The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Sasol ChemCity today launched a plant oils and extracts facility in Tzaneen, Limpopo, in an effort to create sustainable livelihoods in the area.
The Nkowankowa Demonstration Centre will run a R13,9 million development project over the next three years, extracting various fruit and plant oils with a view to establish their viability in the cosmetics sector.
Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the establishment of the facility is informed by the department's objective to apply innovative technology to local natural resources to create sustainable employment in areas of need.
For greater Tzaneen, agriculture is the most important economic sector - with fruit such as marula, oranges, grapefruit, mangoes, avocadoes and bananas produced on a small scale and commercially.
Sasol ChemCity, as the implementing partner, brings expertise in cosmetic formulations and entrepreneurial development. The project has so far seen the selection of at least 33 potential entrepreneurs and the direct employment of 13 people.
Other partners who are bringing expertise to the table are the Council for Industrial and Scientific Research and the Vaal University of Technology.
The most important benefit brought by the facility is the incubation of small businesses that use new health, beauty and nutritional products from the facility.
Speaking at the launch earlier today, the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, said the DST, with funding from the European Union's Sector Budget Support programme, is involved in a number of similar developmental projects across the country.
"We hope that the project's outcomes will encourage young people to pursue careers in mathematics and science, which are South Africa's ultimate weapon in the war against poverty, and will allow our country to develop its economy and thrive in this competitive world."
Sasol ChemCity will collaborate with universities to conduct continuous research, by-product beneficiation and natural oil use in cosmetic products. The on-site laboratory will perform immediate testing for yield enhancement and specification parameters. In time to come, the centre will act as a "think-tank" for product testing and business incubation.
Bridgitte Backman, Sasol ChemCity Managing Director, says, "Working in rural Africa gives Sasol ChemCity an exciting opportunity to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and foster positive change in a community that is hungry to learn. This project is close to our hearts because of its dynamic ability to develop in so many crucial areas, and provide a sustainable solution for the people of Tzaneen. Our team of experts were individually selected for their various skills in business incubation and we are confident that they will succeed in both incubating and educating."
Note to editors:
About Sasol ChemCity: With emerging socio-political contexts and legislative requirements, Sasol ChemCity's proven ability to commercialise start-ups and small businesses affords Sasol a unique opportunity to respond to SA's economic development needs as a caring and committed corporate citizen.
Sasol ChemCity's mandate is to help eradicate poverty through job creation initiatives, targeting the SMME sector, and focusing on chemical, energy and related industries. Sasol ChemCity also focuses on supplier development and social enterprise development to ensure that the communities in which Sasol operates have a better quality of life.
For enquiries contact:
Lunga Ngqengelele (Ministerial spokesperson)
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: Lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
Veronica Mohapeloa (Department of Science and Technology)
Cell: 082 882 3818
E-mail: veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za
Jacqui O'Sullivan (Sasol GM Group Communication)
Tel: 011 441 3202
Cell: 082 883 9697
E-mail: jacqui.osullivan@sasol.com
Bianca Brimiah (Account Manager, Ogilvy Public Relations)
Cell: 083 781 6231
E-mail: bianca.brimiah@ogilvypr.co.za
