCYL’s agenda, and it was reported at the end of last year that ANC members could not agree on whether to explore the nationalisation of mines alone, or include other sectors such as banking and petroleum.
‘Organisationally and politically’ stable
Among the topics at the organisation’s three-day lekgotla was the upcoming local government elections.
It resolved to woo voters in the Democratic Alliance-run Western Cape province ahead of the local government elections.
“The ANCYL will pay specific attention to the Western Cape and [we are] very confident and certain of victory particularly in the City of Cape Town,” Shivambu said in a statement.
“[We] are more than ready to mobilise all young people to vote for the ANC because it is the only organisation that is capable of leading our communities towards sustainable livelihoods.”
The national executive committee agreed to adopt a programme and propose interventions that would address unemployment.
The lekgotla was addressed by ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe and former ANCYL president Fikile Mbalula.
“The inputs of both comrades were very empowering and inspirational,” said Shivambu.
He noted that the youth wing was “organisationally and politically” stable to “profoundly influence” the country’s political discourse. — Sapa