The Sasol Foundation today handed over a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Laboratory at Gert Sibande TVET College, strengthening access to modern, industry‑relevant skills for technical and vocational education students.
The handover was attended by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Paul Mashatile and the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Honourable Bhuti Manamela, senior government officials, college leadership, industry partners and Sasol executives.
The 4IR Laboratory provides students and lecturers with hands‑on training in key digital and technical disciplines, including coding, robotics and simulations, CNC machining and 3D printing, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), app development and data science applications. The facility is designed to support curriculum integration and prepare students for the evolving world of work.
The initiative forms part of the Sasol Foundation’s education strategy to strengthen post‑school technical institutions, support youth employability and contribute to long‑term human capital development.
“TVET colleges play a critical role in building South Africa’s skills base, yet many lack access to modern technology,” said Ms Thabile Makgala, Executive Vice President: SHE, Risk and Corporate Affairs at Sasol. “Through the Sasol Foundation, we are investing in practical, future‑focused skills that enable students and lecturers to participate meaningfully in a digital economy.”
The laboratory was delivered through a public‑private partnership between the Sasol Foundation, Gert Sibande TVET College and FESTO. Sasol invested over R15 million in the project, with FESTO and the College each contributing 25 percent of the total project funding.
Beyond infrastructure, the Sasol Foundation has upskilled more than 800 TVET College lecturers in digital and technical skills to ensure the sustainability and long‑term impact of the programme.
The Gert Sibande TVET College facility is one of two 4IR laboratories established by the Sasol Foundation, with plans to scale the model to additional TVET colleges across South Africa.
