PetroSA is a sector leader in the production of synthetic fuels produced from offshore gas at its GDL plant.

As PetroSA steps onto the international stage, Mr. Mkhize sheds light on its positive repercussions for South Africa and the importance of infrastructural development

There is a gap between the reality and the perception of South Africa. How important was it for South Africa to host the World Petroleum Congress?
The emphasis for us when we hosted the World Petroleum Congress was first to position the oil industry in South Africa and show the opportunities that are here, while also conveying the fact that opportunities can actually spring forth from South Africa into the rest of the continent.
The second emphasis was to cement relationships between African countries that are major producers. Working together can and absolutely will make a difference in Africa, because we have the potential, the technical skill and the resources. There are a lot of developing projects which, when resources are put together, we should be in a position to implement.

PetroSA was co-hosting the event, along with several other African entities, and it was a very visible campaign. How important was it for PetroSA to really step onto the international stage?
PetroSA was a new organization, so it was very important for PetroSA to be known, especially as here in South Africa we are not in an obvious consumer market where our name and identity are recognizable. People don’t realize that they use petrol, and therefore some PetroSA products, in their day-to-day lives. We supply a lot of medium-sized companies with our products and specifically repackage them to send to Europe.

Speaking about the corporation in Africa, you mentioned that it is vital that oil revenues go into infrastructure development. How important is this to transform this continent?
It is very important. Such large projects are actually the engine of infrastructure development. In South Africa, due to the resources of most of the large oil and gas companies, projections have actually created power supply, roads, dams and houses. Energy is one of the key aspects of a developing economy. Therefore we can use oil and gas as part of the contribution towards enhancing the potential of African countries.