Sasol can confirm that we operate and maintain a network of gas pipelines one of which traverse through Homestead Park located in Erf 524, Laanglagte North under the City of Johannesburg. The Sasol Gas Pipeline Operations team was made aware of the encroaching informal human settlement within the designated risk impact zone of our pipeline. 

A risk review and assessment was immediately conducted and it confirmed the emerging risk brought about by this encroaching settlement. The City of Johannesburg is the owner of the land on which the encroachment is taking place and not only the City is empowered but in fact mandated by the provisions of the Major Hazard Installation Regulations to relocate unauthorised settlements. The outcomes and recommendations of the risk assessment were accordingly submitted and shared with the City Manager and a response and action is awaited.  

Sasol emphasises that it does not have the legal authority to remove individuals or communities residing along the gas pipeline servitude. The company relies on ongoing collaboration with relevant municipal and governmental authorities to address such matters in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

One of the controls, amongst others, undertaken by Sasol was to reduce pipeline pressure to levels that reduces public exposure to adverse and unacceptable levels of risk and limits the risk distance zone to 25 meters from the pipeline. 

As part of efforts to maintain public safety, Sasol continues to engage the City of Johannesburg to discuss existing safety concerns posed by the existence of the aforementioned informal settlement and to explore mutually beneficial and sustainable solutions. 

Additionally, Sasol regularly conducts gas pipeline safety awareness campaigns in communities located around and near the gas pipeline route, including informal settlements. These sessions are conducted in collaboration with municipal emergency services and are focused on promoting safe behaviour around pipeline installations and sharing critical safety information. 

Sasol takes this matter seriously and remains committed to ensuring the safety of communities and the integrity of its pipeline infrastructure.