Petrochemical giant Sasol Limited has awarded university bursaries to 188 students this year, who completed a comprehensive orientation programme at the company’s Secunda operations last week.

During the orientation programme, students participated in life and study skills workshops, while also being exposed to the Sasol operations and the plant environment. Sasol Secunda is the world’s largest Coal-to-Liquid (CTL) fuel plant and also houses Sasol Mining, which supplies coal to the CTL process.

The bursary scheme is a critical element in Sasol’s talent development strategy. This year’s intake boosts Sasol’s existing 761 undergraduate and postgraduate bursars to 949. The bursary investment of R45 million in 2009 focused primarily on developing talent in science and technology disciplines to, amongst other objectives, help bridge the gaps identified on the Government’s national scarce skills list.

“Sasol is investing now in talent that will develop into South Africa’s next generation of scientists and engineers. These future professionals will support our company’s ambitious growth plans for the future while also enhancing South Africa’s pool of expertise in these sought-after professions,” said Nolitha Fakude, Sasol executive director.

In 2009, Sasol invested over R400 million in programmes focusing on learner interventions from early childhood development through to PhDs, also leveraging the company’s Corporate Social Investments, to provide vital teacher development initiatives.

“With the spot-light again on disappointing Grade 12 and maths and science results, along with ongoing skills shortages, we believe a multi-sectoral approach that includes South African business is vital in helping education in South Africa turn the corner towards success. With these objectives, we at Sasol are committed to our ongoing investment in skills development through practical training and support of learners, educators and educational institutions”, Fakude said.

“The Sasol Inzalo Foundation, with its focus on science, maths and technology, is an important mechanism to ensure that the impact Sasol is seeking to make on skills development is tangible and sustainable,” she concluded.

Success flowing from this multi-sectoral approach is evident in Sasol’s partnership with three other petroleum companies to train artisans for the petroleum industry. This partnership forms part of the oil, gas and electrical manufacturing project and, through this initiative, Sasol trained 1050 artisans in 2009, with an investment of R140 million.

Sasol will continue to invest in the attraction of young talent through its sought-after bursary scheme that is largely focused on science and technology disciplines.

Students wishing to study towards maths and science degrees such as Engineering, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Commerce in the 2011 academic year are invited to apply. Candidates can apply online at www.sasolbursaries.com, call 0860 106 235 or SMS ’sasol bursaries’ to 33130. Applications close 5 March 2010.