President’s Report
January – December
2018
Ivor Mzwandile Zwane
Message from our President
2018 has, for all intents and purposes, been very
challenging characterised by declining business
confidence in the wake of poor economic growth.
The South African economy slipped into
recession during the second quarter of 2018,
shrinking by 0.7% quarter-on-quarter.
This followed a revised 2.6% contraction in the
first quarter of 2018. On the contrary, sub-
Saharan growth is showing a steady increase
projected at 3.3% for 2018 and rising to 3.5% for
2019. This augers well for cosmetic exports into
Africa with a compound annual growth rate
projection of 6.6% over the 2018-2022 period.
Growth requires knowledge and expertise, hence
our primary focus as Coschem is to promote the
advancement of science and technology in the
cosmetic and toiletries industry by improving the
scientific knowledge of our individual members.
The Council, assisted by its sub-committees,
continues to strengthen the Society’s
three-pronged strategic focus areas: Education,
Science and Industry networks.
Page 4
Education: Dissemination of knowledge and
expertise is achieved by our industry recognised
and propriety Cosmetic Science Diploma Course
which was inaugurated in 1978, presented through
lectures, tutorials, projects and seminars. These
continue to grow year on year. The Society is indebted to the professionals
who, on a volunteering basis, serve
religiously at Council and the Sub-
Committees. Bridget MacDonald, the
backbone of our administrative support since
1997, is greatly appreciated.
Science: The highlight of the scientific program is
our annual conference which was held in
September under the theme “Beauty in HD”. This
is a platform for sharing industry research and
trends. We experienced enhancement through
greater participation of institutions of higher
learning. In September 2019, we will be hosting
the international HPCI Exhibition alongside our
conference. Preparations are under way. The 2019 leadership baton of the Society of
Cosmetic Chemists is handed over to René
Spada, who will lead the society through its
42nd year of existence. I and the Council have
confidence in her ability to take the Society a
step higher.
Industry Networks: Our Social and PR
committees take the lead in promoting
networking among our members, and several
social and membership initiatives were
successfully held.
The Society is a society because of its
members. We continue to serve them and also in
support of industry associates to whom we owe
gratitude for their support.
Page 5