The MAK Plastics team

MANAGEMENT
STRUCTURE

At MAK Plastics, our success is rooted in the strength and vision of our leadership. Guided by a highly experienced and dynamic executive team with over 75 years of combined industry expertise, the company operates with precision, accountability, and purpose. This seasoned leadership collective brings together cross-functional capabilities in engineering, finance, sustainability, compliance, operations, and strategic management, forming the backbone of our innovation-driven and environmentally responsible business model.

Our management approach is reinforced by a robust governance framework designed to uphold transparency, ethical conduct, and adherence to international best practices. We maintain full alignment with globally recognized quality management standards, which ensures that every department operates in sync with our core values of excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Each member of our leadership team plays a critical role in shaping the direction of MAK Plastics, contributing unique perspectives that drive growth, resilience, and long-term value creation:


EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM


MS. KHIZRA KHALID – ADMIN AND LOGISTICS MANAGER

Ms. Khizra Khalid began her journey with the company as a trainee during her school years and has since risen to the position of Admin and Logistics Manager. A vibrant and ambitious young entrepreneur, she proudly follows in the footsteps of her parents and siblings, carrying forward their legacy of dedication and excellence.

With remarkable poise and determination, Ms. Khalid oversees the Logistics, Human Resources, and Administration divisions managing each with precision, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Her dynamic leadership style, paired with her youthful energy and sharp business acumen, ensures that every process runs seamlessly. Firm yet fair, professional yet personable, she exemplifies the new generation of leadership driving MAK Plastics toward continued growth and innovation.


MRS. HAJIRA KHALID – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and construction, Mrs. Hajira Khalid leads business development, regulatory compliance, production oversight, and workforce development. As CEO, she combines a visionary outlook with hands-on leadership to ensure continuous innovation and quality excellence who plays a leading role in driving export development and strategic growth. In recognition of her expertise and leadership within the industry, Mrs. Khalid was appointed in February 2025 as a Board Member of SAPRO (South African Plastics Recycling Organization) and serves as an Advisory Board Member for the PRSME&A (Plastics Recycling Show Middle East and Africa), where she contributes to fostering international collaboration and advancing sustainable practices across global markets.


MR. KHALID RAFIQUE – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

A senior engineering professional with more than 25 years of experience, Mr. Khalid Rafique directs all technical and operational aspects of the business. His responsibilities include strategic procurement, cost control, quality management, and full SHEQ compliance. A specialist in process engineering and recycling technologies, Mr. Rafique has spearheaded the integration of advanced recovery systems and circular economy principles, positioning MAK Plastics at the forefront of sustainable plastic manufacturing.


MR. ANDRE POTGIETER – CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Mr. Potgieter brings a robust background in FMCG and manufacturing finance. As CFO, he oversees all aspects of financial strategy, reporting, budgeting, tax compliance, and performance analysis. A specialist in enterprise systems (Syspro), advanced Excel modelling, and data analytics, he enhances financial intelligence and business agility. His leadership in building high-performing finance teams supports MAK Plastics’ long-term sustainability and strategic growth.


MRS. ZAHRA KHALID – ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGING DIRECTOR

An Accounting graduate from Varsity College and currently completing her professional articles, Mrs Khalid manages the company’s financial operations, client service, payroll, supplier relationships, and inventory control. Her growing expertise and commitment to administrative efficiency reinforce the financial stability and operational excellence of MAK Plastics.


OPERATIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP


MR. UZAIR RAFIQ – FACTORY MANAGER

As Factory Manager, Mr. Rafiq keeps production running with precision and purpose. He works closely with the Planning and Sales teams to align production schedules and integrate changes seamlessly, while leading daily performance meetings to monitor targets, resolve issues, and drive productivity without compromising on quality.

He is equally focused on continuous improvement, implementing waste reduction strategies through root cause analysis and troubleshooting, and conducting regular machine audits alongside the Engineering team to keep preventative maintenance on track. His commitment to operational compliance ensures Process Master Settings, SOPs, and ISO 9001 standards are consistently maintained, supported by daily documentation checks for accuracy and traceability.

Beyond the numbers, Mr. Rafiq champions a culture of accountability and professionalism on the factory floor — supporting Health & Safety initiatives, addressing non-conformances through preventive action, and organising team-led communication meetings that keep everyone aligned and informed.


Slindile Ndlazi

SLINDILE NDLAZI – FLOOR MANAGERESS

Slindile brings with her over 20 years of extensive experience within the recycling industry, offering invaluable knowledge and operational expertise. She is responsible for overseeing daily production activities, leading, and supporting factory teams to ensure smooth workflow, consistent achievement of production targets, and adherence to stringent product quality standards.

With a strong focus on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and process optimisation, Slindile plays a pivotal role in enhancing manufacturing efficiencies, streamlining production processes, and driving sustainable performance across all production lines. Her hands-on leadership and industry experience contribute significantly to maintaining high standards and supporting the company's commitment to quality and growth.


MR. GERALD PAULSEN – SHEQ OFFICER

Mr. Paulsen ensures compliance with all Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality regulations. Trained in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Statistical Process Control (SPC), he spearheads risk reduction, quality improvement, and fosters a company-wide culture of accountability and excellence.


Nhlanhla Qwabe

NHLANHLA QWABE – PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Nhlanhla Qwabe, our Production Supervisor, brings over 15 years of valuable experience and practical expertise within the recycling industry. With an in-depth understanding of production processes, material handling, and operational requirements, he plays a key role in ensuring that daily manufacturing activities run efficiently and effectively.

Nhlanhla is responsible for overseeing production activities across each shift, coordinating teams, monitoring workflow, and ensuring that production targets are achieved without compromising on quality standards. His strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate reporting provide valuable insights into operational performance, productivity, and areas for continuous improvement.

Through his hands-on leadership approach, dedication, and industry knowledge, Nhlanhla contributes significantly to maintaining consistency, improving efficiencies, reducing downtime, and ensuring that all recycled products meet the company's required specifications and quality expectations.


Thabiseng Sakuneka

THABISENG SAKUNEKA – RECEPTIONIST

Thabiseng Sakuneka began her journey with the company as an intern, where she demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong willingness to learn. Through her commitment, positive attitude, and continuous growth, she successfully progressed into a permanent role as our receptionist.

As the first point of contact when entering our facility, Thabiseng represents the welcoming spirit and professionalism of the company. Her vibrant personality, friendly approach, and excellent communication skills create a positive experience for visitors, customers, suppliers, and team members alike.

Beyond her front-office responsibilities, Thabiseng plays an important role in supporting daily administrative functions and ensuring smooth coordination within the workplace. Her journey from intern to valued team member reflects the company's commitment to skills development, empowerment, and creating opportunities for growth within the recycling industry.


Together, this diverse and experienced leadership team enables MAK Plastics to thrive as a catalyst of change in South Africa's circular economy. Our leaders are not only stewards of the present but architects of a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future.