Anglo American, one of the world’s largest mining companies, has today opened a R19 million state-of-the-art science, career guidance and ICT resource centre in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga.
1 June 2010
Anglo American, one of the world’s largest mining companies, has today opened a R19 million state-of-the-art science, career guidance and ICT resource centre in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga. The centre was officially opened by the MEC for Education in Mpumalanga, Honourable Reginah Mhaule and is jointly sponsored by Anglo American, the Mpumalanga Department of Education (MDoE), the National Department of Basic Education, Eskom Foundation, MTN SA Foundation and the Vodacom Foundation.
The centre boasts interactive science, career guidance and high tech ICT resource facilities, and will be used by educators and learners throughout the Nkangala district*. The centre has the capability to link up with other schools in the region using broadband satellite and is equipped with interactive white board technology, enabling learners to actively participate in lessons without having to physically leave their classrooms.
Speaking at the opening function, MEC Reginah Mhaule hailed the initiative as a positive example of what can be achieved through private-public partnerships. “The centre will enhance the delivery of excellence in education in Mpumalanga, particularly in the field of science, mathematics and information technology. This partnership better defines and captures our motto: Together Educating the Nation”.
Norman Mbazima, CEO of Anglo American Thermal Coal, said the company recognised the importance of investing in education as a catalyst to development and economic growth: “Investing in education is an investment into the future of our country, and key to Anglo American’s commitment to supporting communities with skills that will sustain and empower in the long term. This centre will benefit the learners, the province and ultimately the country in developing the scarce skills that companies such as Anglo American so desperately need.”
Haylene Liberty, CEO of the Eskom Foundation, highlighted that the science centre is a key to learning, career opportunities, employment and growth: “There is an African proverb that says: if you want to walk fast, walk alone; but if you want to walk far, walk with others. This state of the art learning resource is a prime example of all the opportunities that exist for successful public-private partnerships.” Eunice Maluleke, Head of the MTN Foundation, said: “Our investment into the centre reiterates the MTN Foundation’s continued focus on education. The Education portfolio is the largest in the Foundation and accounts for almost half of the company’s spend. We believe that quality education is the surest and most sustainable way to break cycles of poverty and provide young people with a brighter future.”
Mthobi Tyamzashe, Chairman of the Vodacom Foundation, comments: “There is no doubt that ICT training is a key component of future excellence in education, and has the potential to play a crucial role in the training of South Africa’s teachers to be effective educators. Vodacom, through the Vodacom Foundation, and with the assistance of its business partners, is pleased to make a contribution to our country’s future through the establishment of this ICT Resource Centre.”
* The Nkangala district incorporates towns like: Ogies, eMalahleni, Middelburg, Delmas, Belfast, Machadodorp, Dullstroom, Hendrina, Kwa Mhlanga and Siyabuswa
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For further information:
South Africa
Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2592
Notes to Editors:
Anglo American plc is one of the world’s largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Its portfolio of mining businesses spans precious metals and minerals – in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds; base metals – copper and nickel; and bulk commodities – iron ore, metallurgical coal and thermal coal. Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations. The company’s mining operations and extensive pipeline of growth projects are located in southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America and Asia.