The University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Mining Engineering — already one of the most influential mining education institutions in Africa — is setting its sights on becoming a global top-ten leader under the stewardship of its new head, Dr Paseka Leeuw, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Taking over from Zimbabwean-born Professor Cuthbert Musingwini earlier this year, Dr Leeuw brings over two decades of blended academic and operational mining experience, with a clear mandate: elevate the Johannesburg-based school beyond its current 11th spot in the QS World University Rankings for Mineral and Mining Engineering.
“Wits is already a global brand in mining education,” said Dr Leeuw. “Now, it’s about pushing the envelope further — we’re building on strong foundations laid by my predecessor and taking a bold step towards a top-ten global ranking.”
From the Pit to the Podium
Dr Leeuw is no stranger to the industry or academia. A Wits graduate himself (BSc Mining Engineering, 1994), he spent formative years managing operations at Kimberley Mines, later serving in roles such as section manager and technical services manager. His industry tenure in South Africa’s diamond sector earned him invaluable experience, which he carried back into academia in 2009.
He went on to obtain an MBA from De Montfort University in the UK and completed both his MSc and PhD at Wits — further solidifying his technical and strategic grounding.
With over 700 enrolled students and a staff complement of 23, the Wits School of Mining Engineering is among the largest globally. Dr Leeuw credits the School’s reputation not just to its numbers, but to its dynamic, tech-forward, and collaborative academic culture.
Championing Digital-First Mining Education
In 2018, under Prof. Musingwini’s leadership, Wits Mining embraced the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), aligning its curriculum with emerging mining technologies and digital transformation.
That legacy continues. “Second-year students at Wits are now taught programming and exposed to automation and robotics in mining,” Dr Leeuw noted. “We are deliberately equipping our graduates with data analytics skills — because the future of mining is digital, data-driven, and smart.”
Through the Wits Mining Institute’s partnership with Sibanye-Stillwater, students have access to the cutting-edge DigiMine Laboratory — a one-of-a-kind digital mining research facility focused on safety and sustainability.
Adapting to a Changing Industry
Dr Leeuw reflects on how mining education has changed. In the past, students arrived with bursaries from major mining houses and could count on post-graduation job placements. Today, most learners fund themselves and may never have stepped foot on a mine.
“We’re bridging that gap with simulated underground environments on campus and forging deeper industry linkages to offer real-world exposure,” he said.
This shift has made industry-academic collaboration even more crucial. The School continues to work closely with mining giants like Anglo American, Harmony, Seriti Resources, African Rainbow Minerals, and Sibanye-Stillwater, while also building partnerships with junior mining outfits.
Global Outlook, African Roots
Dr Leeuw succeeds Prof. Musingwini, who made history as the first Zimbabwean-born academic to lead the Wits School of Mining Engineering. With over 30 years’ experience, including time in Zimbabwe’s gold mining sector and at the University of Zimbabwe, Musingwini’s tenure was marked by curriculum transformation, expanded research output, and international collaborations.
Today, Wits Mining maintains academic exchanges and staff development programmes with institutions in Nigeria, Namibia, Pakistan, and Mozambique — many facilitated through European and Dutch government-funded initiatives like Erasmus+ and NICHE.
There are also partnerships on the horizon with Sierra Leone’s Kono University of Science and Technology, and other mining departments across the globe.
The Road to the Top 10
As the mining sector across Africa transitions to more sustainable, tech-enabled operations, the demand for digitally skilled professionals is surging. Dr Leeuw believes Wits can play a transformative role in preparing the continent’s future mining leaders.
“Our mission is to support Africa’s economic growth through relevant, high-quality education that’s aligned with industry needs,” said Dr Leeuw. “We’ve consistently ranked among the top 20 globally since 2016 — now we’re ready to claim a seat at the top table.”
