Plastics SA is proud to announce the addition of three dynamic interns to its team as part of the South African Government’s Youth Employment Service (YES) programme. The initiative, which seeks to empower young South Africans by providing them with valuable work experience, is being hosted by Plastics SA, with Safripol generously funding the interns’ salaries for the year.

The YES programme aims to reduce youth unemployment by creating work opportunities for young people across various industries. It equips participants with skills and experience that enable them to contribute meaningfully to the economy while fostering personal and professional growth.

This year, Plastics SA welcomes:

Oratile Kadiege

Hailing from Moretele, a small village in Hammanskraal, North West, Oratile Kadiege, 22, is interning in the Technical Department under the guidance of Annabe Pretorius. A graduate of Tshwane University of Technology with a BEng Tech in Materials Engineering specialising in Polymer Technology, Oratile is eager to contribute to the sustainable development of the plastics industry.

Nkosingiphile “Philie” Gumede

Working at Plastics SA’s regional office in KwaZulu-Natal, Philie is leveraging her Diploma in Public Administration: Supply Chain Management from Durban University of Technology. In her role, she supports ongoing projects and gains hands-on experience in administration and project management.

Lwandile Dladla

A 21-year-old intern in the Administrative Department at Plastics SA’s head office in Midrand, Lwandile is a soon-to-be graduate with a Diploma in Event Management from Tshwane University of Technology. Passionate about community service, Lwandile balances her career ambitions with hobbies such as reading, meditating, and dancing.

A Commitment to Youth Empowerment

Anton Hanekom, Executive Director, emphasised the importance of investing in young talent: “Youth employment is crucial for South Africa’s future. Internships like those offered through the YES programme provide young people with invaluable exposure to the workplace and prepare them to lead with confidence and expertise. We are immensely grateful to Safripol for their financial support, which has made it possible for us to empower these remarkable individuals. Together, we are helping to shape the future of the plastics industry and South Africa as a whole.”

Plastics SA and Safripol remain committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and the development of future leaders through initiatives like the YES programme.