Durban Chemicals Cluster

22/05/2026

In mid-May, TWIMS hosted a breakfast seminar, supported by our Shared Learning Programme, unpacking a challenge many firms face:
Why do Lean tools and systems often fail to translate into lasting culture change and operational excellence?

The session featured a virtual keynote by globally recognised Lean thought leader and author, Dr Michael Ballé, who challenged firms to move beyond a “rules and roles” mindset and see Lean as a system of trust, learning, interaction and shared problem-solving.

A leadership panel, facilitated by Khavitha Singh, Head of Lean Management at TWIMS, further enriched the discussion with insights from:
• Nigel Ward, Executive Vice President, Toyota South Africa Motors
• Celestin Ndhlovu, Executive Vice President, Isuzu Motors South Africa
• Tremly Nogaya, Senior Manager, PepsiCo

Here are our key learnings from the session:

14/05/2026

Cybercrime is no longer an isolated IT issue, it is now a core business risk!

As firms adopt more digital tools, cloud systems and AI driven platforms, the risk of cyber threats continues to grow. Phishing, ransomware and system breaches are already affecting organisations, and resilience can no longer be an afterthought.

Join our upcoming webinar with KPMG South Africa experts Déan Friedman, Rupesh Vashist and Sameer Vyadally as they unpack:

• The latest cyber threats facing businesses
• Practical ways to reduce risk
• How to strengthen resilience and protect operational continuity

Secure your spot now to strengthen your defence against cybercrime here:
https://zurl.co/XxWjs

12/05/2026

🏆Recognising Frontline Leadership in Action!

Through our Team Leader Development Programme (TLDP), we continue to recognise problem solvers who are building practical capability where it matters most.

Congratulations to our TLDP Team Leader of the Month Wendy Dlomo from Vopak.

This recognition celebrates frontline leadership in action, the team leaders who see challenges first, support their teams daily, and help improve the way work gets done.

11/05/2026

📢 Applications are open! Are you a KZN chemicals SME looking to strengthen your business and unlock practical growth opportunities?

Apply now for the DCC CHIETA Origin8 2026 programme, designed to help chemicals SMEs build stronger business foundations, understand lead customer requirements, improve business management practices, and strengthen their marketing, social media and business planning skills.

Spaces are limited. Take the next step in growing your chemicals business: https://forms.zohopublic.com/bmanalysts/form/DCCCHIETAOrigin82026/formperma/we_5uerVMmgXsxRS5EuDMtjoQgmDTOS0s7k2x5oTOtw

The Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority

Thank you for applying to be a part of the Durban Chemicals Cluster Origin8 from 27-28 July 2026, sponsored by CHIETA. Spaces are limited. We will let you know as soon as possible about your application. Thank you.

08/05/2026

Sustainability and Competitiveness must work together.
That was the focus of our April Shared Learning webinar, held on World Earth Day.

The session explored how manufacturers can align sustainability and competitiveness to reduce costs, improve efficiency, strengthen margins and build long term business advantage.

Thank you to Chapwa Seyuba from ITL Group and Andrew Michael from RESRG Automotive for sharing practical insights on turning sustainability into measurable operational progress.

24/04/2026

Project Asambe was conceived to replicate the success of dual vocational training, strengthening our chemical sector’s talent pipeline by aligning industry-relevant training to improve the readiness of entrants into our manufacturing environments.

It is, however, much more than a training programme. As we saw at our Graduation event on 25 March, the impact is best understood through the people behind it. It was powerful to witness how opportunity, when created, can be taken up with discipline and intent.

We were proud to celebrate nine individuals who completed a full year of structured learning and workplace experience - building capability and beginning to add value within their workplaces from early on in their journey.

One trainee shared how they identified an abnormality in factory equipment, escalated it quickly, and helped prevent costs of over R1 million. A simple example, but a powerful reminder of what capable, attentive people can do in the right environment.

Project Asambe is about creating that opportunity - and supporting people to grow into it.

Our thanks to our host firms H&R South Africa, NCS, and Paperkem for providing the environments and mentorship that make this possible, and to Scientec for their contribution to learner development, as well as AHK for their perpetual partnership.

To the inaugural Project Asambe class - we look forward to your continued growth with pride and optimism.

13/04/2026

What is limiting us from achieving the benefits of the Lean Management System- An Ubuntu Perspective with Dr Michael Ballé.

Join us in supporting TWIMS for a breakfast seminar exploring the barriers many firms face, from leadership alignment and culture, to skills and infrastructure.
This session brings an Ubuntu perspective to Lean, with a focus on the human and leadership shifts needed for sustainable performance.

Featuring:
Dr Michael Ballé, virtual guest speaker and globally recognised Lean thought leader
Khavitha Singh, facilitator and Head of Lean Management at TWIMS

Panelists:
Nigel Ward, Toyota SA
Celestin Ndhlovu, Isuzu
Tremely Nogaya, PepsiCo South Africa
Expect practical insights, meaningful dialogue, and valuable networking with industry peers.

Register here: https://zurl.co/UiWxR
Cost to attend: R300pp (includes breakfast)

02/04/2026

On World Earth Day, join us for an insightful online Zoom webinar that will explore how sustainability and competitiveness should be focused on together to create strategic advantage.

The webinar will involved insights from Chapwa Seyuba at ITL – Intelligent Label Solutions, and Andrew Meikle at RESRG Automotive. They will unpack their firm’s approach and share how other firms can align and advance sustainability and competitiveness simultaneously.

📅 22 April 2026
🕚 11:00 – 12:00 (SAST)
💻 Online Webinar

The session will provide practical insights into embedding sustainability into your core operations to drive performance, unlock value, and strengthen your firm’s market positioning.

Register now to secure your place: https://bmanalysts.zohobackstage.com/SustainabilityCompetitivenessatITLRESRG #/

02/04/2026

Celebrating the investment of people.

On Wednesday 25 March, we gathered in Durban for our KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Skills Graduation 2026. 142 people across 35 companies and four clusters - the eThekwini Furniture Cluster (EFC), Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC), Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC), and KwaZulu-Natal Clothing and Textiles Cluster (KZN CTC) – attended the graduation, with the East Cape Automotive Industry Forum (ECAIF) attending virtually from another province.

Skills development is often spoken about in aggregate, such as numbers trained and programmes delivered, but what stood out wasn’t just the scale of participation, it was the quality of engagement, whereby learners presented their work and peers asked questions. The room radiated a shared willingness to reflect on what’s being built.

Graduates and companies across the clusters received awards for their achievements and commitment to continuous improvement through skills development. Across clusters, we are seeing indicators of what becomes possible when learning is applied, shared, and tested in a community.

We are grateful to the representatives and leadership who showed up, and to the learners who made their work visible. Thank you to our funder, eThekwini Municipality for your continued support.

20/03/2026

Real workplace experience and industry ready talent

As the DCC Talent Pipeline Programme concludes, we are proud to share strong early outcomes.

Nine trainees have completed a 12-month pathway combining workplace exposure with formal training through the Chemical Plant Operator qualification, delivered in partnership with the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Scientec. The programme was hosted by H&R South Africa, NCS, and Paperkem.

Six trainees have already secured roles within their host firms.

Three high-potential candidates remain available for placement. They bring hands-on plant experience, exposure to real production environments, and the ability to operate safely and effectively, with the discipline and technical grounding to contribute from day one.

Looking to address skills gaps or strengthen your entry-level pipeline? Consider these candidates. Their profiles are available below.

For more information or to arrange introductions:
Luyanda Mgidi | [email protected]
Omphemetse Ramokhua | [email protected]