The Mineworkers Investment Trust (MIT) launched a commemorative book, titled 20 Years of Shining the Light, which highlights the various successes of the trust since its formation in 1995, earlier this month.

In the opening pages of the book, MIT COO Simphiwe Nanise notes that the role of the trust is “to support a societal shift from complacency to active participation toward a greater good”, and that, since its inception, the MIT has donated more than R400-million to its members, enriching their lives and providing them with education.

He highlights the successes of MIT’s flagship programme – the JB Marks Education Trust Fund, which has produced more than 830 graduates in various fields – in securing knowledge, training and skills vital for the future development of South Africa.

Nanise states in his message that, while the trust has the capacity to approve only 250 bursaries from more than 1 000 applications it receives a year, it will endeavour to improve that number to “at least two thirds of the applications receive[d]”.

However, to achieve these goals, Nanise says the MIT must adapt to “changing times”, adding that focused research by nonprofit public benefit company the Sam Tambani Research Institute (Satri) will enable the trust to adjust to the changing needs of South Africans and “provide members and their dependants with the ability to work wisely, creatively and effectively . . . to break the cycle of poverty and worker exploitation”.

The book also features a message from National Union of Mineworkers former general secretary Frans Baleni, in which he congratulates the MIT on its many successes, giving special mention to MIT’s ability to sustainably fund its beneficiaries from the Mineworkers Investment Company and financing the purchase of the Elijah Barayi Memorial Training Centre, in Midrand. Baleni also commends the MIT’s bursary allocation to JB Marks students, funding over 90% of the Mine-workers Development Agency’s pro- grammes and the establishment of Satri.

Former President Kgalema Motlanthe’s entry adds that “it is encouraging to see that the MIT has made such staggering progress and set the example of good corporate governance, visionary leadership and commitment to the ideals of uplifting our people through our own initiatives”.