News

R9 million investment for Wits Engineering students

17 March 2010

As part of its commitment to improving engineering standards in South Africa, Anglo American has made a substantial social investment of R9 million in the University of the Witwatersrand’s Chamber of Mines 4^th Quadrant Engineering Building Project, part of the Wits Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. The investment is in line with Anglo American’s longstanding support of the Wits University, and a focus on the development of education in South Africa.

Whilst engineering student numbers in the Faculty have more than doubled over the last ten years, there still remains a critical shortage of these professionals, who make a significant contribution to the national goals of economic growth, development, research and leadership. Therefore better infrastructure and resources are urgently needed to ensure the highest standards of teaching continue for all students.

“œWith this investment, we are confident in Wits continuing its international-class research and teaching in engineering, something which our country requires as much today as it ever did,” says Anglo American SA Executive Director, Godfrey Gomwe.

Gomwe says that from its earliest days as a top learning centre and excellent feeder for the mining industry, Wits and Anglo American have had a strong association with each other. This, he says, was an important factor in the decision to invest in the project.

“œWe consider Wits University to be a champion, and Anglo is pleased to have them as a Partner of Choice. The Wits Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment is an international centre of excellence, and provides much needed professionals for mining companies and many other industries and professions,” he says.

The University of the Witwatersrand has previously enjoyed support from the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund on a number of special projects, including Rock Art 911 and The Origins Centre.

Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Loyiso Nongxa, expressed his gratitude for Anglo American’s investment in the Faculty. “œThe University is very grateful for Anglo American’s generous investment in our future engineers. It is only through the support of long-term corporate partners such as Anglo American that Wits can adequately respond to the huge educational needs of the country,” he says.

The Chamber of Mines building project includes the completion of the 4^th quadrant, new research laboratories and postgraduate spaces, as well as a renovated library and atrium. The cranes have gone, and the construction phase is due to be completed by the end of March with refurbishment and renovations continuing until the end of the year.