Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized the significant role Sasol, a global chemicals and energy company, plays in South Africa's economy. During his visit to Sasol's plant in Secunda, Mpumalanga, the President highlighted the company as a key player in economic development and a substantial employer in the region.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa expressed pride in Sasol's contributions, describing it as a 'national treasure' and likening it to a National Key Point due to its strategic importance. The government holds shares in the company through various investment structures, underscoring its economic influence.

Earlier this year, Sasol pledged a R60 billion investment during the South Africa Investment Conference in Johannesburg. This commitment, spread across its chemicals and packaging operations, reflects the company's confidence in the local economy. Sasol's operations at the Secunda plant alone employ approximately 6,000 people, with an additional 40,000 service providers engaged on site at peak times.

President Ramaphosa praised Sasol for its collaboration with small and medium enterprises, which boosts economic activity and provides opportunities for smaller businesses to partner with larger corporations like Sasol. He noted Sasol's role in producing materials essential to infrastructure development, such as road-building and housing construction.

The visit allowed the President to gain insights into one of the country's largest industrial complexes, where locally mined coal is transformed into various fuel and chemical products. These products are crucial for supporting key economic sectors. The Presidency's statement highlighted Sasol's integrated value chain and its impact on local manufacturing, supply chain strengthening, innovation, skill development, and employment sustainability.

Discussions during the visit also covered Sasol's commitment to maintaining a competitive industrial base, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing transition initiatives. These efforts ensure a reliable supply of liquid fuels and chemical products that underpin economic activity in South Africa.