this annual report. Particularly pleasing has been the performance of Oryx GTL, our gas-to-liquids (GTL) joint-venture operation in Qatar. The technical and financial success of this facility has demonstrated the commercial viability of Sasol’s proprietary technology and is already giving rise to further GTL opportunities. I pay tribute to the hard work, over many years, of all those who have developed and commercialised this technology. 

I believe that Sasol’s record of successful innovation will stand the group in good stead as it begins to invest in low-carbon energy technologies. 

## Investing in skills for growth 

The foundation for technology-driven growth is skills development. Besides the group’s own human capital requirements, its significant investment in skills has an impact that extends far beyond its factory gates. The group’s partnerships with a number of tertiary education institutions in South Africa is a good illustration of this. The group’s funding of research and, through its extensive bursary programme, tertiary science education, ensures a strong pipeline of relevant skills for Sasol while broadening the skills base of those countries in which it operates, particularly that of South Africa. 

I believe that such partnerships provide an exciting opportunity to marry the commercial needs of the business with the development needs of emerging countries. 

## Supporting South Africa’s growth 

The implementation of Sasol Inzalo in 2008, in addition to real progress made on the other pillars of broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE), contributed to Sasol achieving its 2012 

target of being a level 4 contributor to broad-based BEE by September 2010. We are committed to building on this achievement and ensuring that it is sustainable. 

Along with many fellow South Africans, I continue to feel the afterglow of South Africa’s successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. I believe that the event provided an invaluable opportunity for South Africa to showcase its ability as a nation, and the talent and warmth of its people. I am particularly hopeful that the spirit of partnership and sense of possibility that was so evident during the tournament will remain. We have an exceptional opportunity to harness the lessons we have learned in hosting the world’s greatest sporting event to ensure lasting improvement in the lives of many South Africans. 

I believe, though, that the World Cup should not be viewed as an isolated event. In many ways it confirms the economic and social progress that has been made over the last decade through much of Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa, over the past ten years, has established itself as one of the fastest growing regions in the world. 

As the largest industrial company in South Africa and an important player on the African continent, Sasol is in a unique position to benefit from this growth momentum. The group’s position, however, is not merely a passive one. Sasol’s commitment to invest R44 billion in Africa, and its partnerships with various role players across a range of areas attest to our active involvement in improving the fortunes of the region and the continent at large. Further detail on our partnerships can be found throughout this report. 

## Cooperating to secure sustainable growth 

Sasol is committed to and engaged in ensuring environmental sustainability in general, and addressing the risk of climate change in particular. The United Nations climate change conference held in Copenhagen has placed renewed focus on the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a significant player in South Africa’s carbon-based economy, Sasol recognises its responsibility in this regard. Furthermore, through its proven track record in technology development and scientific expertise, the company can make an important contribution to finding appropriate solutions. Sasol is engaging actively with the South African government and with various key stakeholders around the world, to fi nd different ways to solve the unique challenges that we face as a developing country in addressing South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

In September 2010, Sasol was ranked as the sector leader of the oil and gas producers, as well as the global leader of the oil and gas super-sector in the international Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). This internationally recognised index defi nes corporate sustainability as a “business approach to create long-term shareholder value”. Over 1 390 companies were assessed on their economic, environmental and social performance. Sasol fi rst entered the index in 2009 and was ranked in the top 10% in the oil and gas producers’ sector. 

Sasol also has a great deal to learn from the expertise of others, particularly in areas such as carbon capture and storage. In this respect, Sasol’s scientists participate 

