OREANDA-NEWS. October 15, 2012. Today, Sasol announced that it will invest a total of R200 million in the Govan Mbeki Municipality in Mpumalanga and Metsimaholo Municipality in the Free State, in the coming year. The public-private partnership is line with Sasol’s commitment to sustainable development and to delivering meaningful contributions to the communities within which it operates.

The project will see Sasol partner with the respective municipalities in improving the Secunda and Sasolburg areas to enhance development.

“We are excited about this project and it is an excellent example of how we can deliver through partnerships. Sasol’s approach to sustainable development depends on building strong and mutually beneficial relationships and we are proud to be working with provincial and local authorities, in these areas, to assist our communities,” said Maurice Radebe, Sasol Group Executive Sasol.

Schools in both areas will be a primary beneficiary of the project. Focus areas for schools will be the replacement of fixtures and the improvement of security, with new fencing and lighting, so learners are safe while at school.

In addition to school infrastructure, the Osizweni Education and Development Centre in Secunda will be used to reach out to the surrounding schools in the Govan Mbeki area, as part of improving maths and science education.

Major infrastructure developments, such as roads and storm water drains will be improved, as one of the key drivers of regional development, amongst others.

Secunda and Dipaliseng will undergo an extensive clean-up initiative; including the surrounding water systems. Recycling bins will feature throughout the area as the project progresses.

Sasol has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mpumalanga Province to formalise the public-private partnership.

“The partnership between government and Sasol will not only go a long way in promoting the private-public partnership, but will help the provincial government speedily deliver much needed services,” said Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza. “We salute Sasol for having come forth to partner with us. Their social responsibility projects will indeed bring improved services.”

Sasolburg also will undergo a clean-up, while community assets such as the DP de Villiers stadium, the Penny Heyns swimming pool, the Sasolburg library and the Boitjorisong Resource Centre, will all be upgraded.

“We look forward to working with the provincial and local governments in bringing this project to life, delivering results to our communities and promote local development,” Radebe said.