The University of Fort Hare, historically renowned for educating some of Africa’s most influential leaders, has forged a significant partnership with AngloGold Ashanti. This collaboration, worth $12.5 million over ten years, aims to establish a chair in dairy science and technology, significantly enhancing the productivity of small-scale farmers in South Africa’s impoverished Eastern Cape province.
Fort Hare University, the alma mater of Nelson Mandela, announced this initiative as part of its broader mission to drive agricultural innovation and support rural communities. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu emphasized the project’s importance in promoting sustainable development and food security.
“This grant sets us on a new strategic trajectory by helping establish a Faculty of Veterinary Science,” Buhlungu stated. “It ensures a lasting legacy for rural development in the Eastern Cape.”
The initiative is a testament to AngloGold Ashanti’s ongoing commitment to South Africa. Despite relocating its headquarters to London and ceasing local mining operations, the company maintains strong ties to the country. CEO Alberto Calderon highlighted the significance of this investment, aimed at honoring the company’s heritage and supporting communities linked to the mining industry.
“We remain committed to supporting communities with deep links to the country’s mining industry,” Calderon said. “This is why we have deliberately targeted the province from which a significant proportion of our workforce was drawn for many decades.”
The Eastern Cape, known for its agrarian economy and substantial population of subsistence farmers, stands to benefit immensely from this initiative. The project aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan, which emphasizes the untapped potential of rural agriculture.
The dairy science chair’s impact is expected to contribute to several United Nations Millennium Development Goals, including eradicating extreme poverty, promoting gender equality, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Fort Hare University will drive research activities that produce new knowledge in dairy science, supporting small-scale farmers not only in the Eastern Cape but throughout South Africa. This initiative aims to enhance the dairy sector’s value chain, fostering socio-economic development and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
AngloGold Ashanti’s endowment is part of a larger investment in legacy projects in education and agriculture, set to be implemented over the next five years. This commitment underlines the company’s dedication to South Africa, its employees, and the broader community.
The announcement comes as South Africa experiences renewed international investment interest. Recent global events have indicated a more favorable outlook for the country, signaling potential economic growth and stability.
Errol Smart, CEO of Orion Minerals, described South Africa as one of the world’s most compelling investment stories. He highlighted the strengthening rand and pragmatic expectations from the new Government of National Unity under President Cyril Ramaphosa as positive indicators.
Smart’s optimistic outlook underscores the growing confidence in South Africa’s economic prospects. His company, listed in both Australia and Johannesburg, is advancing two significant copper projects in the Northern Cape.
“We’re seeing a positive narrative emerging,” Smart said. “The sun is finally shining on us.”
Gold mining companies are also performing well. Harmony Gold Mining Company recently announced it would meet its production and cost guidance for the financial year, generating exceptional operating free cash flow.
CEO Peter Steenkamp attributed this success to recovered grades, a higher rand gold price, and sustained operational excellence.
In this promising investment climate, AngloGold Ashanti’s partnership with Fort Hare University stands out as a beacon of hope for rural development and agricultural innovation. By supporting small-scale farmers and advancing dairy science, the initiative promises to make a lasting impact on South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.
The partnership’s focus on sustainable agriculture and local capacity building is expected to have far-reaching effects. The research chair will drive innovative practices and provide crucial support to small-scale farmers, enabling them to improve productivity and contribute more effectively to the local economy.
Furthermore, the project is set to foster greater collaboration between academia and industry, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology to the agricultural sector. This collaboration will enhance the practical application of research findings, ensuring that small-scale farmers benefit directly from advancements in dairy science and technology.
The establishment of the AngloGold Ashanti chair in dairy science and technology at Fort Hare University marks a significant milestone in the institution’s history. It reflects the university’s commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges through research and innovation.
As the project unfolds, it is expected to attract additional investment and support from other stakeholders, further bolstering efforts to promote rural development and agricultural sustainability in South Africa.
In conclusion, the partnership between AngloGold Ashanti and Fort Hare University represents a crucial step towards fostering sustainable agricultural practices and supporting small-scale farmers in South Africa. By leveraging the strengths of both academia and industry, this initiative has the potential to drive significant positive change in the Eastern Cape and beyond, contributing to a more prosperous and equitable future for all.
Source: Mining Weekly
