MechChem Africa January-February 2025

CHIETA honours leaders driving collaboration, innovation and impact

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) Chemical Industries Awards celebrated exceptional contributions from SA’s chemical companies to skills development, collaboration and innovation, while highlighting the industry’s efforts to drive impactful change.

workforce skills with cutting-edge digital training platforms.

In addition, two CEO Special Awards were given to: • PG Group (Glass Sector): Recognised for pioneering digital skills training and innovation in the chemical industry. • Afrox (Base Chemicals Sector): Honoured for its leadership in work force innovation and collaboration. The 2024 CHIETA Chemical Industries Awards underline CHIETA’s dedication to advancing collaboration and innovation as pillars of growth and competitiveness in South Africa’s chemical industries. CHIETA CEO, Yershen Pillay, highlighted this com mitment: “These awards celebrate the inno vative spirit and collaborative efforts of our industry partners. By working together and driving impactful solutions, we are shaping a sustainable and resilient future for South Africa’s chemical industry.” The evening concluded with a high energy performance by DJ Small Deep, group celebrations, and reflections on how the chemical industry can continue to in novate for impact. https://chieta.org.za

At the CHIETA Awards ceremony are, from left: CHIETA CEO, Yershen Pillay, CHIETA board chair, Wezi Khoza and CFO, Ncikazi Kabi.

H eld at the Venue at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg last year, the CHIETA Chemical Industries Awards brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders and innova tors committed to reshaping South Africa’s chemical industry through forward-thinking partnerships and innovative solutions. With renowned Programme Director, Lesly Musina, guiding the evening, the ceremony featured dynamic video show cases, top-tier musical performances by the Soulnote Band, and the recognition of those companies leading the way in industry innovation and impactful collaboration. Top levy payers recognised as pioneers in the chemical industry included: • Sasol South Africa Ltd (Petroleum Sector): Honoured for spearheading green hydrogen skills training initia tives, and setting a new standard for clean energy innovation. • Unilever South Africa (FMCG Sector): Celebrated for empowering women in STEM through scholarships and targeted training programmes. • Ardagh Glass Packaging (Glass Sector): Recognised for its sustainability-fo cused skills development programmes, advancing eco-conscious practices. • AECI Ltd (Specialty Chemicals Sector): Acknowledged for closing skills gaps

through innovative apprenticeship models in chemical manufacturing. • Adcock Ingram: Awarded for compre hensive skills development initiatives, and increasing access to artisan and technical training for underprivileged communities. • African Explosives Limited (AEL): Honoured for its trailblazing safety training modules, setting a new bench mark in workplace safety education. • Kansai Plascon: Acknowledged for mentorship programmes fostering di versity and inclusion in the workforce. NECSA (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation): Recognised for excel lence in nuclear-specific training and impactful youth development initiatives. • Omnia Group: Honoured for its invest ment in advanced agricultural chemical skills programmes, promoting sustain able food security solutions. Recognised medium and small enterprises (SMEs) in the chemical sector included: • Creighton Products CC (FMCG Sector): Acknowledged for fostering entrepre neurial growth and supporting small scale producers through collaborative efforts. • Buckman Laboratories Pty Ltd (FMCG Sector): Celebrated for advancing •

Afrox’s Sebastian Sachtleben (right) receives the most innovative CEO award from CHIETA CEO, Yershen Pillay.

NECSA (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation) was recognised for excellence in nuclear-specific training and impactful youth development initiatives.

10 ¦ MechChem Africa • January-February 2025