Anglo American extends into every sector of the South African economy
At the end of a decade that began with the Sharpeville Massacre in March 1960, the Anglo Group owned South Africa’s five biggest mining houses, as well as major shares in five of the top ten companies in the manufacturing industry. In terms of market capitalisation value, eight of South Africa’s ten largest companies belonged to Anglo American, and the company held interests in seven of the country´s top twenty banks.
Anglo American also played a key role in developing steel, iron, heavy engineering, vehicles, explosives, chemicals, food and beverages, paper and board, publishing and newspapers, among others. In response to international sanctions and boycotts, Anglo American multiplied into more than 150 companies that dominated the apartheid economy.