Loading ...South Africa’s Zuma asks parliament to reconsider mineral bill
JOHANNESBURG, Jan 16 (Reuters) – South African President Jacob Zuma has asked parliament to reconsider a bill giving the state a free 20 percent stake in gas and oil ventures, believing it might not survive a potential challenge that it is unconstitutional, the government said.
Parliament passed the changes to its main petroleum law last March, alarming companies such as Shell, Total and Exxon Mobil, which are looking to explore in South Africa.
“After careful consideration of the Bill and the submissions received, the President is of the view that the Bill as it stands would not pass constitutional muster,” the Presidency said in a brief statement on Friday.
Zuma must assent to and sign all bills passed by parliament before they become South African law.
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