Anglo American invests in Northern Cape's first university

26 Sep 2013

Anglo American, in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, has launched the Northern Cape's first university, named after politician and educator Sol Plaatje.

As part of Anglo American's commitment to South Africa, the latest investment will support its drive to introduce young people in the Northern Cape to the world of research, technology, computer sciences, agriculture, development science and engineering. Once completed, the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley will cater for more than 5,000 students.

Anglo American, together with its business units De Beers and Kumba Iron Ore, provided a total of R96 million in support of the new university. This includes a contribution towards the construction of the administration building; conducting a feasibility study for the Centre of Excellence focused on courses related to the mining industry, further funding for the establishment of the Centre of Excellence over a five-year period; and a contribution of land and buildings for future expansion projects.

The Sishen Iron Ore Community Development Trust will also establish a R20 million bursary scheme created to benefit learners from the Northern Cape and beyond, who are accepted to study at the university.

Commence operation at the start of 2014

The university is set to commence operation at the start of 2014 in selected programmes such as Bachelors of Education, Information Technology, and Retail Business Management. The total capital and operational costs for the university are estimated to be R4.2 billion over the next decade.

Barend Petersen, chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines, said: "The mining industry has an indispensable role to play in supporting the development of the skills that society needs and education is the leading and integral part of Anglo American's corporate social development strategy.