Sasol, an integrated energy and chemical company founded in South Africa in 1950, has a long history of innovation and commitment to sustainability. Initially focused on producing synthetic fuel from coal, the company has expanded into a global player with operations across gas, chemicals and renewable energy. Sasol’s focus on enhancing energy security reflects its commitment to creating shared socioeconomic value. Central to this is Sasol’s promise to act as a catalyst for positive social change.
The company fulfils this promise by empowering individuals to thrive. Through education and training programmes Sasol invests in upskilling the youth, improving their employability and contributing to economic growth. This places young people at the heart of its approach, ensuring that Sasol’s efforts lead to meaningful and lasting outcomes.
Sasol’s CSI in response to the South African context
In South Africa a notable gap exists in practical skills training within technical schools. Learners require not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience with the equipment they study. This aligns with Sasol’s broader commitment to addressing skills shortages in engineering and technical fields. To this end, Sasol has established the Technical Schools of Excellence Network (TechSENet) through which it aims to produce a pipeline of world-class artisans, technicians and technologists. TechSENet enables broader access to quality education and training for learners interested in vocational trades. Additionally, the initiative works to contribute to human capital development of the country and increase the pool of vocationally skilled people in the science, technology, engineering and maths disciplines.
The Sasol and Kagiso Trust National Teacher and Learner Skills Competition
A cornerstone of Sasol’s skills development strategy is the Sasol and Kagiso Trust National Teacher and Learner Skills Competition (National Skills Competition), implemented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Targeting learners in grades 10, 11 and 12, the competition provides hands-on training in various technical fields such as welding, plumbing, engineering, and graphics and design. The initiative aims to raise the visibility and recognition of technical vocational education and training, directly challenging societal perceptions that traditional academic paths hold more value than careers in trades such as plumbing and welding. This initiative supports the National Development Plan’s goal of producing 30 000 artisans annually in South Africa.
The competition operates at four progressive levels: school, district, provincial and national. Learners are selected at the school level based on practical tasks they complete, with those excelling moving on to district and provincial competitions. The top learners from each province then compete in a national showdown, evaluated by industry professionals.
Practical skills development is integrated with theoretical studies, ensuring that students effectively use the state-of-the-art equipment that Sasol donated to schools. This approach prevents the under-utilisation of resources and encourages healthy competition among students, enhancing their employability.
Tracing the roots of Sasol’s skills development efforts
The success of Sasol’s skills development efforts can be traced back to the initiation in 2011 of the transformation of the John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation (previously John Orr Technical High School) in Johannesburg. This project aimed to restore the school’s standing as a premier institution for technical education. After seeing positive results, Sasol expanded this initiative, eventually developing the TechSENet, which now spans five provinces.
The idea for the National Skills Competition emerged from this foundation and Sasol’s experience with equipment donations. While advanced tools and machines were provided, they were often under-used and primarily reserved for end-of-year assessments. To promote continuous engagement, Sasol introduced the competition, allowing learners to develop proficiency in operating these tools effectively on an ongoing basis.
Impact and success stories
The programme has successfully transformed schools into fully equipped technical training centres, delivering high-quality education in vocational trades. Workshops now feature Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA)-accredited machinery and teachers have undergone additional training, empowering learners with essential skills in maths, science and trade theory. As a result, hundreds of students have qualified as artisans, directly contributing to South Africa’s objective of increasing the number of skilled technicians and artisans. Additionally, the competition raises the profile of vocational training, providing much-needed recognition for learners in a landscape where academic pathways have long overshadowed vocational options.
Another notable advantage of the competition is the exposure it offers. Learners engage with vocational training early on, acquiring practical skills and securing apprenticeships before completing their high school education. This hands-on experience enables them to achieve job readiness sooner than their academically focused peers. For many it marks the first time they travel outside their provinces, fly on planes and stay in hotels, broadening their horizons and personal growth. These unique experiences enrich their educational journey.
2024 National Skills Competition
In the 2024 edition, the competition featured participants from various provinces across 13 categories, with awards distributed to top learners in different trades. One example of the programme’s success is Meladi Maabane from Derek Kobe High School in Limpopo.
Achieving success through collaboration
Collaboration has been key to the success of the initiative, particularly with the DBE, technical institutions and NPOs like the Kagiso Trust. These partnerships not only provide funding and apprenticeships for top learners but reinforce the importance of technical and vocational education. Additionally, collaborations with educational institutions and industry partners, such as the Institute of Plumbing South Africa, Artisan Training Institute (ATI) , Modena, Cad4ALL, Resolution Circle, FESTO and the DBE facilitate access to resources and opportunities that further enhance the training experience for students.
Future prospects
Looking ahead, Sasol will continue to promote the career growth opportunities associated with technical and vocational skills to inspire a shift in mindset among learners and parents who often prioritise academic pathways over trades such as plumbing and electrical work. In collaboration with the DBE, Sasol will continue to support the Three Streams Education Model, with the goal of shifting 60% of the country’s educational focus towards these essential fields. This approach is vital for recognising artisans and technicians as key contributors to the economy.
Additionally, Sasol aims to align its competition with the WorldSkills Competition, targeting learners younger than 23 years, with aspirations to provide scholarships for top performers to participate in the international competition. This will not only elevate the prestige of vocational training but also expose South African learners to global standards and best practices in technical skills, preparing them for a competitive workforce.
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- csr@sasol.com
- society.sasol.com
