BASF South Africa marks 60 years with STEM school upgrade

BASF South Africa has launched a STEM education legacy project in Johannesburg to mark its 60th anniversary and Mandela Day. The effort begins with a refurbished science lab at Sandringham High School and broader community support in KwaZulu-Natal.

Why it matters: - BASF South Africa is tying its 60-year milestone to community investment that aims to strengthen science education, learner well-being and local support systems. - The school project is designed to improve STEM access for learners who need upgraded facilities to support teaching and learning. - The broader programme also reaches maternal and infant care, showing BASF’s local focus extends beyond education.

What happened: - BASF South Africa unveiled a refurbished science laboratory at Sandringham High School in Johannesburg on July 16, during Mandela Day commemorations. - More than 100 BASF employees, customers, strategic partners and Sandringham High School community members joined the revitalisation effort. - The company marked its 60th anniversary in South Africa with the launch of a phased STEM upliftment programme. - BASF employees and partners are also supporting mothers and newborn babies at St Mary’s Hospital in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, through a community outreach initiative.

The details: - Sandringham High School serves about 1,100 learners. - A BASF assessment identified the need to upgrade science laboratories, educator wellness facilities, the reception area and other spaces that support teaching, learning and learner well-being. - The school upgrade is part of BASF South Africa’s broader socio-economic development programme, which runs through more than 10 non-profit organisation partnerships nationwide. - Those partnerships support youth development, STEM education, disability inclusion, family support, WASH initiatives, school infrastructure improvement, community upliftment and food security. - Volunteers in KwaZulu-Natal are preparing and distributing care packs for essential maternal and infant needs. - BASF says the programme supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDGs 3, 4, 10 and 17. - Sandringham High School principal Pascal Rekhoto said the refurbishment will strengthen STEM learning and create an environment that inspires confidence, curiosity, pride and belonging. - Rekhoto thanked BASF and its customers and strategic partners, including Kansai Plascon, Bustque, Foam Factory, Trend Group, Protek, A-Thermal and Technical Finishes, a Saint-Gobain brand.

Between the lines: - BASF is using its anniversary to build a visible legacy project rather than a one-off celebration. - The mix of school infrastructure, community health support and nonprofit partnerships suggests BASF is trying to show broad-based social impact in South Africa. - The company’s focus on collaboration with customers and partners signals a shared-value approach to corporate citizenship, not a solo donation model.

What's next: - The Sandringham High School project is set to continue as a phased STEM upliftment programme. - BASF South Africa will keep working through its nonprofit partnerships and community initiatives across the country. - Additional support for community well-being is expected to continue under the company’s corporate citizenship programme.

The bottom line: - BASF South Africa is marking 60 years in the country by turning an anniversary into a practical investment in classrooms, communities and long-term social impact.