Who we are
PLASA Aims and Objectives
PLASA is dedicated to promoting the role of the Pharmaceutical Logistics Service Industry.
Especially Logistics Service Providers (LSPs), both wholesalers and distributors, as integral and vital players in the distribution of health care in South Africa.
PLASA represents its members to relevant governmental officials and other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry.
To this end the association presents a combined representation of all our members’ opinions and, where there is a difference of opinion, each opinion is equally presented.
PLASA ensures that an efficient and comprehensive channel of information sharing is provided to our members.
All information is carefully vetted in terms of suitability, with special caution on any shared information being potentially collusive.
In an ongoing drive to maintain good relationships with other industry stakeholders,
PLASA is dedicated to organising industry oriented educational conferences, workshops and seminars, where relevant information is shared.
PLASA strives to initiate all things that will encourage or lead to the attainment of our objectives.
Also, if pursued, these objectives will enhance the perceived importance of PLASA by the pharmaceutical industry in general, and by all Logistics Service Providers in particular.
PLASA Executive Committee comprises of:
Irshad Joosub
PLASA President
A dynamic and professional leader with more than 25years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry at senior and executive level business management. Irshad focuses on driving commercial objectives through strategic business development with a particular focus on technology and innovation, whilst remaining an advocate of authentic, purpose driven leadership. His motto, “to Inspire progress – Evolve, Innovate and Lead”.
Anthony Diack
PLASA Vice President
DSV
Anthony has 26 years’ experience in the Logistics and Supply Chain industry. In that time, he has had several roles that has given him a broad range of expertise with 15 year’s senior management experience. Anthony is a driven and passionate individual who can think and operate strategically. He is a leader who can create and sell a vision, get the buy in from people, and manage the execution through a diverse team of senior individuals.
Jaco Engelbrecht
Transpharm
Accomplished and goal-driven GM offering more than 10 years of extensive experience with management and tactical business leadership. Diplomatic, solutions orientated, driving business growth, achieving optimal results with competent planning, analytical thinker able to inspire and cultivate productive working relationships with employees and partners.
Trevor Phillips
Executive Director
Before his appointment as Executive Director for the NAPW in 1993, and then Executive Director for PLASA in 2011, to the present, Trevor Phillips held a number of senior positions in the pharmaceutical industry. Over the past twenty eight years he has managed the affairs of both the NAPW and PLASA. During his time in the industry he gained experience and understanding of the industry in general, and the medicines distribution Sector in particular. The relationships he forged with key industry individuals, both local and international, has assisted him in working to fulfil PLASA’s ambitions.
F.A.Q.
What is PLASA?
PLASA, or the Pharmaceutical Logistics Association of South Africa, is a trade association comprising local pharmaceutical Distributors and Wholesalers.
PLASA is a non-profit making Association that does not have financial gain as its purpose for existing.
What does PLASA do?
PLASA member businesses ensure the fast, safe and efficient delivery of medicines, and other medical products, to professional end users like pharmacies, clinics and doctors.
We highlight the importance, and the vital role PLASA members play in maintaining a safe and efficient healthcare delivery system.
PLASA also liaises with relevant Government officials, and other industry stakeholders, on various important matters of mutual interest. We present a unified representation of all our members’ opinions. If there happens to be a difference of opinion, each is clearly differentiated and presented.
We also try to maintain an efficient and comprehensive channel of information sharing to and among PLASA members, where this information is appropriate and non-collusive in nature.
In a continued effort to improve communication and understanding between role players within the pharmaceutical industry, both Private and Public Sectors, PLASA stages periodic informative inter-industry seminars and conferences.
How is PLASA structured?
- PLASA consists of three membership classes;
- General Membership; Distributors and Wholesalers who are registered with SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority), who comply with all laws, by laws, statues, regulations and codes of practice governing logistics service providers, and who are not community pharmacies. These member companies are entitled to one vote per company; in terms of the PLASA Constitution.
- Associate Membership; open to suppliers/manufacturers. This category of member is entitled to attend PLASA meetings. Associate Members are invited to participate at meetings, but have no voting rights.
- Honorary Membership; any person who in the opinion of the Executive Committee has rendered exceptionally valuable service to PLASA, can be awarded the status; Honorary Member.
- President and Vice President; both are elected at the AGM, with the option of extending their tenure for a second 12 month term. President and Vice carry their elected ranks if voted onto EXCO.
- Executive Committee (EXCO); is the engine room of PLASA and consists of 5 people in the employ of member companies, who are elected by secret ballot at each AGM. EXCO has authority to transact business on behalf of, and in the best interests of PLASA members. Each EXCO member holds office for 12 months, until the next AGM. No member company is permitted more than 2 of its employees on EXCO. Decisions taken by EXCO are determined by a majority vote.
- Executive Director; is appointed by EXCO and is responsible for the general running and management of PLASA, ensuring that all dictates of EXCO are timeously carried out.