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Article

29 Sep 2014

Author:
Nomonde Nyembe & Wandisa Phama, Centre for Applied Legal Studies in Sowetan (So. Africa)

'Corporations rob Africa of its resources, dignity and people', say South African lawyers

“Corporations rob Africa of its resources, dignity and people”, 29 September 2014:...As young black women from the Southern tip of Africa...taking part in the African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights...we could not help but consider the ...[words of] Thomas Sankara...[who] said, “Those who lent money to us are the same people who colonised us...they indebted Africa with donations of money.”...[W]e reflected on his words and their parallel to the activities of multi-national corporations...Africa... [suffers from] the “resource curse”. We have a plethora of natural resources but Africans continue to live in poverty...African states grant corporations the right to mine our minerals and thus contribute to...economic development. Some of these companies...at times abuse...African states and people...[which] has robbed Africa not only of its resources, but its identity, dignity and people. Some of these corporations...are responsible for oil spills...child labour and slavery...and conflict...that denies...[citizens of] the right to consumable water, land and food...education...peace and security...

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