Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, welcomes the valuable contribution made by the private sector, especially the mining sector, operating in South Africa. Today, Minister Motshekga, joined by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe, handed over Waterkloof Combined School to the Rustenburg community. The school was built by the Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat), in partnership with the North-West Department of Education (NWDoE), to improve school infrastructure in the communities where the mine is operating. The contribution by RBPlat in the construction of the school forms part of the company’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP) as espoused in the Mining Charter. The Charter seeks to facilitate sustainable transformation, growth, and development of the mining industry.

The new school will accommodate a total capacity of 2,155 learners. Primary school enrolment stands at 1,280 learners, whereas the Secondary School has 875 learners enrolled for the 2022 School Calendar. Minister Motshekga acknowledged the efforts made by the RBPlat in identifying the Basic Education Sector as one of its priority areas of investment. “The partnership between the private sector and Government is a testament to the South African spirit of working together to solve intractable problems facing our people. Our country’s fundamental problems today are the high unemployment rates, poverty and inequality, as referenced by the National Development Plan (NDP). In this regard, basic education is foundational in our attempts to reverse the legacy of apartheid, eliminate poverty and reduce inequality. At its core, a quality basic education supports a child’s developing social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills, thus making them productive members of society,” said Minister Motshekga.

The Minister further added that, “Research has concluded that basic education reduces the burden of diseases on society, strengthens democracies and contributes to the country’s economic growth. In fact, any investment in basic education goes beyond the basic triple Rs (Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic) to address the core of building a nation and enabling a Better Life for All. To achieve improved learning outcomes, the NDP calls for strategic partnerships amongst social partners, of which the private sector plays a leading role. “My gratitude extends to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe, RBPlat CEO, Mr Steve Phiri, the North-West Government, the Education MEC and traditional leaders. Your contribution to the national efforts to build a better nation will not go unnoticed”.