President’s Report
January – December
2019
René Spada
Message from our President
I am sure all will agree that 2019 was a particularly
difficult year for all. We had to deal with a slowing
economy at only 0.8% growth, threats of missing
our economic targets and a potential ‘junk’ credit
rating from major credit rating agencies. Power
outages also contributed to contraction in
manufacturing figures in 2019. All is however not
bad news, as South Africa is still perfectly situated
to capture sales in the growth areas of beauty of
the growing middle class across the Sub-Sahara
African continent. This is supported by the export
growth outlook for South Africa of 2.67% in 2020.
The Coschem community is play an increasingly
important role in ensuring that we share
knowledge and scientific advances with
manufacturers and product developers, to assist
them to have the correct customer offerings for
successful growth.
The Council, supported by sub-Committees,
continued with their focus in three strategic areas:
education, science and industry networking, to
strengthen the strategic role Coschem is playing
in our industry.
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Education: Our industry recognized Cosmetic
Science course, which has been running since
1978, presented through lectures, tutorials,
project and seminars, continues to be the
industry standard required by many companies
when searching for new employees. A project is
in the pipeline to strengthen our position ever
further.
Science: Our Coschem Conference has grown
to include the international HPCI Exhibition for
the first time in 2019. This was well received by
the industry and will continue to be a highlight in
2020. “Cosmetics Africa Innovating the
Possibility” was well attended and the interesting
papers delivered were appreciated by a wide
audience. A special thank you to Wayne van Wyk
who has been heading up the Scientific
Committee for the last 20 years, ensuring a
wonderful line-up of presentations year after year.
The Society of Cosmetic Scientists cannot
exist without their members. The Council,
members of sub-committees and lecturers are
members who give up their private time to do
the great work we only see as a result. I want
to thank them for their continued support and
selflessness. We can also not forget about the
important role Bridget MacDonald is playing in
as our administrative support.
The 2020 leadership baton of the Society of
Cosmetic Chemists is handed over to Kim
MacCallum who will lead the society through
its 43rd year. I and the Council have
confidence in her to take the Society to new
heights in 2020.
René Spada President 2019
Industry Networking: Once again the Social and
PR committees did not disappoint in taking the
lead in promoting networking among our
members. The different social events were well
attended and continues to be the highlight in our
annual calendars.
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