AFP

ANC Youth League president Julius Malema.

The ANC on Thursday declined to comment on reports that a study it commissioned discourages the nationalisation of mines.

“We are not commenting on that report. The matter will be presented to the NEC (national executive committee) sometime during the meeting,” party spokesman Keith Khoza said on the sidelines of the five-day get-together of party officials in Pretoria.

Business Day reported that the study, compiled by three economists, found nationalising mines would be unconstitutional. It concluded the government could not afford to buy stakes in mines. The study apparently recommended an upward revision of royalties and tax regimes, the newspaper reported.

A separate report by the ANC’s economic transformation committee, which also reportedly opposes nationalisation and calls for greater beneficiation, was expected to be discussed by the NEC.

Khoza said all reports had been submitted and would be scrutinised at the meeting.

The committee began its first meeting on Thursday with no sign of suspended African National Congress Youth League leader Julius Malema. Malema had been spearheading calls for nationalisation. He was expected to attend, said Khoza.

He said President Jacob Zuma presented his overview to the NEC in the morning. ANC chairwoman Baleka Mbete was expected to table a report on the party's centenary celebration. Other matters to be discussed included education, health, and social development.

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said these were some of the areas needing policy review. ANC leaders would discuss these matters with the intention of creating jobs and a better life for South Africans, he said.

Draft policy documents, which South Africans could comment on, would be released soon after the conclusion of the meeting, and ahead of the party's policy conference in June. - Sapa