Energy and chemicals group Sasol has launched Bridge to Work (BtW), a portfolio of initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment in its communities across the country.

This is done by developing emerging farmers and improving access to economic opportunities for the youth, women, and adults out of work by providing training in critical skills such as agriculture, motor mechanics, welding, technology and digital business management skills.

“As we progress our Future Sasol strategy, giving effect to a just transition is central to our decarbonisation pathways towards achieving our 2050 net-zero ambitions,” says Sasol human resources and stakeholder relations executive VP Charlotte Mokoena.

“We see the vision of Sasol’s just transition as a shared value proposition that will come to life through the inclusive transformation of our business, people and society. We recognise the socioeconomic impact of this transition over time and have developed a portfolio of pilot initiatives and community resilience projects to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”

Programmes under BtW include Iphepe, which is aimed at establishing and growing the number of successful smallholder farmers, through integrated support systems; community welding aimed at creating qualified welders who are equipped to meet the required skill level for new and existing projects in Mpumalanga and Free State; handyman services to create jobs for unemployed youth and unskilled school handymen; and motor mechanics to produce certified motor mechanics, who will contribute to the motor industry and be positioned to enter the renewable energy powered vehicle industry.

Programmes also include the business technology programme to assist youth in our communities achieve applied technology skills in order to create scalable start-ups and sustainable digital small, medium-sized and microenterprises that are relevant to their community; and a community service programme where the unemployed will be mobilised to become active citizens of the country’s democracy, while earning an income and increasing their employability.

To implement these interventions, Sasolhas partnered with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs in Mpumalanga, Buhle Farmers’ Academy, and the African Farmer’s Association of South Africa.

Additional partners include Afrox, Alternative Information and Development Centre, Aurex, the Small Enterprise Development Agency, the National Youth Development Agency, Productivity SA, the South African Social Security Agency, and the Gert Sibande Technical and Vocational Education and Training College.

Last year, through the Iphephe programme, Sasol produced 85 emerging farmers who graduated from the Buhle Farmers’ Academy. A further 88 farmers are due to complete their training this year. These emerging farmers will be assisted with business starter kits, mentorship and market access to make their businesses grow and thrive.

“Our aspiration to transition to a lower carbon future cannot be achieved at the expense of our communities, which are already experiencing high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality. If leveraged appropriately, we believe opportunities in a low carbon future can deliver a more inclusive, sustainable and thriving South Africa,” concludes Mokoena.