SA legacy projects

AngloGold Ashanti is committed to creating lasting positive impacts in the communities in which we operate, and where we have deep historical ties.

As part of our commitment to South Africa and our former employees and communities, we are proud to invest in the below legacy projects, each aimed at driving educational and agricultural development in South Africa. These initiatives are designed to provide tangible and sustainable benefits to the people and communities that have been integral to our success.

Wits AngloGold Ashanti Legacy Scholarship Endowment

Wits AngloGold Ashanti Legacy Scholarship Endowment

The Wits AngloGold Ashanti Legacy Scholarship Endowment will provide comprehensive funding and support to approximately 200 eligible students from disadvantaged, rural backgrounds over the next five to seven years

See related media release: September 2, 2024: South Africa’s youth to benefit from Wits AngloGold Ashanti Legacy Scholarship Endowment

Impact and vision

These scholarships will cover studies in health and advanced medicine, engineering, education, technology, science, law, and the social sciences at Wits University. The aim is to empower a select cohort of students and enhance the overall support available to enable their academic and professional success.

“We are proud to honour our South African heritage by investing to enhances the future of these communities through our legacy projects,” said AngloGold Ashanti CEO Alberto Calderon. “Education changes lives for the better and the Wits AngloGold Ashanti Legacy Scholarship Endowment reflects our commitment to South Africa and development in the regions that have contributed to our journey.”

Wits University Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi, added, “This partnership will impact society in multiple ways – it will lay a path to success for young talented students, benefit the University and the higher education sector, uplift communities, and advance society for good.”

The scholarship will support both undergraduate and postgraduate students and is anticipated to run alongside a mentoring programme hosted by AngloGold Ashanti volunteers in specific areas of study. This highly impactful programme is expected to run over the next seven to ten years.

The company and Wits University share a long history, having played major roles in the development of South Africa’s mining industry over the past century.

Partnership launch

Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University

Ambassador Baso Sangqu, AngloGold Ashanti representative

Moraba Sekatane, one of the Wits AngloGold Ashanti Legacy Scholarship Endowment recipients

A few of the first 68 Wits AngloGold Ashanti Legacy Scholarship Endowment recipients
AngloGold Ashanti Chair in Dairy Science and Technology at the University of Fort Hare

The AngloGold Ashanti Chair in Dairy Science and Technology at the University of Fort Hare

The AngloGold Ashanti Chair in Dairy Science and Technology at the University of Fort Hare aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan and will contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality, and ensuring environmental sustainability. The investment of R12.5 million will support rural small-scale farmers with knowledge and innovation in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere in the country.

See related media release: June 21, 2024: University of Fort Hare and AngloGold Ashanti Agree to Major Academic Partnership

Impact and vision

Given its location in the Eastern Cape, the University of Fort Hare – known for its historical contributions to human rights and democracy – is the ideal partner for this project. The establishment of this research chair is a first of its kind for the University, positioning it on a new strategic trajectory towards establishing a Faculty of Veterinary Science. Veterinary science is essential for animal health, disease prevention and the nutrition of dairy cows.

Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare, highlights the transformative potential of this partnership: “This endowment ushers in a new dawn for knowledge production to support industry growth, food security, shared prosperity, inclusivity, socio-economic development, and upliftment of stakeholders in the dairy sector value chain and rural communities.”

For AngloGold Ashanti, this project reflects our dedication to supporting communities with deep links to the mining industry. By investing in education and agriculture, we are honoring our legacy and contributing to the sustainable development of the regions that have been pivotal to our history.

Partnership launch

Prof Renuka Vitha: Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching & Learning at University of Fort Hare

Simpiwe Somdyala at CEO at Amadlelo Agri

Dr Nthabiseng Taole Mjimba: Deputy Vice-Chancellor at University of Fort Hare

Ambassador Baso Sangqu: Senior Vice President at AngloGold Ashanti with Professor Sakhela Buhlungu: Vice-Chancellor at University of Fort Hare

Professor Sakhela Buhlungu: Vice-Chancellor at University of Fort Hare and Ambassador Baso Sangqu: Senior Vice President at AngloGold Ashanti

Ambassador Baso Sangqu: Senior Vice President at AngloGold Ashanti

Professor Sakhela Buhlungu: Vice-Chancellor at University of Fort Hare