The company invested nearly R7-million as part of its schools project to renovate classrooms, upgrade the administration block, establish technical workshops, refurbish science laboratories, build a new kitchen and dining area and upgrade water and electricity infrastructure at the school.

The new facilities were unveiled at a ceremony attended by Polly Boshielo, the Limpopo MEC for education, Chris Griffith, the chief executive officer of Anglo American Platinum, Kwena Mothapo, principal of Phaladingoe Technical High School, and various other stakeholders.

A key focus area of Anglo American Platinum’s schools project is to improve learners’ mathematics, science and English skills. In addition, the technical workshops cater for vocational training in the plumbing and civil, electrical and mechanical engineering fields.

The project includes learner and educator development, the training of school management, and the refurbishment and upgrading of school infrastructure. Company staff also provide operational support, including through mentoring, career guidance and the support of academic achievements, as well as bursaries and a learnership programme that gives participants exposure to the working environment.

The aim is ultimately to ensure that learners are equipped with the skills and education that would provide them with employment opportunities, including at the company’s operations in their local communities.

The project covers three technical high schools near the mine’s operations in Limpopo: Mogale-wa-Bagale Technical High School, near Twickenham Project outside Burgersfort; Phaladingoe Technical High School, near Mogalakwena Complex outside Mokopane; and Thekganang Technical School, near Amandelbult Complex outside Thabazimbi.

Since the project started, the average Grade 12 pass rate at the three schools increased from 61.9% in 2015 to 93.2% in 2018. We are particularly proud of Washington Mapingure, who matriculated from Thekganang Technical School last year and achieved the highest mark for Electrical Technology in Limpopo in the final exams.

“The Anglo American Platinum schools project is helping more people to gain maths, science and technology-based skills by helping learners to meet the basic requirements for building a successful technical career,” said Chris Griffith, CEO of Anglo American Platinum. “The improvement in the matric pass rate at the three technical high schools we have partnered with demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing some of South Africa’s biggest challenges.”

Polly Boshielo, the Limpopo MEC for education, said: “The department has committed itself to the eradication of all inappropriate school infrastructure across the province. We believe in working with the private sector, the demand for school infrastructure can be met and we are forever open to participation by the business community in our endeavour to provide infrastructure that advances proper teaching and learning. We appreciate and applaud what Anglo American has done and we urge others to emulate this good gesture.”

Kwena Mothapo, principal of Phaladingoe Technical High School, said: “We have been the top school in the Mapela Education Circuit for the past four years. Anglo American Platinum has helped us improve our learning space and develop the skills of our educators, school governing body and school management team. They are making a valuable difference in our communities.”