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Our Team
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Executive Committee - Office Bearers 2025
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Marcel has a B Admin degree majoring in Marketing Communication and completed the Coschem diploma in 2017.
She joined the Symrise Cosmetic Ingredient division as a Sales Director in 2019, responsible for the Sub-Saharan region. Prior to working at Symrise, Marcel held various sales roles in companies including Sensient Technologies, Millchem, Sharon Bolel and Air Products. |
Marcel
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Stephanie Gompel-Ratsiane
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Stephanie started her journey in the beauty industry as a Nail technician at a very young age. Her passion for the personal care industry grew, and she decided to study the science behind the products she was using. She holds a B.Sc. honors degree in Biochemistry where she focused on Characterization and thermal analysis of proteins used in Cosmetic applications and is currently studying towards her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration.
After completing her Cosmetic Science Diploma, she joined Croda as an Application Scientist and later ventured into commercial roles at Chemgrit Cosmetics and BRB Silicones. Most recently, she joined dsm-firmenich as Account Manager, Perfumery & Beauty, responsible for the MEA region. Stephanie currently serves on the Education and Scientific committee as co-chair. In addition she also lectures on nail care, particularly in the area of decorative cosmetics, for the Cosmetic Science Course. |
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Johrinda Nel
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Johrinda Nel is currently the Sales and Marketing Manager at Vantage Speciality Chemicals.
She holds a Bsc Degree in Biochemistry and Human Physiology which she obtained from the University of Johannesburg. She completed the Cosmetic Science Diploma in 2015 and has been an active Coschem member since. She is a member of the Education Committee and currently the Chair of the Membership Committee. She is currently lecturing the Introduction to Fragrance lecture for the Coschem Cosmetic Science Course. She started her career as a QC Lab technician in the paint industry. Thereafter she joined the cosmetic industry as a Sales and Marketing assistant at a Colour Cosmetics Manufacturer which sparked her interest for this industry. |
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Ivor
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Professional experience reflects over 25 years of creative leadership,human capital and business development, and visionary capacities in the academia and private sector.
Expertly navigated the complex petrochemical industry in various Managerial to Executive positions; Built expertise in Business strategy, Strategy and Organizational Development, Research and Development, Product and Applications Development, Business and Market development, Corporate Image (Brand Management), Corporate Communication, Corporate Social Responsibility and Relational Value enhancement (Stakeholder Relations management). Seasoned executive with added operational experience within non-profit organizations including social welfare,pyscho-social, socio-economic, environmental and educational organizations. Expansive entrepreneurial thinker with a flair for new business strategies and delivering innovative solutions. Board directorship experience of over 10 years in private sector, non-governmental organizations, government agencies and academia. Former three tenure Chairperson of the South African national agency for Small Enterprise Development within the ministry for Small Business & Cooperatives Development. |
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Erica started her career in Finance with a Diploma in Financial Accounting/Bookkeeping, and held various positions within a variety of Industries (FMCG, News Media, Health & Wellness and Motor Industries).
In 2009, she decided to follow her passion and completed the Coschem Diploma Course. This passion has seen me devote many hours of my free time to developing and experimenting, resulting in new products, some of which have found homes with some big brand owners and well-known entrepreneurs. To try stay on top of the ever-changing Cosmetic Legislation Law, She continuously read books and magazines as well as browse the media on updates on ingredients, packaging, and labelling, etc. And now, her passion to create her very own brand has finally come true with jess-ae, while she continues to support Unichem Services as Sales Manager as well as consult on the Technical and R&D side of things. She is currently with Unichem Services as the only Sales Manager on the Cosmetic/Coating side and get involved with all aspects of Technical and R&D work on Cosmetics. |
Erica
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COUNCIL MEMBERS 2025
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Kudzai is an enthusiastic Chemist with a great deal of experience in project planning and executions, process control and optimization, proven expertise in wet and surface chemistry, Quality Management and Product Development.
He holds a BSc Hons in Chemistry and a Diploma in Cosmetic Science. He kicked off career in Mining experience spanning over 5 years as Reduction Officer, 9yrs of Detergent Manufacturing with Bliss Brands. He joined the Coschem team in 2018 as the Education Officer. |
Kudzai
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Jacques Strydom
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Jacques completed his degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch in 2013. His final year dissertation as well as further Masters studies were focused on Microbiological Engineering in the field of biofuels, where he studied microalgae conversion to biodiesel as well as starch conversion to bioethanol. His career took a turn when he started working as an R&D Manager in 2016 at a FMCG manufacturing company in Muizenberg, Cape Town.
Since then, Jacques has been working on the supply chain side as a Technical Manager at AECI Specialty Chemicals in the Personal Care and Home Care department. Most recently, he joined Evonik. Other than his professional aspirations in science, Jacques loves creating: Whether it be music, art, woodwork, electronics, photography or 3D renderings. |
Beverley
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Beverley obtained her B.Sc degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the Nelson Mandela University. She thereafter furthered her studies in the separate fields of Law, Psychology, Marketing Management and Cosmetic Science.
For the past 20 years she has worked at multinational companies in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries, managing sales for Sub-Saharan Africa for the cosmetic, fragrance, detergent and aroma molecules divisions. She has a vivid and demonstrated history working on the African continent, engaging with a multitude of manufacturers and brand owners. Currently, Beverley owns a consulting company that assists organizations to formulate, develop and launch impactful cosmetic brands in Africa. She is also the brand owner of a fragrance and skincare range committed to reducing indulgent consumerism. |
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Kelleen is currently a Senior Account Manager at dsm-firmenich. Her previous work experience includes product management at CJP Chemicals and AECI Speciality Chemicals as well as R&D at Tiger Brands and Amka Products.
She completed her tertiary education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal where she obtained a MSc in Biology. |
Kelleen
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Cynthia Farnham is an accomplished leader in the beauty and cosmetics industry, with a proven track record of excellence in product development, education, and artistry. Holding an international ITEC diploma in Make-up, Special Effects, and Nail Technology, she has been recognised with numerous top achievement awards for her dedication to her craft.
With over five years of experience as a make-up, styling and nail technology lecturer, Cynthia has trained aspiring professionals while simultaneously building her name in the makeup industry. Her portfolio includes collaborations with high-profile clients such as South Africa’s Parliamentary Committees, Discovery, LinkedIn, MTN, SuperSport and Musicians, showcasing her ability to deliver exceptional results across diverse industries, from music and corporate events to film and commercials. Cynthia’s love for colour cosmetics led her to pursue Cosmetic Chemistry, where she graduated with a distinction and received all prestigious awards (Top Mod 2 student, Creativity and Norman Sanan Award), including COSCHEM’s Student of the Year in 2022. Cynthia has been an active member of the Education Committee since 2023. She currently serves as Production Manager and Cosmetic Chemist at Creative Glamour. Cynthia is a passionate advocate for high-performance cosmetics, dedicated to advancing the South African cosmetics industry by blending artistry, innovation, and ethical principles. With extensive makeup experience, exceptional colour expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she is confident that her contributions will add significant value as a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists of South Africa’s Council. Cynthia lives by the motto, “In a world where you can be anything, be extraordinary,” a principle she embodies through her work, leadership, and contributions to the cosmetics field. |
Cynthia
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has been an active contributor to South Africa’s personal care industry for the past nine years. She holds an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science and a Diploma in Cosmetic Chemistry from the Society of Cosmetic Chemists of South Africa. She also served a three-year term on the Coschem Council as Chairperson of the Public Relations (PR) Committee. She is still an active member of the PR Committee.
She began her career in the Cosmetic Industry as an R&D chemist at Azochem Laboratories and Le-Sel Research, gaining hands-on experience in product development and manufacturing for hair, skin, sun, and body care products. This strong foundation in formulation science led her to Croda South Africa, where she worked as a Lead Applications Scientist. In this role, she refined her formulation expertise, conducted consumer perception studies, and performed instrumental testing on specialty ingredients. Looking to expand her impact beyond the lab, Aeysha transitioned into sales and business development as a Key Account Manager at Chempure. There, she built strong client relationships, managed key accounts, and provided technical guidance to help brands bring innovative products to market. She is currently a Key Account Manager at Symrise, where she focuses on managing client relationships, supporting strategic sales initiatives, and providing technical expertise on cosmetic ingredients. |
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Aeysha Jakoet |
Lee Ann
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Lee-Ann is currently employed at the Photobiology Laboratory – Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Medunsa Campus as the Quality Assurance Officer.
She has over 22 years’ experience in safety and efficacy testing of cosmetic products. She holds a Cosmetic Science Diploma from Coschem and has completed Certificate courses in Quality Assurance Management and Business Management and Project Management with UNISA. She is currently busy with a Diploma in Animal Behaviour with the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) International UK. She has been part of the Coschem Education Committee since 2008 and is a lecturer for the 2nd Year Cosmetic Science Course students in Product Evaluation. |
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Tiffany Wilson
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Tiffany has 15 years experience in media, advertising, portraiture and events as a senior makeup artist and hair stylist. She studied and worked as a fashion designer before discovering that the interface between the inner and outer world was her fascination, and has spent her career considering it in depth. Experience in retail and dealing close up with an extreme variety of people in a daily setting has given her intimate insight into psychology, and our sociological engagement with appearance, beauty and cosmetics.
Multiple frustrated testimonies led her to developing a method of makeup application that she teaches, that focuses on individual ratios, optical mechanics and personal preferences, rather than re-iterating one convention. These techniques are adapted from drawing and patternmaking, and take into account the psychology, proportion and contrast of facial features and appearances in costume and caricature, as well as micro expressions and facial reading practices across global cultural contexts. Having considered the varying contextual outplays of individual and collective details in the characters she creates for media, she has since started offering personal brand identity design services to clients who would like to bring cues into the way they dress and groom themselves, to showcase their best facets in various contexts using line, texture, colour, contrast and other cues. Her understanding of various markets, the zeitgeist and our societal relationship with beauty, along with her lateral approach and interest in developing technologies, socio-economic landscapes and what they could mean for tomorrow, as well as her ability to identify trends before they come into cycle, all position her in a beauty futurism scope. Completing the COSCHEM course has given her tremendous appreciation for the science behind her professional end user experience, through the learned understanding that science and art are not complete without each other, and is passionate about bringing that view to the general public. Tiffany has been a member of the Education Committee since 2023. Her hope is that the future will see science reframed from a stiff set of laws to a human account of infinite possibilities. |
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Wayne is the Managing Director of Vantage Specialty Chemicals & Cosmetic Technologies. He is a Biochemist, Diploma in Cosmetic Science.
Wayne has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and specialises in Hair Care, particularly ethnic hair, Skin Care and Suncare. He has held various positions from QC Material analyst, R&D Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Technical Manager to his current position, with various companies, such as Revlon SA, Amka Products, Noristan Hoechst and Procter & Gamble. He currently serves on the Coschem Council, was Past President, chaired the Scientific Committee. He is on the CTFA Executive Board and on various Technical committees. He also serves on the Technology Innovation Agencies Advisory Panel. His hobbies include Wildlife and hunting. As sport goes, he is a Golfer and Boater. |
Wayne
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Ann-Tarlia
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Ann-Tarlia Moodley is the Raw Material Procurement Manager at Zeta Laboratories, where she began her career in the personal care industry in 2017. Her prior experience within Zeta Laboratories encompasses roles in accounts, CHEP control, warehouse management, packaging procurement, and new product development (NPD). Holding a diploma in Cosmetic Science from Coschem, Ann-Tarlia has also studied Project Management, HIV counselling, and photography. An active member of Coschem since 2022, she currently serves on the Councill as the KZN Chapter Chair and PR Committee Chair, with a focus on strengthening the KZN region and adding value nationally. Beyond her industry role, Ann-Tarlia also pursues her creative passions in photography and graphic design.
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Rukaya Mansoor is a cosmetic chemist with over eight years of experience in formulating skincare, cosmetics, baby care, body care, and fragrances. She currently works as a Senior Development Chemist at Indigo Brands where she specialize in creating innovative and high-performing formulations that balance science, functionality, and consumer experience. She also had the opportunity of completing the Coschem Cosmetic Science Course to further her skills and knowledge within the field. She has been an active member of the Education Committee and Cape Town Chapter during 2024. Beyond the lab, she is deeply passionate about learning, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration within the industry. She believes that by working together, we can push the boundaries of the cosmetic industry and create a stronger, more connected community. Her goal as the Cape Town Chapter Chair is to improve the personal care community in CT and to bring professionals together, encourage knowledge-sharing, and create a platform where we can all grow and contribute to the future of cosmetic chemistry. She looks forward to the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and to work alongside like-minded individuals who are just as passionate about this industry as she is! |
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Administration
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Bridget has been in the Personal Care/Cosmetic Sector for 24 years. All of which have been dedicated to the growth and development of the South African Society of Cosmetic Chemists (Coschem), this is in conjunction with the passionate Council and Members. Her role as General Secretariat is diverse and enables her to connect with the members and enhance their personal growth within this industry.
She was involved in the successfully bidding and hosting of a South African, IFSCC Conference (1999) and IFCC Congress (2012). This was from the conception to completion, including the financial aspects down to post event close off. She also organises a myriad of events such as annual two-day scientific conference, mini exhibition, poster session and gala dinner. Last year Coschem partnered with HPCI to host a local exhibition to benefit the sale of raw materials with our industry. She also works closely with the Education Officer and assists him with the two-year Cosmetic Science Course, administering all functions relating to this course and liaising with the students. All activities and offices functions including the finances, administration, and management of membership, events and website are managed by myself. She also organises many social/networking events such as the annual golf day and the lady’s day events. The Cosmetic Science Course is very well recognised with in the personal care industry, it is the steppingstone for students to access the industry. It is also a platform for many business owners who are starting their own businesses. |
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