Plastics SA is proud to announce the appointment of Samuel Kumbula as its new Sustainability Project Coordinator. Based at the company’s Head Office in Midrand, Sam joins the team with more than eight years of experience in the environmental management sector. His professional journey has equipped him with robust skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, spatial mapping, and field operations. These are all valuable skills in driving sustainability initiatives across South Africa’s plastics industry.

Career highlights

Throughout his career, Sam has worked closely with waste pickers, buy-back centres, and various Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), especially in KwaZulu-Natal. This hands-on engagement at the grassroots level has given him a practical understanding of the plastics value chain, from collection and recovery to recycling and reuse.

One of Sam’s most notable achievements was during his tenure at eThekwini Municipality, where he served as a Project Manager under the Economic Development Cluster. There, he established and led the Transformative Riverine Management Project (TRMP), which operated across 24 wards and involved 27 environmental teams. The initiative focused on invasive plant control, waste management, and river health. Sam trained a total of 389 individuals (including 4 environmental officers, 16 project supervisors, 32 team leaders, and 337 EnviroChamps) on river clean-ups, recycling, and environmental education.

Sam brings not only a wealth of experience but also a global outlook. His travels to countries such as Botswana, Germany, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have exposed him to a variety of waste management systems and infrastructure approaches. He believes these international insights are crucial for shaping locally relevant and innovative solutions for South Africa.

Exciting new chapter at Plastics SA

Reflecting on the significance of his appointment, Sam said, “I’m genuinely excited to join Plastics SA, a leading organisation dedicated to advancing the plastics industry in South Africa. What excites me most is the organisation’s strong focus on the circular economy—a concept that has become increasingly central in our sector. Being part of a team that drives industry training, skills development, and sustainable practices aligns perfectly with my professional values. I see this role as a great opportunity to deepen my knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the industry.”

Personal interests

Outside of work, Sam is an avid traveller who enjoys exploring different cultures and environments. He believes each journey offers new ideas and perspectives that can be brought back and applied to local sustainability efforts. “It’s not about how hard you do it; it’s about how smart you do it… we are learning every day,” he adds—a mindset that keeps him adaptable and open to innovation in an ever-evolving environmental landscape.

Plastics SA looks forward to the impact Sam will have on advancing the industry’s sustainability agenda and strengthening its commitment to circular economy practices, education, and meaningful environmental stewardship. His appointment signals a new chapter in building a greener, smarter, and more inclusive plastics industry in South Africa.