In bringing science alive in South Africa, Sasol, through the Sasol Inzalo Foundation is proud to be lead sponsor of the annual Scifest Africa. This sponsorship allows Sasol and the Foundation to continue to encourage the youth to embark on careers and become leaders in science, engineering and technology.

 
Grahamstown will be teeming with thousands of local and international visitors from 4 to 10 May, as the world of science comes together in a single place where ideas will be shared and knowledge transferred. This will showcase advancements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, capturing the minds and imaginations of learners.
 
Sasol is committed to its journey of leading in the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment space and being a significant contributor to sustainable economic growth in South Africa through the Foundation and ChemCity, amongst other initiatives. The Sasol Inzalo Foundation drives skills development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). ChemCity facilitates the establishment of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the chemical, energy and related industries by identifying business propositions, developing and empowering entrepreneurs in South Africa.
 
"We're delighted to be a part of Scifest Africa yet again. It's a magnificent platform for us to enthrall our youth about science and the possibilities it brings in academic and employment opportunities," says Mpho Letlape, managing director, Sasol Inzalo Foundation. "We do not stop at creating awareness but go on to offer comprehensive bursaries for students to follow a career in science and engineering studies. These bursaries are separate from and in addition to the already established Sasol graduate bursary programme."
 
"We have already had two intakes. We offered 97 students bursaries in 2010 and 85 in 2011. Our intent is to offer up to 100 new bursaries to aspiring scientists and engineers every year for the foreseeable future" says Letlape.
 
This year also marks the celebration of chemistry in our lives and Sasol, through its various initiatives, is participating in the International Year of Chemistry 2011 by bringing science alive to learners through interactive and educational programmes throughout the year.
 
The first leg of Sasol's involvement was the recent announcement of the rollout of the Chemical Industries Resources Pack that was developed in conjunction with the University of Cape Town and other key strategic partners, to offer grade 11 and 12 teachers and learners a comprehensive kit that demonstrates science and chemistry in the real world.
 
The International Year of Chemistry celebrates the global achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well-being of humankind. In making this locally relevant, Scifest Africa offers learners, educators, science enthusiasts and scientists, engineers and mathematicians alike, a spectacular display of modern science in a programme of more than 600 events that celebrates "Science across cultures", which explores the contribution to modern science of different cultures, both past and present.
 
Please visit Sasol, Sasol Inzalo Foundation, Chemcity and the University of Cape Town exhibitions at the festival to get to see and hear more.