PREMIUM: Re-inventing Sasol: 4IR behind supertanker’s switch from hydrocarbons to specialty chemicals

LONDON — South Africa's energy multinational Sasol is changing direction – abandoning future investments in hydrocarbons in deferment to its new focus on non-commoditised chemicals. The re-invention sees "for sale" signs being erected at its Canadian shale gas investment and the end of an obsession to dominate the world's Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) market. This major strategic switch comes after a six month re-assessment of the group's activities in the light of seismic changes being wrought globally by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). In this fascinating interview, Sasol's joint CEOs Steve Cornell and Bongani Nqwababa move from hydrocarbons to electric cars to provide the back story to the $21bn group's reinvention after almost three quarters of a century in business. – Alec Hogg

Crossing to Johannesburg now where we link up with Steve Cornell and Bongani Nqwababa, the joint CEOs of Sasol. Gents, you've got a big day ahead of you, Capital Markets Day, how many people and/or how many investors come together to hear your presentation?

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