BASF South Africa unveils STEM education legacy project for 60th anniversary

BASF South Africa marked 60 years in the country with a Mandela Day initiative in Johannesburg that refurbished Sandringham High School’s science lab and other facilities. The company said the project starts a phased STEM upliftment program aimed at improving science education and community well-being.

Why it matters: - BASF South Africa is using its 60th anniversary to back education and community support projects that can have a direct impact on learners, families and local schools. - The flagship school project is aimed at strengthening STEM learning at a public secondary school serving about 1,100 learners. - The company is pairing the anniversary milestone with broader social investment across South Africa, including education, inclusion and food security.

What happened: - BASF South Africa unveiled a refurbished science laboratory at Sandringham High School in Johannesburg on July 16, aligning the project with Mandela Day. - More than 100 BASF employees, customers, strategic partners and Sandringham High School community members helped revitalize school facilities. - The company said the work marks the start of a phased STEM upliftment programme. - BASF South Africa also said its employees and partners are supporting mothers and newborn babies at St Mary’s Hospital in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, through a care-pack outreach effort.

The details: - Sandringham High School was selected after a BASF assessment found a need to upgrade science laboratories, educator wellness facilities, the reception area and other spaces that support teaching and learner well-being. - BASF described the school project as part of a broader socio-economic development programme delivered through more than 10 non-profit partnerships nationwide. - Those partnerships support youth development, STEM education, disability inclusion, family support, WASH initiatives, school infrastructure improvement, community upliftment and food security. - BASF said the programme supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 10 and 17. - Pascal Rekhoto, principal of Sandringham High School, said the refurbishment will strengthen STEM learning and build pride and belonging among learners. - Rekhoto thanked BASF and its customers and partners, including Kansai Plascon, Bustque, Foam Factory, Trend Group, Protek, A-Thermal and Technical Finishes, a Saint-Gobain brand. - Wojciech Kulma, managing director of BASF South Africa, said the company wanted to create a legacy that extends beyond the anniversary and contributes meaningfully to the communities where it operates. - Pfarelo Mutwanamba, head of finance, tax and controlling Africa and chair of BASF South Africa’s B-BBEE Committee, said collaboration is essential to sustainable socio-economic development.

Between the lines: - BASF is tying corporate celebration to visible community projects, which can strengthen local relationships while signaling long-term commitment to South Africa. - The school investment suggests BASF is focusing on practical infrastructure upgrades, not just one-off donations. - The mix of education and healthcare outreach shows a broader community-impact strategy rather than a single-issue campaign.

What’s next: - BASF said the Sandringham High School effort is the beginning of a phased STEM upliftment programme, so more upgrades may follow. - The company’s wider partnership network suggests additional community projects will continue across South Africa. - BASF’s outreach at St Mary’s Hospital indicates the anniversary year will likely include more practical service initiatives tied to local needs.

The bottom line: - BASF South Africa is marking 60 years in the market by turning its anniversary into a visible investment in schools, health and community support.