Sasol gave back to the community on June 8 by donating water tanks, chairs and desks to two schools in the Bethal region.

Dr Sarel Booyens, Sasol’s Head of RSA CSI Programme Executions, said Sasol reinforced its commitment to improving education infrastructure with this gesture.

Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk and eMzinoni Secondary School each received 150 combined desks and chairs. Both schools also previously received water tanks donated by Sasol.

Sasol, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, has committed to supporting 27 schools in the Secunda and Standerton areas with a total of 1 850 desks and chairs.

In an effort to minimise the impact of persistent water supply challenges that affect hygiene, health and the wellbeing of learners and teachers at schools, Sasol also identified 15 schools in the Govan Mbeki municipal area and 15 schools in the Dipaleseng Local municipal area to receive water tanks.

ALSO CHECK: Community volunteers say vandalism and recurring occupation threaten Secunda’s green strips

According to Booysen, this initiative aims to support safe, healthy and conducive learning environments.

“The handover of desks and chairs to the schools in Bethal and eMzinoni coincided with Youth Month, a period that underscores the importance of initiatives focused on youth development, empowerment and long-term growth,” said Booysen.

“Over the years, Sasol has supported schools in communities neighbouring its operations with critical learning resources and infrastructure improvements.

“To date, learners in various regions across Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal have received stationery, hygiene packs and school uniforms through Sasol’s education support programmes.

“At Sasol, we believe that access to quality education begins with creating a safe and enabling environment for learners and educators.

“This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering communities through sustainable development initiatives that support long-term educational outcomes.”