Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore launches education programme in partnership with the
Department of Basic Education to improve learners’ educational outcomes in the Northern Cape
Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore recently launched a major education programme, in partnership
with the Northern Cape Provincial Department of Education (DoE), to improve learner outcomes in
27 early childhood development (ECD) sites and 26 schools local to its mining operations, namely
Kolomela in Postmasburg and Sishen supporting schools in the Cassel and Dithakong villages.
The programme was launched in Kathu by the MEC of Education Mr. Zolani Monakali and Anglo
American Kumba Iron Ore’s Executive for Corporate Affairs, Dr Pranill Ramchander. To this end, an MoU was signed by both parties outlining the areas of collaboration.
Anglo American has made a substantial investment in education and skills development in South
Africa over many years and, in the last seven years alone, has invested more than R 780 million,
largely on infrastructure and Grade 12 learner support.
The programme is a core part of Anglo American’s Sustainability Strategy. One of the pillars of the strategy is to create thriving communities close to its operations, with education as a key building block.
“By building on the decades of investment we’ve made in education, we will refocus our resources to provide wide-ranging and quality education, from childhood learning to matric, for the learners in the communities where we operate in South Africa so that they can build a better tomorrow” said Dr Pranill.
MEC Monakali said: “This occasion is very symbolic, it happens within a district named after a very industrious organiser, JTG. But also, the purpose of this engagement, is in line with one of the issues that John Taolo Gaetsewe held very dear to his heart, education. The education of our children is extremely important for the development and the sustainability of our society. Now more than ever, we need civil society and business to work with us as Government to ensure we continue to build a quality education system. Our collaboration with Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore is an example of what is possible when government partners with business to contribute to accelerating progress in education.”
Ramchander added: “At Anglo American, we know that the greatest investment we can make in our country’s future is to give our children access to high-quality education. Education can play a
significant role in improving people’s lives by tackling the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment that South Africa faces. We’re excited about the potential of this programme to improve the lives of those living around our operations in South Africa.”
The programme has been developed in partnership with the Department of Education and complements its 2019 Action Plan—Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2030, which details strategies that aim to improve the performance of South Africa’s schooling system.
What the programme seeks to achieve
The Anglo American South Africa Education Programme aims to improve reading, writing, numeracy
levels and quality passes through addressing some of the underlying reasons for poor education
outcomes by supporting school management teams, governing bodies, principals, and teaching staff.
The programme has set ambitious learner-focussed targets, aiming to see:
90% of learners aged five meeting the minimum requirements for school readiness
90% of grade 3 learners passing with at least 50% in Numeracy and Literacy
75% of grade 6 learners passing with at least 50% in Mathematics and English First
Additional Language
90% matriculation pass rate, with a 50% university entrance
65% of grade 12 learners passing with at least 50% in Mathematics
The programme will support school management teams, governing bodies, principals, staff as well as parents towards achieving these learner-focussed targets. There will be a strong focus on helping teachers develop their content knowledge and teaching skills. The tangible difference the programme will deliver Learners will benefit from a range of interventions which are geared to improve their educational outcomes.
Systems and processes will be developed, refined and implemented so that school runs and
functions well at all the schools. Where required, teacher training and extensive coaching will be provided so that the teachers are motivated, competent and effective which will lead to teaching and learning time being optimised. Finally, at secondary level, some Saturday school and school camps for Grade 12 learners will be provided.
In closing, MEC Monakali highlighted expressed how the department appreciates the fact that the partnership between the Department and Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore, “and we are looking forward to enjoying the benefits that this partnership and this initiative will yield. We also place at the disposal of this partnership, our resources that will make sure that we spare no effort in making this MoU a success.”
“Through this programme, we want to lend a hand to building thriving communities with schools that have highly motivated learners and teachers, involved parents and effective school management teams. These are some of the essential pillars to achieving quality education that can guarantee a better tomorrow for the next generation,’’ concluded Ramchander.
