An R87.5m Wits AngloGold Ashanti Legacy Scholarship Endowment will offer comprehensive funding and support to eligible students from disadvantaged and rural families with links to the mining industry and AngloGold Ashanti’s former gold mines in South Africa over the duration of their studies.
This scholarship project will benefit about 200 eligible students over the next five to seven years – the first selected 68 will begin their studies in 2024.
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Students can select to complete their undergraduate or postgraduate studies in high-impact areas where critical skills are required, including health and advanced medicine, engineering, education, technology, science, law, and the social sciences at Wits University.
The scholarship is part of a larger investment in legacy projects in education and agriculture that AngloGold Ashanti will carry out over the next five years to recognise the company’s commitment to South Africa, its employees, and its communities.
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“We are proud to honour our South African heritage by investing to enhance 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.”
Vice chancellor and principal of Wits University Prof Zeblon Vilakazi explained the aim of the scholarship is to build the future for a select cohort of students, and more broadly to improve the support available to students to enable their success. “Wits University is committed to working with AngloGold Ashanti to advance high-level scholarships, research, and innovation in South Africa, in order to address future challenges.”
He added that this partnership will impact on society in multiple ways, as it will lay a path to success for young talented students, as well as benefiting the university and the higher education sector while also uplifting communities and advancing society.
The funding is anticipated to run in parallel with a mentoring programme hosted by AngloGold Ashanti volunteers in certain areas of study.
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