IN RECOGNITION of the 87.3% national pass rate of the Class of 2024, Kumba Iron Ore has donated R1 million, which was divided among the Northern Cape’s Top 20 matric learners who achieved the best academic results in the Province.

Each of the 20 learners received R50,000 to use toward their tertiary studies.

A total of 61,429 learners in South Africa passed their National Senior Certificate, with 47.8% of the candidates achieving Bachelor passes.

The Northern Cape Hub corporate affairs manager at Kumba Iron Ore, Adriana Slambert, said the donation not only recognises the hard work of the top achievers but also aims to address the challenges faced by communities in the Province.

“The role that education plays in the development of young people is key to unlocking their potential. Seeing the Northern Cape matric pass rate climb from 75.8% in 2023 to 84.2% in 2024 is a testament to the dedication required to achieve academic excellence by both the learners and the Department of Basic Education,” said Slambert.

“As an organisation that values the importance of education, this contribution reflects Anglo American’s Sustainable Mine Plan, which focuses on education as one of its strategic pillars and a vehicle needed to build thriving communities. Through our various education initiatives, in the form of incentives schemes, bursaries, professional-in-training programmes and infrastructure development, we will continue to personify our purpose of reimagining mining to improve people’s lives.

“In addition to the contribution made to the Northern Cape Top20, through the Anglo American South Africa (AASA) Education Programme, Kumba Iron Ore has invested over R140 million to bolster education in its host communities over the last three years.”

The MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo, commended Kumba Iron Ore for their contribution to addressing social challenges in the Province.

“Kumba has a track record of being committed to changing the social conditions of our people and education is but one sector that they focus on. We have the opportunity to engage with Kumba’s executive team throughout the year and align on priorities as we serve the same communities. We appreciate Kumba Iron Ore’s donation to the learners and their commitment to education,” said Vosloo.