Sasol believes that education is the foundation of a prosperous future and is continually investing in significant projects as part of the company’s efforts to ensure that the youth are well-equipped for the future. In stimulating enthusiasm in science and technology among learners, Sasol will be participating in National Science Week from 1 – 6 August 2011, through its sponsored initiative, the Osizweni Education & Development Centre.

 
The Osizweni Education & Development Centre was established in 1991 and aspires to support teaching and learning of mathematics, science and technology across all life stages.
 
The centre will be hosting over 50 science and technology activities during the course of National Science Week along with Sasol’s exhibition on petrochemical technology, at its premises in Secunda. The programme will bring together exhibitors from academic institutions, technology-based companies and government based departments including Eskom, South African Police Services, South African Qualifications Authority and Honeywell
 
Among the activities planned for the week are field trips to the Sasol Secunda plant , experiments, brain-teasers , skills talksand career guidance.
 
With the 2011 theme of ‘The role of science in economic development’, National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), implemented since 2001 in all nine provinces of South Africa with the main aim of enticing learners with science at a young age whilst encouraging them to develop an interest in studying mathematics and science subjects.
 
According to Mr. Velaphi Gumbi, CEO of Osizweni this initiative does not only attract and entice youth, but also to those sectors in society that bear influence on the subjects and career choices of learners. The week-long event will encompass activities for the youth of the country in raising an awareness of science and technology by hosting workshops, competitions, exhibitions, public talks, science shows, lectures and seminars.
 
“National Science Week is a crucial component of ongoing activities by the DST to develop human capital and increase the number of students entering the science, engineering and technology space. Sasol is active in efforts like National Science Week that support a solid education framework. On a macro level, these change reactions contribute significantly towards a stable country, stable domestic economy and stable social structure. On a micro level, Sasol’s specific investments in the areas of maths and science are key to a people-centric approach,” says Mr. Gumbi.
 
Through education, Sasol strongly believes that the supply of tomorrow’s scientists and innovators will increase. “By growing the awareness of science through exploration, exhibitions and actual experience, we instil in people an enthusiasm about the wonder and application of the subject, while encouraging greater public engagement in set issues,” concludes Mr. Gumbi.