Secunda, Mpumalanga – Sasol is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sasol and the Mpumalanga government. The MOU’s intent is to strengthen the cooperation between the public and private sectors for the benefit of the people of Mpumalanga. The main purpose of the MOU is to collaborate on the implementation of initiatives identified in the respective areas of collaboration. 

Proposed areas of collaboration in the revised MOU:

• To enhance Human capital development with special emphasis on, but not limited to;
  • 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, 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 beneficiation, green economy and land rehabilitation for productive use; and
• To identify areas of mutual interest for research and development.

The MOU is an extension of a previous agreement that expired in 2017. As part of the previous MOU, Sasol and Mpumalanga government implemented projects in the various municipalities around Mpumalanga. These projects included: 

Projects Implemented by Sasol from the 2012 – 2017 MOU:

• Sasol Infrastructure projects implemented in Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM),
  • Upgrade of a Pump Station and Sewer reticulation network;
  • Waste water reticulation in eMbalenhle;
  • Upgrade of the Secunda and Bethal electrical substation;
  • 33 Housing Project for the elderly, vulnerable and orphaned as requested by Honourable  Premier D.D. Mabuza 
  • Clinic upgrade in Ext 14 eMbalenhle 
• Sasol Social and Labour Plans implemented at Govan Mbeki, Lekwa and Dipaleseng Local Municipalities include, among others, Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Fire Station Upgrade in Leandra to mention but a few.  
• Baseline Maintenance projects at GMM 
  • Traffic lights and Upgrade of roads/roads maintenance)
  • Streetlights, Installation of Bulk meters
• Safety, Recreation and Waste management Projects 
  • Upgrade of Parks, Waste Management project
• Education and Skills Development Projects
  • Skills development initiatives/ Youth employability projects
  • Whole school development support (Learners, educator and infrastructure)

Projects Implemented by MPG from the 2012 – 2017 MOU 

• The Industrial Development Zone (IDZ)  
• Youth Co-operative for ash beneficiation 
• Human Settlement developed houses in eMbalenhle
• Sewer challenges alleviated in Govan Mbeki (COGTA and Human Settlement)
• Department of Basic Education awarded best performing students

Almost all projects which were identified in the MOU have been completed. Some of the Social and Labour Plan, Local Economic Development projects, were completed in 2018 while remaining few will be completed in 2020 as initially committed. 

“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 per se,” said Charlotte Mokoena, Executive Vice President for Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Sasol Limited.