Coschem thrives through digital connections

from Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Review March 2021

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Despite the disconnection of 2020, Coschem managed to keep its members and the industry connected through a series of highly successful online events. The society has also remained in a healthy financial position, which is noteworthy considering the devasting economic impact of COVID-19. These and other achievements were highlighted during Coschem’s virtual AGM on 11 February. By Abby Vorster

Over 70 participants gathered online for the 2020 AGM of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (Coschem). Kim MacCallum, who was the society’s president last year, summed up 2020 “as the year that changed us all”!

She recalled talking about predictions for 2020 and how some of them pointed to extreme weather and a technology blow-up.

“We certainly got the technology part right,” said Kim, highlighting the explosion of Tik Tok and videoconferencing. “Oddly enough, Coschem’s theme for 2020 was connection – and as the world went into lockdown, the need for connection could not have been stronger.”

She reiterated that her year as Coschem’s president was interesting – to say the least. “Although we didn’t have our usual annual get togethers, conferences and gala dinners, I must say this amazing committee has kept the society alive and has breathed in a new energy. A big thank you to all the members, and especially to Bridget, who has managed even more events (be it virtual) after hours than ever before. Without all of you – we would have had a very different result last year,” she explained.

Kim also highlighted the contributions and activities of the various committees, which include the education, social, morning seminar, PR, scientific, and lecture evening committees.

“The efforts of these committees play a significant role in the ongoing success of the society – thank you to everyone involved,” she added.

**Charmaine Du Preez, 2021 president of Coschem**

Healthy financial results

Even with a decrease in total revenue by 57% (as a result of COVID-19 restrictions on physical-gathering-related income source activities such as conferences, seminars, social functions and the gala dinner etc.), Coschem’s non-physical-gathering revenue sources realised an increase. This was mainly attributable to educational courses and subscriptions, up 10% and 2% respectively from 2019.

The reduction of direct costs by 90% translated into a substantially lower decrease in gross surplus, down by 18% in comparison to the prior year. Coschem achieved a surplus from operations with other income and operating/overhead expenses remaining fairly stable in comparison to the prior year.

2020 was a challenging year for most organisations to match cash flow and keep things alive. This is especially relevant to those organisations that are non-profit. Yet despite the absence of revenue-generating events, Coschem’s financial results show that the society is still in a very healthy position, as confirmed by FTR Services.

FTR Services was re-appointed as the society’s auditor for the 2020 financial year. This appointment was proposed by Andre Burger, seconded by Wayne van Wyk, and unanimously ratified.

Council and office bearers

Kim MacCallum handed the presidency over to Charmaine Du Preez. Liesl Keulder was nominated as vice president. Ivor Zwane was re-elected as honorary secretary. Erica de Kock re-elected as honorary treasurer and re-nominated to chair the coastal chapters.

Samantha Pols and René Spada have served their terms on council and stand down.

Charis Lewis, Sapphirah Phala and Johrinda van Rensburg are the new nominates, who were accepted and co-opted onto the council.

Coschem’s 2021 council includes: Charmaine du Preez; Liesl Keulder; Kim MacCallum; Erica De Kock; Ivor Zwane; Nicola Barnard-Marais; Andre Burger; Beverley Gardner (chair of the scientific committee); Kudzai Gwazira (education officer); Aeysha Jakoet (chair of the PR committee); Charis Lewis; Lumbi Moyo; Sapphirah Phala; Jacques Strydom (chair of the lecture evening committee); Anina van der Walt; Johrinda van Rensburg; and Wayne van Wyk.

Enthusiastic about her role as the 2021 president, Charmaine said that Coschem and all its members are a family.

“I see Coschem and all the members as family – being part of this amazing group and family is an honour. We learn from each other, support each other and grow together. I want to thank everyone for staying committed in 2020, even though we had to change the way we do things, going online and connecting virtually mostly. I want to ask all the members to stay positive and committed to this family, as we are planning for 2021 to be a great year. We are arranging seminars at a minimal fee, where scientific knowledge will be shared and for all to attend. The scientific committee is working hard on ideas for this year’s conference, which is most likely to be hosted virtually. It will be our first online conference, and we will be sending out more information on this soon,” she commented.

To learn more about Coschem’s social and educational events planned for this year, please send an email to bridget@coschem.co.za. •

HONOURING THE STUDENTS

Unfortunately, this year’s Coschem students prize giving dinner was cancelled due to COVID-19. The society did however celebrate the efforts of the students enrolled in its cosmetic science training course and made special mention of the various award winners, during the online AGM.The recipients of the 2020 special awards are:

• Top Module 1 is shared between Michelle Nott and Serisha Naidoo

• Top Module 2 – the Jill Gardiner Award 2020 – is shared between Yanishka Francis and Ronè Rudman

• Sensient Technologies Creativity Award – Best Module 2 Project Presentation – went to Renè van der Westhuizen

• Norman Sanan Award for the Best Mod 2 Project went to Marike Kotzè

• P&C Review/Coschem essay award went to Michelle Nott.