Savannah Fine Chemicals celebrates its dynamic women

The old African proverb “if you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family (or nation)” was a pioneer in its time for realising the importance of women’s education when men predominated education opportunities. At Savannah Fine Chemicals, educating and uplifting women has seen the company become one of the strongest and most prosperous in the ingredients solutions market.

Savannah offers a value-driven ingredients package that improves the lives of its customers through being constructive, synergistic and well implemented. At the company, National Women’s Day marks a time to acknowledge and honour women for the contributions they make each day as mothers, wives, daughters and employees. The team continues to uplift, support and motivate one another. Because by working together, they can achieve equal representation and a stronger voice in male dominated environments outside of the workplace.

Financial specialist, Angelique Heijstek says: “Women in my team and business inspire me just simply because of their dynamic manner in being able to deal with everyday challenges.”

Women in the cosmetics industry

Cosmetic ingredients and technical support are areas of focus within Savannah’s personal care business unit. The team is proud to be part of the changing dynamic in the South African cosmetics industry where more cosmetic products are manufactured to align with the local market demands, taking into account our climate and the unique skin and hair texture of South African consumers.

General manager, Sandra Boyce is passionate about encouraging more women to pursue a career in the cosmetics industry, by demonstrating that beauty is not only perceived through physical appearance. “By being part of the cosmetics industry, we play a major role in beautifying ‘great women’,” she comments.

The industry also creates opportunities for job creation in local manufacturing and the ingredients supply chain.

Lyndsay de la Rey, logistics leader, explains: “Most young girls are under the impression that cosmetic products are fully imported. Through making them aware of the vast number of brands that are manufactured locally and the opportunities that exist in cosmetics manufacturing and the local supply chain, it would encourage more women to study and pursue a career this industry.”

Diversity in the workplace

Savannah not only celebrates women empowerment in the workplace but also diversity. General manager, Roné Luttig says that this embodies the acceptance and inclusion of employees of all backgrounds.

“Diversity in the workplace is very important as it acknowledges the individual strengths of people and the potential they bring to Savannah. Valuing the differences of others is what ultimately brings us all together and can be the secret to a successful, happy workplace and a fair work culture. It encourages the building of agile teams that bring different viewpoints and talents to the mix, increasing our ability to innovate and driving our performance continuously.”

Words of wisdom

Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Review asked Roné and business manager, Jennifer Rogers what advice they would give to the younger generation of women and girls.

Rone says: “Always choose to be kind, no matter how others treat you. Life is about experiences, try to cherish the moments in your life. Learn how to change a tyre, change a plug and hang a picture. Learn how to cook because dining with loved ones is one of the most beautiful pleasures in life. Be responsible with your money and be selfish with your time and attention. Always speak kindly to and of yourself. Never stop learning and striving to be a master in your field. Display leadership, no matter what your position or level within an organisation. Read books and learn as much as you can.”

Jennifer adds: “You don’t need to be perfect to inspire others. Rather allow others to be inspired by how you deal with your imperfection.”