Integrated energy and chemicals company Sasol and crude oil refinery National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) employees in Sasolburg marked Nelson Mandela International Day, on July 18 this year, by “giving a little of their time to make a difference in the lives of others”, Sasol reported.

Natref is a medium-sized technologically advanced refinery and is a joint venture between Sasol Oil and integrated energy company Total South Africa.

Mandela Day is a yearly global celebration that honours the legacy of former South Africa President Nelson Mandela. The day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities and organisations to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities.

Sasol community affairs head Thuli Mbuli explained that Sasol’s focus this year was on food security, which is an important issue affecting many vulnerable groups in Sasolburg communities, specifically child and youth-headed households, as well as households headed by the elderly who are looking after children.

“We are proud to report that over 350 employees volunteered on Mandela Day, packing 800 nutritious food hampers including various nonperishable food items. These items, packed in reusable buckets, [were] provided to child-focused nonprofit organisations that will distribute them to people in need around Metsimaholo,” Mbuli said.

In addition to the food packing, employees also volunteered to paint and clean at the Lesedi Edu-Care centre in Zamdela.

Further, the Phele O Mpedise centre received a range of equipment from Sasol to assist it in its preparation of nutritious meals for its beneficiaries. The nongovernmental organisation provides care to vulnerable children and child-headed families in Zamdela.

Tsatsi Primary School and AJ Jacobs Primary School were also assisted with equipment and maintenance work. Tsatsi Primary received furniture, garden equipment and seedlings for its vegetable garden, sports equipment and maintenance of its netball courts and soccer field. Maintenance work and painting were also done to enhance the greenhouse and playground.

At AJ Jacobs Primary, Sasol employees contributed by painting the floor of the girls’ bathroom along with the replacement of toilet seats and installation of new locks for the stalls.

Residents of the Môredou Old Age Home in Sasolburg received hampers, while Sasol employees donated nonperishable food items to the home.

“Since Mandela Day 2023, Sasol has implemented various campaigns to raise awareness and provide care and support to victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as part of the Sasol GBVF Response Plan,” said Mbuli.

In Sasolburg, Sasol further supported and upgraded the Sasolburg Safe House for Children and the Sasolburg Thuthuzela Care Centre. The safe house was fully renovated and converted to use renewable energy and water from a borehole. Sasol also provided a laundry and play area.

At the Thuthuzela Care Centre, the property was fenced and paved, shade netting and seating provided, while the access road and parking area were also upgraded. A storage and filing solution were also provided in addition to donations of “much needed” household items, gardening equipment, as well as toys and books for the two centres.

The activities in Sasolburg formed part of Sasol’s Mandela Day celebrations at 12 Sasol sites around South Africa that saw more than 1 400 volunteers pack over 3 000 hampers while others did volunteer work at facilities that take care of the most vulnerable in society.