South Africa has R23 trillion in mineral wealth under our feet. But 0% of our school curriculum teaches kids about mining, mineral rights, or how prices for gold, platinum, copper, and diamonds are set

Our children, especially from Historically Disadvantaged South African (HDSA) communities, grow up in mining towns but graduate knowing nothing about the economy they live in. They can’t get mining jobs, can’t defend their land, can’t hold mines accountable, and can’t play a part in the mining economy.

We demand the Department of Basic Education and Department of Mineral Resources add compulsory “Mining & Mineral Resources” education for all grades R-12 by January 2028.

SA cannot be poor with minerals.

Why this matters:

1. R23 trillion problem: South Africa is one of the richest countries in minerals – platinum, gold, coal, diamonds, iron ore amongst others. Mining makes up 8% of GDP and employs 450,000 people directly. 

2. Zero education: Not one subject in the national CAPS curriculum teaches kids how South Africa is rich with minerals, how can South Africans protects or benefit in this economy, how mining works, who owns the minerals, how long does it take for minerals to be formed, what an SLP is, or how prices are determined on the LME and COMEX. 

3. HDSA exclusion: Most of the 12.9 million learners in public schools are Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA). 60% live in mining provinces. They inherit the minerals but not the knowledge to benefit, defend, or shape that economy. 

4. The law is clear: Constitution Section 29 says every child has the right to education that prepares them for the economy. MPRDA Section 2(f) says mining must expand opportunities for HDSA to participate in the mineral economy. Right now, both are being violated.

What we demand:
1. New Subject by 2028: DBE and DMRE must create a compulsory “Mining & Mineral Resources” module for Grade R-12. Teach kids:  

• Foundation: What are minerals? What types of minerals does SA have? Why is SA rich in minerals? 
• Intermediate: How many mines do we have in SA/province/regions and wards? What minerals are mined in SA? How do mines work? What is public participation? What is the EIA? What is an SLP? Mining jobs & Mining opportunities, Mining Economy and Industry. 
• Senior: How minerals prices are set? Who controls the mining economy? How can South Africans apply for Mining rights? How can HDSA communities participate, aquire and or defend mineral/mining rights and monitor mines? How can HDSA and host communities aquire bursaries + career paths+procurement+economic communities  development.

2. Mines Must Pay

All mining companies must spend 1.5% of annual revenue on basic education in HDSA/Host communities, as required by MPRDA Regulation 46. That’s ~R15 billion/year for textbooks, teacher training, and school mine visits.

3. No more delays:

Once we hit 100,000 signatures, government must:  

• Respond in writing within 30 days 
• Hold public hearings in all 9 provinces within 90 days
•  Table the draft curriculum within 6 months
• Start teaching about minerals and mining in all schools by January 2028

This is not charity. This is the law.

Minerals belong to all South Africans. But if our kids don’t understand them, they’ll never own them.

Thuto ke Matla,Knowledge is Power
SA cannot be poor with lack of knowledge about its minerals.

Sign and share if you believe our children deserve to understand the wealth under their feet.

Petition by:Amathandazwe