On 21 October 2025, the #SasolFoundation celebrated bright young innovators at Sasol Place in Johannesburg during the annual Sasol Girls Hackathon, held in recognition of International Day of the Girl Child. The event brought together Grade 8 learners from across South Africa to explore how technology and innovation can solve real-world environmental challenges.
This year’s theme, ‘Sustainability and Air Pollution,’ challenged learners to apply coding, robotics, and data-driven thinking to design creative solutions for cleaner, healthier communities. With guidance from expert mentors from our Digital Studio, as well as educational partners including the Osizweni Science Centre and Boitjhorisong Resource Centre, participants collaborated in teams to tackle hands-on challenges that encouraged problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork.
The hackathon forms part of the Sasol Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing STEM education and empowering young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By nurturing digital skills and curiosity at an early age, we aim to help build a generation ready to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) – equipped to use technology to create sustainable change.
“The Sasol Girls Hackathon is more than an event; it’s a celebration of every girl’s potential,” said Gao Mothoagae, Vice President: CSI and Sasol Foundation. “It’s our way of saying, you belong here – in Science, in Technology, in Engineering, and in Mathematics. These fields are not just about numbers, formulas, or code; they’re about solving real problems and creating real solutions that can change the world.”
The Sasol Girls Hackathon continues to stand as a powerful example of how partnership, purpose, and passion can inspire the next generation of innovators.
Click here to read more about #SasolFoundation initatives.
