Statement re Press Comment

Anglo American PLC
04 April 2003


News Release


4 April 2003



     ANGLO AMERICAN STRONGLY REJECTS EFFORTS TO CLAIM APARTHEID REPARATIONS


In response to a Reuters report indicating that lawyers, including US lawyer, Ed
Fagan, had filed suit in the US for damages against Anglo American plc, Anglo
American strongly rejects the efforts made by US lawyers and others to use US
courts to resolve important issues for South Africa's future.  Anglo American
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
American 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.



Certain press reports may have created the erroneous impression that Anglo
American is prepared to hold discussions in connection with lawsuits brought in
the United States 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.





ENDS



Contacts:

Anne Dunn      [phone]

Mike Spicer     [phone]



Background information for editors:


On 31 March Mr J S Ngcebetsha of Ngcebetsha, Madlanga Attorneys addressed a
letter to Anglo American requesting a meeting with himself and Mr Ed Fagan to
discuss a claim for apartheid reparations against the company.  The News Release
above contains the text of Anglo American's response in declining the invitation
and briefly sets out the company's position on the matter of reparations.


The company's position on the final Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
report, in which the issue of reparations is also raised, was set out at length
in an interview with Mr Michael Spicer, Executive Director Corporate Affairs,
carried in Independent Newspapers of South Africa's Business Report on 29 March.
  An abridged version of this interview is available electronically on request
as is a copy of Anglo American's November 1997 submission to the TRC.




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