The University of the Free State (UFS) recently welcomed a high-level delegation from Sasol as part of continuing efforts to deepen institutional collaboration and advance research partnerships that are aligned with national and global development priorities.

The Sasol delegation, including Andy Msiza, Senior Vice-President of Research and Technology, Alfred Zulu, Vice-President of Process Engineering Research, and Dr Theo Mudzunga, Vice-President of Fundamental Science Research, engaged with the UFS leadership, including Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, as well as members of the university’s executive management.

The visit formed part of a strategic initiative to explore opportunities for sustained collaboration between academia and industry. Discussions focused on strengthening research partnerships, enhancing innovation ecosystems, and aligning institutional capabilities with industry-driven scientific and technological priorities. The engagement also provided a platform to assess the UFS’ research infrastructure and identify areas of mutual interest for future joint projects.

Strengthening research partnerships for a lower-carbon future

During the visit, the delegation toured several key research and training facilities within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, including the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry and the Centre for Microscopy, the Paradys Experimental Farm, and the university’s newly established greenhouse facility. These sites demonstrate the UFS’ commitment to advancing cutting-edge research, particularly in agricultural science, environmental sustainability, and applied science. The visit ended at the Naval Hill Planetarium.

Reflecting on the significance of the engagement, Prof Klopper emphasised the importance of building strategic partnerships that bridge academic enquiry and industry application. She noted: “The University of the Free State remains committed to fostering meaningful collaborations that not only advance research excellence but also contribute to societal impact. Our engagement with Sasol represents an important step towards integrating academic knowledge with industry expertise for sustainable development.”

From an industry perspective, Andy Msiza underscored the value of engaging with higher education institutions in driving innovation. He stated: “Collaborations with institutions such as the UFS enable us to leverage academic excellence in addressing complex scientific challenges. We see significant potential in strengthening this partnership to support research that is both impactful and responsive to industry and societal needs.”

Sasol and the UFS are collaborating to establish a research platform involving the Green Futures Hub under the leadership of Prof Wayne Truter in the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry at the University of the Free State. Researchers from Sasol accompanied the Sasol executives on the visit. A key strategic focus for Sasol is the development of alternative feedstocks to reduce its carbon footprint, which underpins the research collaboration between Sasol and the UFS.