26 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2023 The dynamic supply and demand situation required full member buy-in to NCT strategies and tactics as the year unfolded. Members experienced huge frustration due to the stopstart nature of access to our major domestic market in the south. Chain-of-Custody and matters certification are top priorities of NCT in order to maintain certification status and ultimately market access. Poor economic conditions and the perceived easy availability of timber through nefarious means are driving opportunists to exploit the timber supply-chain regularly. Recognition of the role that women play in forestry remains important to NCT. Full in-person zone meeting series held in May 2022 were well attended and received. The 2022 NCT Annual General Meeting of members was also well received and attended. High level interaction with our major domestic market’s Chief Executive Officer resulted in somewhat improved access which was encouraging and has resulted in a mutual understanding of circumstances and requirements. Zululand District Office was brought up to full staff strength with the appointment of a District Forest Coordinator after the existing staff member was internally transferred to NCT Tree Farming. All signed up Guaranteed Supply Tonnages were scrutinised carefully and amended prior to acceptance, thereby ensuring that realistic tonnages were “in play” for the year. Chain-of-Custody workshops held at District level and formal investigations of known cases of alleged breach conducted. Support rendered to the excellent industry wide SHE is Forestry initiative with well-deserved recognition given to specific ladies within the NCT tree grower and staff contingents. NCT IT personnel have developed an APP for rollout to members and suppliers. This will facilitate paperless delivery and end-to-end visibility along the supply-chain for security and Chain-of-Custody purposes. Continuous need to support members and monitor performance Rendering support
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