A CALL FOR A UNIFIED COATINGS INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY NEWS

The SA coatings sector is facing “immensely turbulent times” in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, says Sanjeev Bhatt, newly elected chairperson of the SA Paint Manufacturing Association (SAPMA).

Bhatt, who is the founder and MD of Krugersdorp resin supplier Synthetic Polymers, says local problems such as Eskom energy constraints, electricity tariffs and the cost of labour have compounded already existing issues of high freight rates and extended shipping and logistical delays. “Freight tariffs have soared by almost 300% and frequencies between various important ports are now operating 50% lower than before the pandemic. All facets of manufacturing locally are becoming very challenging and government policies aren’t assisting in alleviating the pressure,” he says.

He believes that now, more than ever before, the coatings sector has to show a united front for survival. “It’s very difficult for individual companies to lobby with government stakeholders on their own. Working in isolation doesn’t help. The only way we can achieve our goals is by acting collectively through the auspices of an industry body such as SAPMA. As an association over 80 years old, the association has experience in lobbying government to institute policies conducive to the coatings sector locally. The African Free Trade Agreement is a classic example: it’s good to open free trade across the continent, but are the playing fields even when we compare SA with other big economies in Africa, such as Egypt and Nigeria? Ensuring fair trading conditions is an important facet of SAPMA’s role in leading the industry and maintaining a healthy manufacturing base,” says Bhatt.

He feels it is essential for SAPMA to increase its membership, with more active participation of all members as a core focus. “SAPMA should also widen membership to include many more paint retailers and painting contractors. In addition, it’s important to try to revive the training of young chemists and ensure true empowerment and transfer of skills. An organisation is only as good as its members. With unity and increased involvement by all members, SAPMA’s future will be assured and membership will become even more meaningful,” he says.

SAPMA has elected Bobby Bhugwandin and Stephen Reinecke as co-vice-chairpersons for the year ahead. Bhugwandin is the supply chain director for Kansai Plascon, while Reinecke is the founder and director of Promac Paints.