Causes of privatisation examined in this paper include the level of economic development, business cycles, fiscal constraints, national debt and external influences. Privatisation can be centralised, decentralised, rapid or gradual or it can be conducted through a privatisation programme or in an improvised, ad hoc manner. The most common privatisation methods include share issue privatisation, direct sale, leasing and privatisation from below. The outcomes of privatisation are viewed in the light of privatisation proceeds and profitability.