Anglo supports Sol Plaatje University

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.

The funding 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.

Indispensable role

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 R4.2bn over the next ten years.

"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," Barend Petersen, chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines, said.

"Anglo American's commitment and support to uplifting education has been widely recorded and is in line with the company's objectives of partnering for best effect. This is achieved through educational development and co-operative agreements that not only meet government's goals and objectives but make a real difference in the communities associated with all our operations," he concluded.