Sasol In Society Report - Book - Page 89
Fostering economic growth and inclusion
The current economic environment characterised by high interest rates and inflation, loadshedding and a market
that is still recovering from COVID-19, presents SMEs with numerous challenges, hampering their ability to
generate profits. Many small businesses struggle to secure adequate financing once they have received purchase
orders as they do not have the necessary financial records. Sasol introduced various interventions in 2023
to support SMEs. These were aimed at addressing business failures and high levels of unemployment.
Economic Inclusion Programmes
1
Fenceline Community Project
Set aside opportunities are identified for SMEs and development programmes. In collaboration with various development partners, 38 SMEs have been
onboarded. Thus far, over R1 million has been invested in the Fenceline Community Project and this will continue into FY24.
Transporter Development Programme
2
3
Launched to assist SMEs in the transport industry with challenges such as regulatory compliance issues, security concerns, limited access to
infrastructure, unstable fuel prices, health and safety risks, this programme will run for a period up to 18 months informed by the practical application of
each entity and mentorship will continue for a period of up to three years. The first cohort of seven transporters have been onboarded of which three are
women-owned and three youth-owned. R1,8 million has been invested in FY23 and will continue into the new year and beyond.
3D Printing
Four youth-owned and an additional two 100% black-owned businesses have been taken through a basic skills development programme focused on 3D
printing, hosted at our Sasolburg Incubation Centre. The training programme covered creative problem solving, critical thinking, project management,
design and printing to create 3D models. During the current financial year, R288 000 has been invested in the 3D Printing phase one programme.
Sasol SME Sustainability Summit
4
The Sasol SME Sustainability Summit is a three-part series of masterclasses through which we aim to demystify foundation topics within sustainability,
renewable energy and the just energy transition and to explore them in collaboration with key role players in the ecosystem with the intent to identify
meaningful opportunities for SME participation in the emerging energy economy. We realigned our enterprise and supplier development agenda around
the principles of ESG and Sustainable Development Goals which will take place in three parts, each focusing on E, S and the G.
Ekandustria Business Centre
5
In order to improve access to business enablement facilities for SMEs, we are currently supporting a cohort of three internet cafe SMEs located in
Ekandustria. Our goal is to enhance the quality of their business offerings by addressing the current lack of well-functioning internet cafes in the area.
To support these entrepreneurs, R2 million has been invested in self-powered Mobile Business Centres, powered by batteries and solar energy, ensuring
uninterrupted operation enabling sustainable operations.
It has always been our hope that through our
interventions and other business initiatives that we are
doing, that we’ll be able to assist business leaders,
entrepreneurs, to create resilient businesses that
will contribute meaningfully to the communities
in which we all operate.
– Lebelo Lukhele
SASOL IN SOCIETY 2023
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