Thriving communities are
Thriving communities are built ona strong educational baseKumba Iron Ore has invested over R140-million to bolster education in its hostcommunities over the last three years.Community Liaison Specialist Matilo Keaobaka handing out school bags to students.At the heart of our Sustainable MiningPlan is how we can improve people’slives so it is central to how we live upto our purpose of reimagining miningto improve people’s lives.Our Sustainable Mining Plan is built aroundthree Global Sustainability Pillars aligned to theUN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Thesepillars are• Healthy environment• Thriving communities• Trusted corporate leaderIncluded in the thriving communities pillarare education, health and wellbeing andthe improvement of livelihoods throughemployment. The group’s goals relating toeducation are that schools in host communitiesshould perform within the top 30% of stateschools nationally by 2025 and within the top20% by 2030.Back to SchoolAs part of our ongoing efforts to supportlearners and bolster education in the NorthernCape, Kumba Iron Ore, through its Back toSchool campaign, has delivered over 1 000school readiness packs across eight primaryschools in the Tsantsabane Local Municipality.Including new schoolbags, crayons and otheressentials, the readiness packs were handedover to Grade 1 learners at each school tosupport their academic journey. Supportedby the Department of Basic Education, thecampaign aligns with National Government’scause to support both learners and educators atthe beginning of each academic year.Community Liaison Specialist and ProjectLead at Kumba Iron Ore Matilo Keaobakashares details on the initiative: “Educationplays an important role in the development ofchildren because it helps them to hone criticalthinking and social skills.NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2025/2620
FOCUS“Enabling an environment conducive forlearning is key for this development to takeroot. Distributing the readiness pack acrossschools within our communities aligns with ourSustainable Mining Plan’s Thriving CommunitiesPillar, which focuses on education as one ofits key enablers and envisions all children inour host communities accessing excellenteducation and training. Through this initiativewe trust that we’ll help foster a love for schoolamong the learners and contribute towardsthem being productive members of society.”As one of the beneficiaries of Kumba’s Backto School campaign, the Principal at AssmangPrimary School, Gurshen Oliphant, expressedhis appreciation regarding the initiative.“Whenever we think of Kumba Iron Ore’scontribution to our school, a deep sense ofgratitude fills our hearts. We’re reminded ofthe profound impact this initiative will have onour learners. We are grateful for the supportwe’ve received.”Rewarding excellenceWith an impressive 87.3%, the class of 2024 hasachieved the highest national matric pass ratein South African history. The milestone wasaccomplished by 615 429 learners who passedtheir National Senior Certificate, of which 47.8%of the candidates produced Bachelor passes.Recognising the feat achieved by the classof 2024, Kumba Iron Ore has contributedR1-million to the Top 20 learners who producedthe best academic results in the Northern Cape.Each of the 20 students will receive R50 000 touse towards their tertiary studies.Providing detail on Kumba’s financialpackage to the learners, Northern Cape HubCorporate Affairs Manager at Kumba Iron Ore,Adriana Slambert, outlines the importance ofsupporting education in the province: “The rolethat education plays regarding the developmentof young people is key to unlocking theirpotential. Seeing the Northern Cape matricpass rate climb from 75.8% in 2023 to 84.2% in2024 is a testament to the dedication requiredto achieve academic excellence by both thelearners and the Department of Basic Education.“As an organisation that values theimportance of education, this contributionreflects Anglo American’s Sustainable MiningPlan, which focuses on education as one of itsstrategic pillars and a vehicle needed to buildthriving communities. Through our variouseducation initiatives in the form of incentivesschemes, bursaries, Professional in Trainingprogrammes and infrastructure development,we will continue to personify our Purpose ofreimagining mining to improve people’s lives.”In addition to the contribution made tothe Northern Cape Top 20, through the AngloAmerican South Africa (AASA) EducationProgramme, Kumba Iron Ore has invested overR140-million to bolster education in its hostcommunities over the last three years.Responding to Kumba Iron Ore’s contributionto local education, Northern Cape MEC forEducation, Abraham Vosloo, shares the value ofpartnering with Kumba Iron Ore: “Kumba has atrack record of being committed to changingthe social conditions of our people; educationis one but one sector that they focus on. Wehave the opportunity to engage with Kumba’sexecutive team throughout the year and alignon priorities as we serve the same communities.We appreciate Kumba Iron Ore’s donation to thestudents and their commitment to education.” ■(Left to right) Walter Khumo (KIO), Adriana Slambert(KIO), Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul,Dr Michelle Ismail (Acting Head of EducationDepartment), Kealeboga Pilane (KIO) and NorthernCape MEC for Education Abraham Vosloo.
