Plastics|SA has welcomed Mxolisi Khutama as the new Chairman for 2019 at its Annual General Meeting that took place in Midrand recently.    

Khutama (BSc Eng, PGDMM, PGDBM) will be replacing Bernhard Mahl as Chairman of the Board, although Bernhard will remain on as Deputy Chair.

He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in operations, business development and administration gained in both the polymer, healthcare and business environments and currently is the Group Executive: Rigids at Nampak Packaging.

Engaging government

Commenting on his appointment Khutama stressed that it is imperative for the industry to engage government if it is to succeed in changing the public’s negative perception about plastic.

“The concept of ‘A life without plastics’, specifically single-use plastics, has become a worldwide trend. The media is overrun with anti-plastics messages and campaigns which fuel the negative perception of plastics on a daily basis.  The consumer blames plastic products for the pollution, whilst the plastics industry believes that government does not do enough to ensure proper waste management in the country,” he explains.

“On the other hand, Government thinks the responsibility lies with the plastic producer.  Whilst it is true that human behaviour needs to change, there is no incentive to do so if the necessary infrastructure is not in place. It is clear, therefore, that Plastics|SA has a vital role to play both in society and in the government space,” Khutama adds.

Changing the playing field

Addressing the audience in attendance, Plastics|SA’s Executive Director, Anton Hanekom, acknowledged that the global plastics industry is has to contend with ongoing negative messages and mounting pressure to minimise the environmental impact of plastics packaging.

 “For this reason, it is more important than ever before, for us to be more pro-active in determining the public agenda, taking part in public debates and forming public opinion on plastics as the material of the future.  With the appointment of our new Chairman and the support of a strong and energetic Board of Directors, I believe we are up to the task and ready to change the playing field,” Hanekom said.