Premier Mabuza signs memorandum of understanding with Sasol
16 October 2012
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza yesterday [15 October 2012] entered into an agreement of partnership with the country’s giant oil, gas, mining and chemicals company, Sasol.
The memorandum of understanding [MOU] signed seeks to formalise cooperation with government in enhancing human capital development with special emphasis on amongst others; skills development, improvement of mathematics, science and technology in the province.
It further seeks to develop the sustainability of Govan Mbeki and Dipaliseng local municipalities by focusing on providing basic social and economic infrastructure in the context of integrated human settlements.
According to the MOU, Sasol is expected to assist the provincial government by imparting skills on engineering and technology, and support the establishment of a faculty of science in Secunda for the envisioned University of Mpumalanga.
The MOU also seeks to promote research and development to explore new opportunities for growth and job creation, particularly in the areas of the downstream beneficiation, green economy and land rehabilitation for productive use.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Premier said the provincial government was grateful to Sasol for the partnership.
“While everybody has a vision, it is only the people with long-term vision who can succeed. It will help us as a country if we put our resources together and speak in one voice because if we plan together, we can achieve a lot.
“This is the beginning of the journey we must travel together. The reality of the matter is that, it is the provincial government which will benefit mainly from this memorandum as compared to Sasol,” said Mabuza.
Beyond the MOU, Sasol has a R71 million allocation for special projects for both Govan Mbeki and Dipaliseng municipalities which would be implemented in line with their integrated development plans until 2017.
The projects include amongst others connecting water in Kinross, constructing a fire station in Leandra, upgrading of sewerage plants in Dipaliseng, upgrading of waste water treatment plants and fencing of water reservoir.
While there would be an upgrade of Nthoroane road in Dipaliseng, there would also be an upgrade of eMbalenhle and Mzinoni stadiums, construction of a multi-purpose centre in Charl Cilliers and construction of foot bridges in eMbalenhle.
“This is a true private-public-partnership at its best. The partnership is meant to benefit the needy and those who are vulnerable,” said Mabuza.
Speaking at the same event, Sasol’s Group Executive Member Maurice Radebe said the investment was about establishing stable communities.
Issued by Zibonele Mncwango
Spokesperson: Mpumalanga Premier
Tel: (013) 766 2453
Mobile: 079 491 0163
E-mail: zmncwango@mpg.gov.za
