TSHIKONDENI – The Iscor coal mine at Tshikondeni demonstrated its commitment to promoting development, education and social upliftment in South Africa by offering a free winter school to the disadvantaged Grade 12 pupils in the remote areas.

The social investment manager of the mine, Mr Reginald Kone, said that they have already paid R120 000 for the disadvantaged rural students for free study material and accommodation in three centres.

"Basically we are promoting maths and science students who wish to pursue a BSc in geology. This is the first phase and students will undergo a learning potential test that will pave the way to the second phase. The interviews for the second phase will be held in Pretoria, Iscor Technical College in July this year, said Mr Kone.

Should they pass the 2002 Grade 12 final examination, they will need to undergo twelve-month bridging courses. They would be doing electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, meteorological engineering, industrial and mining engineering.