As a large industrial user of water, Sasol has formed strategic partnerships with the department of basic education in the Free State, the department of water affairs (DWA) and the water research commission (WRC).
In two separate collaboration agreements, Sasol has undertaken to promote water conservation, and improve treatment technologies and the reuse of waste water in South Africa.
The signing ceremony and launch of partnerships took place on April 26 2013, at Emerald Casino, Vanderbiljpark.
Project Busa Metsi
Typical water losses in municipalities vary between 30% and 45%, mostly from ageing distribution systems and broken or leaking plumbing fixtures such as taps and toilets.
To reduce these losses, DWA has set a target of a 15% reduction of municipal water use by 2015.
"Sasol's partnership with the department of basic education in the Free State and the DWA, known as Project Busa Metsi, seeks to minimise water losses at schools and educate learners on the importance of water conservation, especially in the Metsimaholo municipality.
This municipality receives its water from the Vaal River system, together with approximately 40% of South Africans," said Sasol's executive director, Nolitha Fakude. More than 16 schools will benefit from this project.
Sasol and the WRC
A partnership between Sasol Technology and the WRC will see both parties collaborate on finding new technologies and opportunities to conserve water in South Africa.
Sasol Technology will offer the use of some of its research and development piloting facilities in Sasolburg and Secunda to researchers and academics from the WRC for research, in conjunction with Sasol Technology teams.
Dhesigen Naidoo, WRC chief executive said: "Through this partnership, we want to fortify our science, technology and innovation partnership to ensure a higher input of knowledge and workable technologies to empower responsible water citizenship at all levels to ensure a water successful future for our beautiful country.
"We are also confident that with the huge support of national and provincial governments, we have the right partnership formula to ensure its sustainability."
This partnership will also see the creation of a joint research commission that will oversee and monitor the partnership and seek out new opportunities for collaboration on other water conservation matters.
Sasol and Water Sense
Sasol is also promoting efficient water use in its own operations. The company's largest operations in South Africa are dependent on the water-stressed Vaal River System, which supplies most of Sasol's water requirements in South Africa.
Sasol further launched a group-wide initiative, Water Sense, which aims to align its water stewardship practices throughout its various operations around the world.
It is the platform from which water-related issues are co-ordinated and responded to, to address water security risks, regulatory risks and the increased societal awareness of water becoming a scarce and valued resource.
About Sasol
Committed to excellence in all we do, Sasol is an international integrated energy and chemical company that leverages the talent and expertise of our more than 34 000 people working in 38 countries.
We develop and commercialise technologies, and build and operate world-scale facilities to produce a range of product streams, including liquid fuels, chemicals and electricity.
While continuing to support our home base, South Africa, Sasol is expanding internationally based on a unique value proposition, which links our diverse businesses into an integrated value chain supported by top-class functions.
This article has been paid for by Sasol. Copy and photographs were supplied by Sasol.