Anglo was responding to a report indicating that lawyers, including US lawyer Ed Fagan, had filed suit in the US for damages against Anglo, the group’s London listed entity.
The commodity group said it believes that the question of whether reparations to individuals is an appropriate or effective way to assist in the rebuilding of South Africa is a matter to be resolved through South Africa’s democratic processes (including, if necessary, its courts), as part of South Africa’s ongoing broad efforts to bring about reconciliation and reconstruction after apartheid.
The company has already made extensive contributions to the process of reconciliation and reconstruction that is underway in South Africa, including acting in partnership with South Africa’s many governmental and non-governmental initiatives to redress the effects of apartheid.
“During the apartheid era Anglo undertook many actions in opposition to apartheid policies and in support of anti-apartheid campaigners. We firmly believe that our opposition helped bring about an end to the apartheid system,” Anglo added.
Anglo said media reports had created the erroneous impression that the group was prepared to hold discussions in connection with lawsuits brought in the US that seek payment of reparations to individuals.
In fact, the company is participating fully and in a constructive spirit in the ongoing debate and dialogue regarding the best means for rebuilding South Africa.
“Such a debate must necessarily take place in South Africa by South Africans through their democratic institutions, not with lawyers purporting to seek resolution of such matters in foreign courts,” Anglo added.
