Unhappy locals intend to shut down all the Sasol gates and demand employment of locals

Disgruntled locals have vowed to mobilise mass action against Sasol before the 2017 shut down begins.

They intend to shut down all the Sasol gates and demand employment of locals.

The conveners said this time they will get their voices heard by Sasol and that it should become directly and practically involved in the upliftment of the local communities in various socio-economic ways.

That include local prominent politicians, civic organisations and business forums.

They said they were patient with Sasol and tried to have positive interaction with the company, but were ignored.

Ms Matebello Motloung, Media Relations Group Communication and Brand Management at Sasol, said Sasol, as a responsible corporate citizen, is committed to the upliftment and betterment of the communities closest to their operations.

She said therefore the company seeks to and ensures that no less than 70 per cent of shutdown employment opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled workers are firstly given to local community members.

“Only with the exception of specific specialised skills not available in our country and local communities, does Sasol seek recruitment outside the country and relevant areas.

“In addition to employing 27 000 people directly in our South African operations, last year Sasol created 15 500 additional employment opportunities through our annual maintenance shutdowns at both our Secunda and Sasolburg operations.

“Of this shutdown number, approximately 70 per cent of the semi-skilled temporary labour is recruited from the surrounding communities.

“Furthermore, we indirectly employ more than 44 000 contractors.”

Ms Motloung said this is because Sasol is committed to continue to invest in South African business to create and retain jobs.

Those who would like to find out more about the shutdown recruitment process in Secunda, can contact Sasol’s call centre at 017 610 4777.

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