The Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo, Cllr Brutus Mahlaku, District Mayor of Fezile Dabi Municipality, Cllr Moeketsi Moshodi and District Director of Education of Fezile Dabi, Vusi Chuta, amongst others attended the official opening of Sasol’s flagship career exhibition, Sasol Techno X 2013. The expo takes place at the Boiketlong Sport Centre, in Sasolburg from 19 to 23 August 2013, and is a premier career exhibition in South Africa, profiling mathematics, science and technology.

Cllr Mahlaku said, “Sasol Techno X sparks a desire for mathematics, science and technology amongst students. It stimulates them and drives an eagerness for them to do better. In addition, the week-long expo brings investment to the province.”

Sasol Techno X celebrates its 13^th year of existence and provides a dynamic and interactive way for learners to discover career opportunities in these three fields. The exhibition is aimed at grade 7 to 12 learners who are exposed to interactive displays, workshops, site visits, talks by experts in the fields and hands-on activities. The 2013 theme is Curiosity fuels the future.

Vusi Cwane, General Manager Public Affairs: Group Marketing and Operations, Sasol said, “Choosing a career is an important part for a student. The Sasol Techno X therefore exposes them to jobs and professionals who have excelled. The expo breaks the stigma that mathematics and science are for a selected few.” 

Sasol is also proud to partner with government and educational institutions to ensure that Sasol Techno X’s impact and reach is maximised to benefit learners, teachers and the local Sasolburg community. 

At Sasol Techno X, learners have the opportunity to engage with universities and other industry stakeholders on the practicalities of moving through course studies and bursary options.

District Director of Education of Fezile Dabi, Vusi Chuta, emphasised that there is an alarming skills shortage in the country, especially in field of engineering. He said, “There are modern ways of working and as technology progresses, it is required that we meet the demands. Mathematics, science and technology serves as a building block, allowing our country to compete favourably. However, we still need to do more to increase our skills base. We need to lay a solid foundation from a school level.”

According to the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), South Africa currently has one engineer for every 3 100 people, compared to Germany with one engineer for every 200 people. In countries like Japan, U.K. and U.S.A., this ratio stands at about 1:310.

“In the last two years, the number of students taking mathematics and science has increased in our district. There is no better company in this world who can introduce mathematics, science and technology to our youth, other than Sasol. They understand the shortage of skills and we will always partner with these types of expos,” Chuta concluded.

Cllr Brutus Mahlaku enjoying the exhibition at Sasol Techno X
Sasol Solvents Lab visit
Students putting together puzzles of Africa	Vaal Emergency Services demonstration
Learners eagerly queue for Sasol Techno X 2013	Curiosity for fashion - made from recycled materials

Ends

Issued by:

Cobus Jansen, Manager Public Affairs : Communication

Direct telephone +27 (16) 960 2646; Mobile +27 (0) 82 410 6882;

cobus.jansen@sasol.com

Alex Anderson, Group Media Manager

Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3295; Mobile +27 (0) 71 600 9605;

alex.anderson@sasol.com

Jacqui O’Sullivan, GM: Group Communication

Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3252; Mobile +27 (0) 82 883 9697;

jacqui.osullivan@sasol.com