Connecting South Africa’s chemical value chain for safer, more sustainable growth
THE chemical sector is intricately woven into every aspect of daily life. From fuels that power vehicles and move people and goods across thousands of kilometres, to the chemicals that enable the safe and responsible production of food, pharmaceuticals and packaging, the sector is integral to a functioning society.
It is for this reason that the South African chemical sector is one where safety, reliability and public trust are non-negotiable.
“Amid economic volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and rising expectations around compliance, it no longer makes sense for businesses to go it alone,” says Deidré Penfold, Executive Director of the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA), which represents the interests of more than 130 South African organisations.
Representing a sector that is in every element of life
CAIA’s membership and affiliations demonstrate the breadth of the chemical and allied industries. Its membership base extends from primary, commodity and speciality chemicals to downstream manufacturing of, among others, plastics and consumer products, fertilisers and agricultural inputs. Added to this are service providers in logistics, storage, distribution, trade, warehousing and waste handling.
CAIA’s membership accounts for 2.4% of national GDP and 12.2% of manufacturing GDP, with annual production output of R951 billion and R271 billion in value added.
“This economic footprint means that CAIA is well positioned to represent both fundamental and complex issues of the sector as a single, credible industry voice,” says Penfold.
“Our focus on advocacy and ongoing interaction with regulators and policymakers ensures that members gain early insight into policy shifts, international best practice and compliance trends,” explains Penfold.
Beyond regulatory compliance
Responsible Care® is a global, voluntary initiative by the chemical industry aimed at improving safety, health, environmental (SHE), and security performance across all operations. It goes beyond regulatory compliance, promoting sustainable development, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
Under the umbrella of Responsible Care® is SQAS-AFRICA (Safety & Quality Assessment for Sustainability – AFRICA), a standardised evaluation system for logistics service providers. CAIA’s independent and certified auditors assess the performance of companies in terms of safety, health, environment, quality and corporate social responsibility.
More recently, CAIA has developed a SAFETY SMART campaign. Penfold notes that the campaign aligns with CAIA’s objectives for a responsible sector that places value on the lives and well-being of the thousands of people who serve it. “The SAFETY SMART themes aim to encourage a proactive safety mindset built on teamwork, shared responsibility, and prevention. By thinking about hazards, risks, and consequences before acting, we can put safety first and ensure everyone goes home safely, every day.”
CAIA hosts several webinars, training sessions and industry events that cover a range of topics, process safety is a particular focus.
Collective impact, responsible resilience
Penfold concludes that businesses seeking to remain resilient in an increasingly volatile and complex environment should consider engaging with CAIA. “The need for a collective voice is now paramount. By strengthening safety and stewardship while supporting growth and competitiveness, CAIA helps ensure the chemical and allied industries remain a trusted enabler of South Africa’s economy.”
