Sasol and Province strengthens their partnership

SECUNDA – Sasol and the Mpumalanga provincial government have renewed their public-private partnership.

The public-private partnership is in line with Sasol’s commitment to sustainable development and to delivering meaningful contributions to the communities within which it operates.

The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Secunda Sasol Club on Thursday, 11 April.

The MOU is aimed at strengthening the cooperation between the public and the private sectors for the benefit of the people of Mpumalanga.

Following are the Proposed areas of collaboration in the revised MOU:

– To enhance Human capital development with special emphasis on refocusing of Sasol’s bursary scheme to appropriately target Mpumalanga; the improvement of mathematics, science and technology in basic education; skills development particularly for unemployed ‘out of school’ youth; providing relevant engineering and technical expertise and support to a faculty of science, engineering and technology for the envisaged University of Mpumalanga.

– To develop the sustainability of Mpumalanga in support of Sasol’s Vision 2050 by focusing largely on basic infrastructure, social infrastructure and economic infrastructure in the context of integrated human settlement.

– To develop and promote small business and cooperatives in order to stimulate local economic development focusing on capacity building and enhanced procurement expenditure with a particular focus on the previously disadvantaged groups.

– To ensure an environment conducive to Sasol doing business without compromising the fundamentals of sustainable development.

– To promote research and development, explore new opportunities for economic growth and job creation, particularly in the areas of downstream benefit, green economy and land rehabilitation for productive use and to identify areas of mutual interest for research and development.

Ms Charlotte Mokoena, executive vice president for Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Sasol Limited, said: “At Sasol, we recognise that we have a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute in finding solutions to the socio-economic challenges within Mpumalanga, and hence the signing of the MOU today is a testament of our commitment to the development of our country.”

The Mpumalanga Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni praised Sasol for its continued contribution towards the better living condition of the people of the Mpumalanga.

“This is a sign that we are moving forward and that there is transformation. I am happy that the MOU incorporates employment chances for the youth and that they will be empowered into small businesses.

“While I was busy in the area doing ANC work, I came across a group of people who seemed to be having a meeting. I then contacted the mayor Ms Thandi Ngxonono, to find out if she knows about them.

“She told me that it is a forum of the unemployed youth who try to make their voice heard.

“I thought that this is the sign that young people are in a desperate position and that unemployment frustrates them.

“I am happy that this MOU will contribute in fighting unemployment in the area.

“We must attended to these young people who have mobilised themselves, otherwise it is a ticking bomb.”

“We will also work side-by-side to ensure that stability in our communities is maintained and also ensure that we continue to attract investors to our province. We are grateful of all the deliverables, all your efforts have not gone unnoticed.”

The event was attended by traditional leaders, the Finance Economic Development MEC Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane, the MEC for Health, Mr Sasekani Manzini, Education MEC Mr Sbusiso Innocent Malaza, Public Works Roads and Transport MEC Mr Gillion Mashego, the executive mayor from Govan Mbeki Municipality, Ms Ngxonono, and Gert Sibande District mayor Mr Muzi Chirwa.