SITFE (The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education)
The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) was launched in 1965 as a private sector initiative and is regarded as one of the oldest Trust Funds in South Africa. The mission of SITFE is to support, promote and advance sustainable, quality education in South African sugarcane growing areas. In its 59-years history, SITFE has provided bursaries to over 10 200 students, financed school building projects, provided financial assistance to tertiary institutions and has worked closely with educational organisations to improve the overall education standard in the sugarcane growing provinces, namely KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Study Assistance Programme
Many of the young black children living within the rural sugarcane growing regions dream of becoming engineers.
The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) was launched in 1965 as a private sector initiative aimed at assisting dependants of people associated with the sugar industry. In its 59-year history, SITFE has supported a broad spectrum of educational projects ranging from bursaries, infrastructure development, learner and educator development initiatives to literacy and arts and culture projects. A bursary does not have to be repaid.
Current Bursaries Being Advertised
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Science (specify major(s))
- Agriculture (specify major(s))
- Children of Sugar Cane Farmers (Any field of Study)
Renewable Energy
The South African sugar industry supports government’s objective to diversify SA’s energy mix to include sources of renewable energy. The sugar industry has the potential to be a significant producer of renewable energy, both electricity and bioethanol produced from sugarcane and, a significant contributor to socio-economic development in the provinces of operation.
Industry Commitment
The industry is committed to diversifying its product offerings, similar to already transformed international sugar industries, in order to improve revenue, efficiency and competitiveness of the SA sugar industry. The Renewable Energy Development Department aims to provide support in attaining the desired energised future vision for the industry. This vision includes diversification of the industry into energy products, such as renewable electricity and biofuels, operating in a model of high government support and high value of sugarcane, with all available resources utilised.
Viable Energy Producer
Expediting and managing strategic renewable energy projects which can benefit the SA sugar industry in positioning itself as viable energy producer, and in gaining access to renewable energy markets has been a priority.
Stakeholder Support
Paramount is stimulating government and influential stakeholder support that would make commercial renewable energy production, electricity and bioethanol, feasible for the industry.
Policy Liaison
The primary objective of the Policy Liaison Department is to initiate, develop, and manage strategic relations with relevant government officials with regards to industry related policies. Through such engagements it is the objective of the department to engage with policy makers and participate in policy making processes to the benefit of the South African sugar industry.
Industry Expert
Particular focus is given to monitoring and analysing developments in the agricultural and national/international trade policy sector and serving as an industry expert in these fields.
Key Issues
Currently, key issues include the Agricultural Policy Action Plan (APAP), the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) and potential trade opportunities in the European Union. Policy changes are anticipated by the department mainly through intelligence gathering and stakeholder interaction most notably with the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
Liaison Service
The department provides a liaison service for:
- SASA
- The South African sugar industry
- Key government departments, and
- Stakeholders
The department’s liaison service thereby raises the profile of the sugar industry and assists in maintaining the positive reputation of the industry.
Contact this Division
Communications, Publications and Public Relations
Tel:Â 031 508 7000
Email:Â communications@sasa.org.za
Address: 170 Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe, 4300
Postal Address: PO Box 700, Mount Edgecombe, 4300
GPS Co-Ordinates: Lat:Â -29.707553Â | Long:Â 31.047352
