N E W S & V I E W S • A P R I L 2 0 2 4 21 Meet Vernon (Vern) Schefermann, an integral part of the NCT Board for over a decade, and now newly appointed Chairman. With a background in Agricultural Economics from Stellenbosch University and a thriving family farm in the scenic Kambula District, his journey seamlessly blends the worlds of finance, agriculture, and timber cultivation. Having spent nine years as an Agricultural Economist at Standard Bank, Vern transitioned to the family farm in 2008, expanding operations to include timber in the diverse mix. This marked the beginning of his involvement with the NCT Board, ignited by an invitation from then-Chairman Harald Niebuhr. Beyond the boardroom, Vern’s childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut and admiration for engineering problem-solving reveal a diverse mindset. Today, as the Chairman, he reflects on the challenges faced during his two-month tenure Ve r n o n S c h e f e r ma n n and the collective resilience shown by staff, management, and members during the Richards Bay Fire crisis. A true advocate for cooperation over competition, Vern envisions a united front among private timber growers, working collaboratively to market South African timber globally. His leadership philosophy emphasises the importance of a listening ear, acknowledging the need to balance his innate inclination to speak. From a broader perspective, Vern addresses the challenges facing the timber industry, highlighting infrastructure deterioration and SOE failures as critical issues. With a focus on export, the reliability of rail and road systems becomes pivotal in ensuring the success of their operations. A native of Vryheid in Northern KZN, Vern cherishes childhood memories spent freely on the family farm. Balancing family life with his wife, Gina, and their three children, Vern navigates the delicate juggle between academics, sports, and occasional getaways. Beyond the boardroom and family life, Vern finds solace in hobbies like tennis, fishing trips with his boys, and occasional camping or overlanding adventures. His fascination with travel magazines and a desire to explore South America showcase the adventurous spirit beneath the business persona. As the day begins, Vern starts with a cup of Herbalife, a warm gesture for his wife, and a scratch for their old Labrador, Charlie. Embracing the philosophy that “life is a journey, not a destination,” Vern enjoys the simple pleasures, including frequent braais at home, showcasing the proximity of quality meat as a perk of being a pork and beef farmer. Join Vern on his multifaceted journey, where the rhythm of family, business, and adventure converges into a harmonious symphony.
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