Rand Refinery, one of the world’s leading gold and silver refiners and an operator of one of the continent’s largest low-grade gold recovery smelters, is reaffirming its unwavering commitment to community development by investing in education through a multi-layered approach that extends beyond traditional bursaries. At a Meet and Greet event with students, parents, and school representatives, Chief Executive Praveen Baijnath emphasised the company’s belief in the transformative power of education and its ripple effect across families and communities.

“Education is not just a financial transaction—it’s an investment in people. We don’t just fund potential; we help unlock it. That means going further than bursaries to address historical debt and other real barriers to academic success,” said Baijnath. This philosophy is reflected in Rand Refinery’s growing suite of initiatives, in line with government’s mandate, that support access to quality education, especially for students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

In 2023, Rand Refinery launched a merit-based bursary scheme aimed at high-performing students who maintain a 70% average or above, particularly those enrolled in STEM qualifications. Since its inception, the scheme has awarded 88 bursaries valued at approximately R4.6 million. What sets this programme apart is its holistic design—providing academic funding and ensuring unresolved financial obligations do not derail students. As part of this commitment, Rand Refinery is settling historical student debt for 11 engineering students studying at institutions in Gauteng.

The 2025 academic year marks a significant scale-up of Rand Refinery’s investment in youth. The company is awarding nine full and five partial bursaries under its flagship programme, with students studying at universities across the country. Additionally, 10 bursaries are being provided for students in engineering programmes at TVET colleges, along with 10 apprenticeship bursaries for those pursuing trade qualifications at technical colleges. Seven top-performing 2024 matriculants from Ekurhuleni have also been awarded full bursaries to study at universities as part of Rand Refinery’s socio-economic development drive. This marks a significant leap from the 10 bursaries awarded in 2023 and 26 in 2024.

Rand Refinery’s commitment to education extends to foundational levels as well. In 2025, the company is supporting nine underprivileged schools across six provinces—Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State, and Eastern Cape—by distributing 800 stationery packs that include backpacks, exercise books, pens, pencils, highlighters, and other essentials. These were donated to a mix of primary and high schools, including Orange Farm Secondary School (Gauteng), Lwaphundu High School (Limpopo), Tajamane High School (Mpumalanga), Masana Primary School (Mpumalanga), and Refalletsi Primary School (Gauteng).

In addition, Rand Refinery has donated eight STEM resource libraries to selected schools. These libraries—comprising branded cabinets stocked with mathematics and science textbooks and study guides for Grade 12 learners—will support academic excellence in schools such as Ginyiqhinga Secondary (KwaZulu-Natal), Thakameso Secondary (Free State), Mpilisweni Secondary (Gauteng), and Sitoza Secondary (Eastern Cape).

In alignment with national government priorities, Rand Refinery also partnered with the Ministry of Education in KwaZulu-Natal to donate R100,000 worth of school shoes to underprivileged learners in January 2025. This initiative reflects the company’s focus on easing the financial burden on families and promoting equitable access to education for all.

“As a corporate citizen, our responsibility extends to the communities in which we operate,” added Baijnath. “Whether it’s bursaries, resource libraries, or school shoes, our focus is on long-term impact. We are honoured to play a small part in these learners' educational journeys and contribute to a brighter, more inclusive South Africa.”

Rand Refinery remains committed to using its platform and resources to empower the next generation of South African leaders through education and sustainable community partnerships.