The South African government recently welcomed a R9.5 billion investment from Saudi Arabia to build a platinum smelter and base-metals refinery in the Waterberg region of Limpopo.

While investment and development are vital for growth, this deal raises serious concerns about national sovereignty and economic independence.

South Africa has the talent, natural resources, and financial institutions to develop its own industries. Handing over such strategic sectors to foreign governments, especially those with competing geopolitical and economic interests, risks selling our country piece by piece.

 

We believe South Africa should:

 

1. Fund and manage this project locally, using South African state resources, development banks (like the IDC or DBSA), and private local investors.

2. Keep ownership and control of our minerals, industries, and infrastructure within our borders.

3. Prioritise South African jobs, companies, and workers, not foreign interests.

4. Ensure transparency and public consultation before approving any large-scale foreign state investment in key national industries.

 

We, the undersigned, call on:

a) The President of South Africa,

b) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, and

c) The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

- to pause and review the R9.5 billion Saudi investment in Limpopo and instead pursue a South African-led, locally funded development model that keeps our economic future in our own hands.

This is not about rejecting progress, it’s about protecting our sovereignty and ensuring South Africa’s wealth benefits South Africans first.

Sign this petition to demand a strategic reassessment that prioritizes South Africa’s national interests, fosters local industry development, and protects vital ecological and cultural resources. Let us ensure that our future is truly in our hands.