Plastics|SA is pleased to announce three new appointments at its head office in Midrand, Johannesburg: Dianne Blumberg, online editor; Jacques Lightfoot, sustainability manager, and Amos Mkhonto, technical trainer.

Dianne Blumberg: online editor

Blumberg started her career in the plastics industry as the personal assistant (PA) to Bill Naude (the then executive director of the Plastics Federation of SA) in 2004. Born and raised in Cape Town, she completed various courses through UNISA, the most recent one being a Programme in Marketing Management (2011). Although Dianne has managed to juggle her duties as PA to the executive director with those of updating and maintaining Plastics|SA’s websites, the recent launch of its new online and social media campaigns has necessitated the need for a full-time online editor. Blumberg says she hopes to see the South African plastics industry thriving, offering many new opportunities for growth and job creation.

Jacques Lightfoot: sustainability manager

Lightfoot obtained his BTech in Polymer Technology from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2006 before he went on to register as an assessor and moderator with merSETA in 2007. He completed the European Adhesive Specialist Bonding Diplomaat the Fraunhofer Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials in 2009. Lightfoot’s career in the plastics industry began in 2000 when he started working in the family business, Light Enterprises (now RNL Plastics), where he gained valuable experience and understanding of the issues facing players in the local plastics industry. He is excited about his new career as sustainability manager at Plastics|SA because of its commitment to leaving a lasting environmental legacy. Lightfoot hopes there will be an even greater awareness of the environment and the need to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible.

Amos Velaphi Mkhonto: technical trainer

Mkhonto completed his National Higher Diploma in Polymer Technology in 2000 before he kicked off his career in the plastics industry as a setter at Megapak in Olifantsfontein. Before joining Plastics|SA, he worked for Polyoak Packaging in Germiston. Asked about what excites him about his new position, Mkhonto says he is eager to become a subject matter expert on specific processes and adds that he is also looking forward to interacting within the industry while imparting knowledge through training and coaching.“I would like Plastics|SA to become a benchmark for the industry with regard to training and development in using the latest technology. I would also like to introduce plastics skills to rural areas, creating jobs and creating career awareness opportunities in the plastics industry.”