Current Edition >> Archive Section >> Special Features >> 31 July 2007
The team of students from the University of the Free State on 5 July 2007 took top honours in the 2007 SIFE SA (Students in Free Enterprise - South Africa) National Competition held at Emperors Palace Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
The University of KZN was awarded second place, the University of the Witwatersrand came third and Rhodes University was placed fourth.
The SIFE UFS team, sponsored by Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, competed against 15 other university SIFE teams to take the 2007 title and is now to represent the country at the 2007 SIFE World Cup in New York, 10-12 October, where they will compete against the winning teams form 46 other countries. The fully paid trip to New York is also sponsored by Harmony with additional support form the United States Embassy.
Founded in the United States in 1975 and active on over 1 400 university campuses in 47 countries, SIFE's focus is to create a global partnership between business and higher education that prepares university students to be entrepreneurs. SIFE students are challenged to implement projects that will transform the lives of people facing real social and economic problems. In the annual competition, competing teams are rated on how effectively they create sustainable economic opportunity by helping others understand market economics and by transferring skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and business ethics.
In addition to the main competition prize, participating teams at the national competition also compete for prizes in the five individual topic pillars on which the SIFE model is based, namely Free Market Economics, Entrepreneurship, Success Skills, Business Ethics and Financial Literacy. The teams were also judged on the sustainability of the team and its programme/projects.
At the 2007 National Competition, the UFS winning team demonstrated impressive achievements in a range of entrepreneurial, environmental and financial literacy projects with the capacity to transform communities facing acute challenges. Reaching almost 2 000 people, the projects are briefly as follows:
In Project Glozone, the UFS SIFE team introduced a recycling programme and a means of sustainable income to nine primary schools in the Mangaung Municipality. To ensure the sustainability of the project, the team educated learners and teachers about the dangers of solid waste and pollution. In its Rand IQ project, the UFS SIFE team assisted 30 disadvantaged people at the Lebone AIDS orphanage to establish five successful and sustainable businesses. Project Young Chartered Accountants targeted 725 learners with the aim of encouraging them to venture into the fields of economic and management sciences, particularly accountancy to address the shortage of chartered accountants in South Africa.
Other projects undertaken by the UFS team empowered 10 community leaders to apply entrepreneurial skills to five existing and potential projects and educated 250 high school learners in financial literacy and business ethics.
It should be noted that the projects presented by particularly the three runner-up university teams were also of an exceptional standard and presented the UFS with stiff competition.
The UFS has an impressive track record with SIFE. To start off with, SIFE's South African programme was launched at the University of the Free State in 2001. Subsequently SIFE UFS represented the country at the inaugural SIFE World Cup competition held in London in July 2001. In 2002 SIFE UFS again took top honours in the national championships and went on to represent South Africa for the second time at the SIFE World Cup competition held in Amsterdam 22-24 September, where they were placed in the final four against 33 competing countries. In 2003 SIFE UFS again captured the national title and again represented South Africa at the SIFE World Cup in Mainz, Germany, where they came first runner ups in their league.
SIFE has grown with leaps and bounds in South Africa and this year the number of higher education institutions in the 2007 national competition has increased from 13 to 16, team membership has also jumped from 447 to 831 raising the average individual team membership from 35 to 40, while the number of projects undertaken by participating teams has grown by150%.
The other universities competing in the 2007 competition were: Cape Peninsula University of Technology, CIDA City Campus, University of Fort Hare, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, University of Limpopo, University of the Western Cape (2005 winner), University of Venda for Science & Technology, Vaal University of Technology and Walter Sisulu University.
More than 80 business leaders judged the presentations, including Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited CEO, Bernard Swanepoel; HSBC Group General Manager, Krishna Patel; Rich Products CEO, Evan Poulos; and ABSA Foundation GM Moshe More.
The national competition is supported by leading local corporate sponsors, such as Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, Standard Bank, Absa Group Limited, Khula Enterprise Finance Ltd and HSBC Africa. International sponsors are USAID, the US State Department: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the US Embassy.
This year, five SIFE South Africa teams were awarded grants of $5 222,23 from the HSBC Financial Literacy Programme. The HSBC Global Education Trust and the Corporate, Investment Banking and Markets (CIBM) division of HSBC received almost 400 applications from across the globe representing an outstanding array of ideas to deliver financial literacy programmes.
Says Ms Khanyisa Monakeli, President of SIFE UFS: “Participation in SIFE activities taught us as students to simply roll-back the limits to that what we as individuals and as a team are able to achieve. I also learned to what extent a positive mind set can encourage others.”
Says Prof. Tienie Crous, Dean of the Faculty of Economy and Management Science at the UFS: “It is a privilege for us as Faculty to create the necessary opportunities and structures for SIFE students to explore and develop their potential, especially in motivating and enabling others in the community to optimize utilization of the free enterprise system.”
The official opening on 25 July 2007 of the Sigma : Mooikraal Underground Coal Mine 15 km west of Sasolburg represents a strong boost not only for the industrial complex at Sasolburg, but also for the economy of the region. Already in full production since November 2006, the Sigma : Mooikraal Mine delivers coal via a surface conveyor belt of some 18 km to Sasol's Sasolburg operations to generate power and steam, two powerful resources for the production of a diverse slate of polymers, waxes, solvents and other value-added chemicals, most of which are exported. The annual production of the Mine is some 1,7 million tons of coal.
However, further afield, the Mooikraal shaft, as part of Sasol's Sigma operations, brings certain positive economic and social spin-offs to the areas of Ngwathe, Metsimaholo and Fezile Dabi. The project, developed at a total cost of some R230 million, will provide work for 346 permanent personnel in the long-term, as well as various social upliftment and developmental initiatives.
The Mooikraal shaft was officially commissioned at an event held in a large marquee tent on the mine premises and which was attended by some 180 guests consisting of top Sasol management, Mooikraal staff, contractors and suppliers to the Mine, the mayors of Metsimaholo, Fezile Dabi and Ngwathe, other dignitaries and the media.
Officiating at the inaugural event, the Managing Director of Sasol Mining, Mr Hermann Wenhold, said inter alia:
“Coal remains an invaluable contributor to South Africa and much of the global economy. After crude oil, coal is the second largest contributor to the world's primary energy needs and is used to produce almost 40% of the world's electricity. Coal is also a vital contributor to the production of steel and cement, two key materials we need to sustain infrastructure development. In addition, at Secunda, coal enables Sasol to sustain its enviable status as the world's only large-scale producer of fuels and chemicals derived from coal.
“Sasol is committed to being a responsible and caring corporate citizen that invests prudently for the greater good of all our stakeholders. This new investment is a bold reflection of this commitment. We therefore envisage the Sigma Mooikraal Mine enabling Sasol to contribute further to the development of the regional economy and our host communities in the Free State”.
The keynote address at the event was delivered by Dr. Benny Mokaba, Executive Director SA Energy Cluster, Sasol Ltd., who also unveiled the plaque at the Mine premises. In his address, Mokaba stated amongst others:
“The establishment of the Sigma Mooikraal Mine has been characterized by the pursuit of continuous improvement and innovation – November 2006 marks the point in time where full production was reached, only three-and-half years since Board approval for this project was obtained; a commendable achievement. Now, through our technologies and careful focus on safety, quality, productivity and competitiveness, this low-cost, high tonnage and profitable investment symbolizes one of the high-value adding commodities for Sasol's portfolio of mineral resources.
“Sigma Mooikraal has been designed to have a lower environmental impact on the region, because we should always remember that we do not inherit this land from our forefathers, but that we take care of this land for our children. As Sasol expands its footprint, we are conscious of the fact that we are part of the communities in which we operate. And as such, the people who form part of those communities should be better off as a result of our presence.”
Also officiating at the inaugural event, the Mine Manager of Sigma : Mooikraal Mine, Mr. Brian Grobbelaar, mentioned that the Mine achieved already in January 2007 an operational profit.
Further background
Sasol Mining's Sigma Colliery has been the sole supplier of low-grade coal to Sasol Infrachem Industries (SII) in Sasolburg since 1952. The coal required at SII has drastically reduced from 6,5-millions tons a year to some 1,7 million tons a year after the introduction of natural gas into SII in 2004. SII has shut the coal-fired gasifiers down, with coal-consuming activities required only for steam and power generation.
The Infrastructure of the Sigma-Mooikraal underground operation consists mainly of the following:
• 18 km power and water supply infrastructure
• 18 km overland conveyors
• Coal-storage facilities at Mooikraal shaft
• An adit and shaft system to enable access to the coal
• Mine water handling systems
The expected life span of the Sigma : Mooikraal Mine is at least 15 years, with other reserves in the adjacent area.
Asset to the Free State
The Sigma Mooikraal Mine of the Sasol Group of Companies, situated 18 km west of Sasolburg on the Sasolburg-Koppies road / Wolwehoek turn-off, is probably the new mine on Free State soil with the most tangible socio-economic impact for many years.
It should immediately be added that Mooikraal Mine has remarkably little effect on its practical environment – surrounded by private farms, the mining site is almost inconspicuous in its physical presence. In the vicinity life goes on normally and there is not much evidence of major mine operations.
However, it cost some R230 million to develop the underground mine with its 1,7 million tonnes of coal output per annum. The mine provides some 346 permanent employment opportunities.
Mooikraal Mine is a key supplier of basic resources to the ever-growing industrial complex at Sasolburg, which in turn has regional and national as well as global ramifications.
Thus Mooikraal Mine indeed constitutes a pivotal contribution to the Free State.
Moreover, in its development phase as well as in its operational procedures, Mooikraal Mine makes extensive use of private suppliers and contractors. In this respect the Mine is also testimony to the top quality services and products these suppliers and contractors are rendering.
This special focus provides a glimpse at the significance of Mooikraal Coal Mine and on some of the suppliers and contractors assisting in making this enterprise a reality and the success it constitutes.
Interview with manager of Mooikraal
The new Sigma: Mooikraal Mine at Sasolburg is the Sasol Group's latest state-of-the-art coal mine designed at a cost of some R200 million to supply utility coal to the Sasolburg petrochemical plant.
The Editor of the Free State Business Bulletin, Dr. Johann Dannhauser, asked the Mine Manager of Sigma: Mooikraal Mine, Mr. Brian Grobbelaar, about some key aspects of the new mine. The following is a resumé of the interview:
How would you sum up the significance of the production of the new Sigma: Mooikraal Mine to the Sasol Infrachem petrochemical plant and process?
Sigma: Mooikraal supplies 1.76 million tons of steam station coal to Sasol Chemical Industries (SCI) steam station utility. This coal is then used to produce steam and generate electricity. The steam is used for beneficiation process downstream within the Sasol Infrachem petrochemical plant and processes. Although Sigma is a small player within the bigger Sasolburg, SCI pictures it plays a critical role in providing the necessary energy resource required by the petrochemical plant and processes. Sigma: Mooikraal is in position as well to meet other utility requirements should the need arise as it is the only coal mine in the Free State that has the necessary expertise to mine in the geologically challenging conditions.
What in a nutshell makes Mooikraal different to the previous Sigma coal mines at Sasolburg?
Previous Sigma businesses have been in a cost centre mode, which meant that costs incurred were passed on to the customer. This type of accounting results in low productivity levels and unwanted wastage as the customer bears the cost. This normally drives the wrong behaviour. The new Sigma: Mooikraal is a profit centre and we are responsible to add to the bottom line. This means that we must work smarter by doing more with less and try to access new markets if practicably possible. The survival of Sigma: Mooikraal boils down to whether we can deliver on the bottom line safely.
What, briefly, does Mooikraal Mine mean to the local economy of Sasolburg?
Sigma: Mooikraal employs approximately 346 persons. This includes full time, hired labour and contractors. Sigma has a life cycle of about 20 years, provided that we deliver on the bottom line. There are opportunities for expansion in the event of a potential business, such as for example a power station, is built within the area. Other downstream businesses could also result in expansion of the mine with the benefit of creating more job opportunities.
What does the mine mean to the Free State, if anything?
Sigma: Mooikraal is the only coal mine within the Free State region. The seams are geologically challenging. If we can successfully deliver high volumes of low cost coal within this area it means that there is potential for other businesses as mentioned above.
Very briefly, your personal previous experience with the Sasol / Sigma Group?
My first encounter with Sigma was as a student. I thorougly enjoyed the visit and was greatly impressed by Sasol's mining activities.
Your vision for Mooikraal Mine?
To be the lowest cost producer of quality coal in a safe, clean and healthy environment using the minimum resources.
Die amptelike opening van Mooikraal Myn
• Johann Dannhauser
Dit was my voorreg om op 25 Julie 2007 die amtelike opening van Mooikraal Steenkoolmyn naby Sasolburg as mediagas te kon bywoon.
Wat my opgeval het, was, eerstens, die ooglopende min versteuring wat die myn op die omringende boerdery-omgewing het. Die mense moes sekerlik hul “groen” huiswerk gedoen het.
Tweedens, die reëlings vir die openingsfunksie, gehou in 'n groot markiestent op die terrein by die myn, was professioneel en vlot. Dit het die verversings en middagete vir sowat 180 uitgesoekte gaste ingesluit.
Derdens en miskien die belangrikste, die toespraak van die hoofspreker van die dag, dr. Benny Mokaba, 'n Uitvoerende Direkteur van die Sasol Groep. In 'n tyd waarin 'n mens neig om gewoond te raak aan hoës in poste waarin hul ooglopend nie die mas opkom nie, het dr. Mokaba met 'n stille selfvertroue maar met sterk stem en fitsende oë sonder 'n nota voor hom 'n toespraak in agt landstale gemaak. Die inhoud was hoogs motiverend en hy het geeindig deur die aanwesiges te vra om almal op te staan en saam met hom 'n kort gebed te doen. In sy gebed, gedoen in die Naam van Jesus Christus, het hy o.m. gebid: “Lord, this mine and its resources do not belong to us. It belongs to You. We only manage it. Bless us and protect this mine.”
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