The R72 million pumped into building school infrastructure, by the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund and the Department of Basic Education, is bearing fruit. Twenty-four rural schools in Limpopo’s Sekhukhune District, which includes Makagala, Apel and Sekhukhune, have benefitted from improved infrastructure and teacher-training support provided by the partnership.

The overall objectives of the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund Rural Schools Programme, which started in 2003, are to address the schools’ basic infrastructure needs, leave a legacy in Anglo Platinum’s backyard and develop a working partnership with the Department of Basic Education.

In addition to their close proximity to Anglo American’s platinum mines – Lebowa, Modikwa and Twickenham - the schools were chosen because they demonstrated that, despite the difficult circumstances they work under, they are dedicated to producing good results and also have active and dedicated teachers, as well as supportive communities.

Anglo American believes in collaboration to build stronger communities, and making a real difference. The company recognises that mining companies and mining communities must work together to help create mutual trust and success.

Recognising the importance of public-private partnerships, both the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund and the Department of Basic Education contributed R36 million each to the project.

The infrastructure support provided by the programme has been of great value to the schools. The provision of classrooms has improved the safety of the learners, and has also significantly decreased the space constraints at the schools.

With this programme, Anglo American is creating a sustainable positive difference in communities around its operations; creating value for the communities, as well as for its employees - something that is at the core of its values.

Impact of programme:

The Rural Schools Programme has predominantly funded classrooms, toilets and fencing as these were identified as the basic infrastructure needs of the school. However, some administration blocks, computer centres and food kitchens were also built.

The classrooms that have been built have helped with preventing pupils from having lessons in mud structures, or under trees. The provision of the classrooms has improved the safety of learners and alleviated space constraints in their learning environment.

The enviro-loos that have been built are suitable for the prevailing conditions of unreliable water availability, as they can be used without the need for running water. They are also built in such a way that they do not degrade the environment.

The success of this programme has also resulted in the creation of employment during construction, which helped, especially as the affected areas have high unemployment rates.

Anglo American takes all its social obligations seriously within the communities in which it operates. The company supports the Development Partner Framework, where its approach is to collectively solve and address the needs of communities, with the communities themselves. Its vision is to be a partner in the future, with the communities.