Secunda, Mpumalanga – Today, Sasol together with its education flagship project Osizweni Science Centre, hosted the 25th Annual Grade 12 Merit Awards ceremony at Sasol Secunda Recreation Club to honour those matriculants that achieved outstanding results in 2019. 

The Sasol Grade 12 Merit Awards recognise the best performing learners in Govan Mbeki, Lekwa and Dipaleseng municipalities, particularly those who performed well in Mathematics and Science. 

The awards were presented to learners who have obtained three to nine distinctions, and top achievers for learners from Quintile 1- 4 schools. 

A total of 97 learners received Merit Award certificates as well as cash prizes to the value of R15 000 each towards registration fees at tertiary institutions of their choice. Learners who obtained more than three distinctions received R1 000 for each distinction. 

The awards also acknowledged the best performing Mathematics and Physical Science teachers and schools as well as the most improved school in the Standerton sub-region. The Gert Sibande District, which the Standerton sub-region forms part of, obtained 79,3% - an improvement from 77,5% in 2018. 

“Sasol would like to congratulate all the award-winners for their outstanding performance and achievements. Sasol is proud of the role that it plays in improving the quality of education and building capacity of the education sector in our host regions. Our focus on STEM subjects allows us to positively contribute to the development of the skills required to meet the demands of the growing economy and increase the economic participation of people in our communities,” said Simon Baloyi, Senior Vice President: Secunda Chemicals Operations. 

Over the years Sasol and Osizweni Science Centre have supported different aspects of education – from providing bursaries, school infrastructure, and education resources to supporting teacher and learner development as well as early childhood development centres.