Empowerment NCT’s process to accelerate empowerment among its black members began in the 1980s with a major focus in the 1990s. Total Black membership stands at 735/1491 (49% of NCT’s total membership) of which women members make up 23%. These members benefit directly and are effectively part-owners of the co-operative. Enterprise development NCT continues to support its small-scale timber growers with new and improved genetic material, leaving the planting and silvicultural responsibilities to the owner. To date, NCT has planted over 1 200 ha benefiting over 400 growers in the Zululand and Midlands area. Skills development As part of its skills development program, NCT sponsor students at institutions of higher learning to further their forestry related studies. Priority is given to those at post graduate level. Their research focuses on various aspects of forestry silviculture relevant to private timber growers, including MSc and PhD studies on how pests and pathogens—exacerbated by global warming—affect the productivity of forestry plantations. Attention is also directed at farm skills where NCT sponsors individuals who wish to enter a skilled mechanical trade in the industry. 9 Linking our members to markets
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