75 years of Sasol
During September, we come together across our regions to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 75 Years of Sasol. This achievement belongs to everyone who has been part of our journey.
Sasol began in 1950 with a bold national vision to create energy independence and industrial capacity. From those early days in Sasolburg, where pioneered coal-to-liquid technology, we have grown into a symbol of innovation and resilience. Our story is one of transformation, built by generations of employees who dared to imagine and achieve more. We honour those who laid the foundations for the business we stand on today.
Today, Sasol is a global energy and chemical company, but more importantly, we are a community of people who show up every day with purpose.
We have weathered challenges, and continued to deliver for our customers, communities, and shareholders. That is a testament to your commitment and professionalism.
This anniversary is about looking forward with clarity and courage. The future of energy is changing, and so are our customers. The world is calling for sustainability, transformation, and solutions that serve both people and the planet, and Sasol is ready. Our journey to Net Zero, our investments in green hydrogen, and our digital transformation are not side projects; they are the future.
Sasol’s legacy is not only in barrels or profits, but in lives. In the learners we’ve supported, the artisans we’ve trained, and the small businesses we’ve empowered.
Sasol established on 26 September
The original coal-to-liquids (CTL) complex at Sasolburg, South Africa, starts producing synthetic fuels and chemicals.
Sasol yields a profit of R1,36 million after five years of commercial production.
South African Gas Distribution Company (previously Sasol Gas) was formed.
The joint venture, Natref oil refinery, starts fuel production.
Construction of R2,3 billion Sasol Two commences on the Secunda site.
Sasol privatises and lists on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
The Sasol Two synfuels and chemicals complex was completed.
Sasol Three, a replica of Sasol Two (Secunda complex) starts production.
A new company is formed to manufacture and market ammonium nitrate fertilisers.
The 100 barrels per day (bbl/d) Sasol Phase Distillate demonstration reactor was commissioned.
A high purity ethanol plant comes on stream at the Sasolburg complex.
The first Sasol Advanced Synthol reactor comes online at the Secunda complex.
An agreement was signed with Mozambican government to develop gas reserves.
The International Condea chemical business was acquired.
Listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
Construction of an environmentally friendly gas-to-liquids (GTL) venture commences in Qatar.
First natural gas from Mozambique arrives in Secunda through the cross-border pipeline.
Sasol Oil merges with Exel Petroleum.
The ORYX gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant in Qatar was commissioned.
Expansion of chemical business in China with offices in Shanghai.
Opening of state-of-the-art fuel testing facility in Cape Town.
The world’s first fully synthetic jet fuel, produced by Sasol, takes to the skies.
Plans for a gas-to-power energy plant in Mozambique in partnership with Electricidade de Moçambique.
Construction of 140-Megawatt electricity generation plant at the Sasolburg complex.
Completed a US$220 million expansion at the Central Processing Facility.
Completed pipeline between Secunda and Natref and the new head office, Sasol Place.
Commenced Ethylene Purification Unit 5 at the Sasolburg complex.
Achieved beneficial operation of the C3 stabilisation unit at Secunda complex.
Celebrated the 10th anniversary of the natural gas project in Mozambique.
Announced Loopline 2 from CPF to Secunda.
Announced construction, with partner Air Liquide, of 17th oxygen train at Secunda site.
Completed the Secunda Growth programme and inaugurated the new C3 expansion project at the Secunda complex.
Launched Fischer-Tropsch wax expansion Sasolburg complex.
The high-density polyethylene joint venture plant in the United States achieves beneficial operation.
Licensed proprietary Sasol Slurry Phase technology to the Uzbekistan gas-to-liquids project.
Started the world’s largest oxygen train in partnership with Air Liquide at the Secunda complex.
Progressed the mine expansion programme and inaugurated the Shondoni mine
Complete the Alumina expansion project at the Brunsbüttel plant in Germany.
Unveiled Impumelelo, R14-billion mine replacement programme.
The first units of the Lake Charles Chemicals Projects come online.
Sasol advanced sustainability as a strategic business imperative.
Open a new wax warehouse at the Sasolburg complex.
Sasol enters a R400 million ESD agreement through the Sasol Siyakha Trust to fund South Africa’s first locally owned maritime vessel.
As a secondary listing, Sasol lists on the South Africa-based independent stock exchange A2X.
Establishment of the new joint venture in which explosives business’ management and operational controls were transferred to Enaex South Africa.
Completed the sale of the Secunda air separation unit to Air Liquide after gaining Competition Tribunal approval, marking a strategic portfolio move.
Three major European chemical plants (Marl, Brunsbüttel and Augusta) achieved ISCC PLUS certification, enabling mass-balanced use of bio-based/recycled feedstocks.
Won the CAIA Responsible Care Water Award for transparent reporting and the Industrial Corporate Company of the Year
Launched the Lake Charles sustainability hub in partnership with the Mission Possible Partnership to explore hydrogen, carbon capture (CCUS), and sustainable aviation fuel.
Construction on the 69 MW Msenge Emoyeni wind farm in Eastern Cape, with commercial operations.
Launched Ampli Energy, a joint venture with Discovery Green, to retail renewable electricity.
Partnership with Henkel to supply SASOLWAX LC low-carbon Fischer Tropsch wax in adhesives.
Announced plans to use renewables to offset coal at its flagship Secunda plant, lowering GHG footprint.