NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 1 LINKING OUR MEMBERS TO MARKETS NCT FORESTRY AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVE LIMITED In this issue: NUMBER 113 • MARCH 2025 • E. grandis x E. smithii – an important hybrid • The Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land • A tribute to Craig Norris
2 As the year gains momentum, we take stock of how 2024 ended and how our expectations for the new year are panning out. Report back from the Chinese pulp market shows no drastic change in the last couple of months, there is a marginal increase in the Bleached Hardwood Kraft (BHK) pricing of merely single digits, and the price stubbornly remains below $570. What is encouraging is that the bottom has been reached, and South American pup manufacturers are starting to put increases firmly on the table going forward. Paper margins in China, especially for coated and uncoated woodfree products, remain below five-year averages but also show signs of bottoming out. The Chinese New Year is past now and the next two months will reveal much about how the market is going to play out for the remainder of the year. China, in many ways, is conflicted between new capacity coming online and this causing arguably an overcapacity. In this situation only the larger, more modern mills can hit their required margins. Despite this China is really the only market likely to show growth over the next five years. The attached pie graph shows their dominance as a buyer even in a tough 2024 year for them. Japan woodchip demand is in slight decline, and we are in a fortunate position as we continue to nurture our long-term relationships with key players to the point where our volumes remain steady as other suppliers from far away countries (Brazil, Chile, Australia) show some attrition. India remains a dark horse, unpredictable and probably not the basket in which to place too many eggs. However, as a country, they From the General Manager Danny Knoesen will exceed China’s population and become the world’s most populous nation. We are seeing a number of inquiries from some players, and we have a few lines in the water. Watch this space. Overall, South Africa’s biggest threat continues to come from Vietnam, who for the 2024 year, managed to supply 62% of the entire Asian hardwood chip market. In the table, as one casts an eye of the supply countries, it must be acknowledged that South Africa’s performance was drastically impacted by the fire over 2023 and 2024, and we expect to move strongly into 4th spot during 2025. Regardless, we continue to produce to a full order book for 2025. Our Richards Bay complex repairs will continue during the year, with the eastern stockpile being handed back to production in August, and the western side in December. We continue to work around these activities and are running at 100% capacity for wattle and 80% for gum. Last, we thank our members for your ongoing support and having faith in your organisation as we pull ourselves into 2025. We are in a healthy situation as we begin our post-fire consolidation.
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 3 Asia-Pacific hardwood import demand Summary supply table, hardwood chips, year to date
4 Loyalty and dedication to one’s work are merits that define success, and few people embody these qualities better than Paulos Buthulezi. His journey from a general worker to a senior shift supervisor is a testament to perseverance, commitment, and a deep-rooted belief in patience and growth. Born in Ulundi in 1962, Paulos moved to Richards Bay in 1984 to pursue welding at Msimbi College. However, his academic aspirations were cut short when the college shut down, forcing him to seek an alternative career paths. Later that year, he joined Mondi as a general worker, steadily climbing the ranks to become an assistant operator. His 12-year time at Mondi laid the foundation for his growth, and despite resigning in 1996 due to a package offer, his journey was far from over. After taking a year off, Paulos resumed work at ShinCel in 1998 as a plant controller. Through pure dedication, he earned a promotion to plant supervisor, proving that consistency and a strong work ethic yield reward. His biggest breakthrough came in 2001 when he joined NCT Richards Bay Wood Chips (NCT), where he continued his trajectory of growth, serving as a plant supervisor for over two decades before stepping into his current role as a senior shift supervisor in 2023. Managing operations across NCT BayFibre and Richards Bay Wood Chips presents daily challenges, but Paulos navigates them with unwavering dedication. His open communication style and problem-solving approach, inspired by his mentor, Ryno Martyn, have made him a father figure to his colleagues. His belief in hands-on leadership has played a crucial role in his professional growth, proving that staying engaged and involved leads to success. Paulos works tirelessly, often exceeding his nine-hour shifts and remaining on standby 24/7. His daily responsibilities include: • Conducting plant safety and security checks • Identifying defects in equipment • Managing staff and ensuring operational efficiency • Coordinating with the port for smooth ship loading operations • Conducting route inspections and overseeing cleanliness • Handling accident reports and disciplinary hearings • Maintaining constant communication with supervisors and team members His ability to stay calm under pressure was particularly evident during the devastating Richards Bay Wood Chips fire incident in 2023. Though deeply affected, he remained composed, learning valuable safety lessons and appreciating NCT’s efforts to retain staff during challenging times. Beyond his professional life, Paulos is a devoted family man. Having lost his first wife to cancer, he remarried in 2021 to a God-fearing woman who shares his values. He has raised five children, three of whom are teachers, one a logistics manager, and another in supply-chain management. His hope is that his youngest, an eight-month-old daughter, will become a doctor. Paulos also holds a diploma in Ministry and is passionate about serving his community. His belief in respect, humility, and patience is the driving force behind his success. He encourages the youth to embrace education and recognise the opportunities in the forestry industry. Through years of service, Paulos Buthulezi has demonstrated that loyalty to one’s work brings not only career advancement but also personal fulfilment. His life stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring professionals, proving that with commitment and resilience, growth is inevitable. A testament to loyalty and dedication Paulos Buthulezi
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 5 Long-service recognition From left – Dumisani Dlamini, Ayanda Langa, Danny Knoesen, Derek Rall, Juggy Pillay, Lenny Naidoo. Justice Gumede, Philani Gumede. From left - Protus Phungula,Thembinkosi Buthelezi, Lenny Naidoo, Matthew Govender, Goodness Sosibo. From left – Sipho Mdluli, Danny Knoesen, Wiseman Ndimande, Desigan Naicker, Lenny Naidoo. NCT Durban Wood Chips (DWC) recently marked an incredible milestone —20 years of operation. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a key player in the wood chipping industry. This success would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our employees, who are the driving force behind our growth. We take great pride in the fact that some of our team members have been with us since the very beginning, while others who joined later have remained loyal and committed to DWC over the years. With that in mind, we are pleased to recognise our long-serving employees. Proudly, here are our Long-service award recipients.
6 The Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Act, 2024 Act 39 of 2024 was published in the Government Gazette (52009) on 29 January 2025. The Act was assented to by the President on 20 December 2024 but has not yet commenced. We await further directions from the Government on when exactly the Act will be promulgated and come into operation. This Act can be seen as a positive step forward on the part of the Government in: “RECOGNISING that it is in the national interest to preserve and promote the sustainable development of agricultural land for the production of food and other agricultural products for the primary purpose of sustaining and enhancing human life for the benefit of present and future generations. RECOGNISING FURTHER the need for a national regulatory framework to coordinate the preservation and development of agricultural land in a proactive manner, to prevent the fragmentation of agricultural land, to minimise the loss of agricultural land, to promote viable farming units, to encourage the optimal use of agricultural land and to provide for food security; ACKNOWLEDGING that high value agricultural land is a scarce and non-renewable resource and that the pressures exerted on agricultural land make it increasingly difficult to effectively and sustainably produce sufficient food;” [Preamble to the Act]. The Act also arises out of the State’s appreciation that it is a constitutional imperative to protect the environment, secure the sustainable development of natural resources, and ensure that everyone has access to food by preserving and ensuring the optimal use of agricultural land. Time will tell whether this Act is a tool for the greater good. Objects of the Act The objects of this Act are to— (a) promote the preservation and sustainable development of agricultural land; (b) establish evaluation and classification systems for agricultural land; (c) demarcate protected agricultural areas to ensure that agricultural land is preserved and protected against non-agricultural uses in order to promote long-term agricultural production; (d) implement a coordinated national framework, including norms, standards and authorisations for the use of agricultural land to — (i) promote and encourage viable farming units from a long-term economic, environmental and social perspective; (ii) discourage land use changes from agricultural to non-agricultural uses to prevent the fragmentation of the agroecosystems; and (iii) facilitate concurrent land uses on agricultural land without jeopardising long term food security; (e) provide for mitigating measures to counteract the loss of agricultural land and the impact of non-agricultural developments on agricultural production capacity; and (f) establish a national agro-eco information system with geo-referenced information to support the objects of this Act. The Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Act – Natasha Cluckie – Senior Legal Counsel –
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 7 The Act recognises and entrenches principles such as agro-ecosystem management; productivity, stability, resiliency, viability, and equitability. These principles, so the Act goes on to record, apply to all agricultural land within the Republic and must be applied when: “(a) assessing applications for agro-ecosystem authorisations; (b) determining norms and standards; (c) developing provincial agricultural sector plans; (d) declaring protected agricultural areas; and (e) all actions and decisions made in respect of agricultural land.” Importantly, this Act expressly includes Forestry and covers the forestry and logging industry. “Agricultural purposes” is defined in the Act as meaning practices associated with the use of agricultural land for crop and animal production, keeping of animals, including wild animals, forestry and logging, fishing and aquaculture, including the use of land for structures, buildings and dwelling units reasonably necessary for, or related to, the agricultural use of land. “Agriculture” is further defined in the Act as meaning the science, practice, occupation or economic activity in all its aspects concerned with the keeping or active production of useful plants, fungi or animals for— (a) bio-fuel; (b) fibre; (c) food; or (d) other agricultural goods or services, and includes, in varying degrees, the preparation or marketing of the resulting products. This bodes well for challenging and objecting to any developments, project and/or mining and prospecting applications on farms, for example, where the intended land use does not comply with the principles set out above, or where the ultimate result will be a destruction of the land or undermining of the sustainability of the environment. The Act further mandates Government to develop Provincial agricultural sector plans which, inter alia, “coordinate and harmonise agricultural land use policies, plans, programmes and decisions of organs of state aimed at promoting, achieving and preserving a sustainable agricultural environment”. Government further has the ability under the Act to declare nationally and provincially protected agricultural areas and to ensure that only approved activities for “agricultural purposes” takes place in such areas. The reactions to the Act have been quite mixed with a number of political parties and stakeholders being quite disparaging of the Act, believing it to be open to exploitation. Several agricultural organisations are concerned that these provisions could give government the power to prescribe to individual enterprises what they should do regarding production; for example, prescribe which crops to plant. It may therefore have the potential to limit the landowner’s ability to determine how the land they own should be utilised and what is the most appropriate use of such land. Agriculture union TLU SA says “the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Act is nothing more than a veil for greater state control, and a direct threat to the future of agriculture in South Africa. The law signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, aims to support long-term food production. TLU SA’s, Bennie Van Zyl, says the law runs almost parallel to the Expropriation Act and signals a planned attack on farmers’ independence and decisionmaking ability” [Bulletin, 30 January 2025, Thuso Mokoena] However, on a positive note the objective of the law is to protect agricultural land against short-sighted residential, industrial and especially mining development. Strip mining removes the arable topsoil to exploit the minerals deeper down. Sometimes, the consequences are irreversible. The law determines principles that need to be implemented when using agricultural land for other purposes. It also stipulates lists of impermissible activities as well as activities that may continue without obtaining permission have to be compiled. This can provide greater direction for land use and sustainable activities. AgriSA, Kwanalu and its members have actively engaged in shaping this legislation and they believe that it “provides significant protection for South African agriculture by strengthening landuse limitations and ensuring a stable, thriving agricultural sector. The Act’s effective future implementation relies heavily on the creation of further regulations and norms and standards”. They go on to state that “we will continue to engage with government to support effective implementation and safeguard the interests of our members. As recorded at the outset, time will tell whether this Act will be deployed for the benefit of farmers and the environment, or it will be exploited and abused and used to control the use of agriculture according to someone’s agenda. It may be that like other legislation, it becomes a white elephant or relic that is very seldom used if at all. Watch this space!
8 Over the past two decades, transporters within NCT’s supply chain have evolved from basic service providers to strategic role players, essential to value creation and compliance. As part of the evolving landscape, the current focus has shifted towards EUDR and Chain-of-Custody (CoC), reflecting a significant transformation in roles and responsibilities for transporters in the NCT supply chain. Transporters are now required to align with increasingly stringent regulations aimed at promoting sustainability and traceability within the supply chain. The EUDR regulation is aimed at reducing the European Union’s impact on global deforestation and forest degradation. EUDR compliance is now a mandatory requirement for trading with Sappi Forests and Mondi. Furthermore, meeting these regulations and compliance is crucial for all our markets to support sustainable, legal timber trade. This involves providing detailed documentation and traceability reports throughout the supply chain, of which transport plays a pivotal role. Similarly, the CoC standards ensure that timber and related products are tracked from their origin through the entire supply chain to the end user. Transporters must maintain proper documentation, implement robust tracking systems, and ensure compliance to maintain CoC. Looking back at how the transport function has evolved, we can gain further insight into how NCT’s supply chain needs have changed over the years. This highlights our transition from past practices to a more integrated and compliancedriven approach. Source: M Bepat, 2024 A Transporter perspective on CoC – Merisha Bepat – Business & Logistics Analyst – 2000-2008: The Transactional Era Few Transporters In the early 2000s, NCT collaborated with a handful of transporters. The primary focus during this period was on the physical movement of timber, with operations being largely transactional. Transporters were responsible for delivering timber from farm to mills, emphasising efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The supply chain was characterised by: • Fragmentation: Logistics tasks were focused through one central point • Manual Processes: Operations relied heavily on manual processes with little to no scheduling • Basic Coordination: Communication between NCT and transporters was straightforward, delivery from farm to mill.
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 9 2008-2016: Integration and Expansion Growing Transporters As global markets expanded and the demand for sustainable practices grew, NCT recognised the need for a more integrated approach. This period saw: • Increased Collaboration: The number of transporters grows, fostering a more collaborative environment. • Adoption of Technology: Introduction of digital tools for tracking and documentation improved efficiency. NCT’s scheduling system was implemented. • NCT Job Code: Initially a transactional tool, it began to play a role in managing larger volumes and enhancing oversight. 2016-2025: Contracts and Compliance Entering the late 2016s, the role of transporters became increasingly strategic. Key developments included: • PBS Vehicles: Significant cost savings realised and reduced externality costs • Advanced Integration & Automation: The NCT job code evolved into a strategic asset, central to contract management and handling increased load volumes. The NCT app is developed, enhancing visibility in the supply chain. • Transparency and Trust: Transporters became bona fide partners, with key contracts in place. • EUDR and Chain of custody: Transporter registrations and compliance are a key requirement. Why is CoC Important for Transport? 1. Compliance and Traceability • Each truckload of timber must have the correct delivery notes and associated details that stipulate the legal owner of the timber, the dispatch point (source) and market destination. • Accurate records of truck registrations and ownership are essential to verify that timber is moved responsibly within the CoC system. 2. Database Integration • Truck registration numbers and company details are recorded in NCT’s database to maintain traceability. Service providers must keep this information up to date, as failure to do so may result in restricted access to NCT’s markets. • Using this information, we can immediately identify the owners of the trucks once they go over the weighbridge. • The development of the NCT app further enhances tracking and traceability. 3. Accountability • Knowing who the owners and operators of trucks are allows NCT to monitor and audit the supply chain effectively. • This enhances transparency, ensuring that transporters are authorised and operate within the regulations. What Are the Responsibilities of a Transporter? 1. Submit Accurate Information Transporters must provide the following details to NCT: • Truck Registration Numbers: To track which vehicles are moving timber. • Owner Details: Names and contact information of truck owners and operators. • Sign and Understand NCT Compliance Forms. • Satellite Tracking: All trucks must have satellite tracking and when requested by NCT, be able to submit this for verification (source verification). 2. Verify Documentation Before transporting timber, transporters should ensure that • Delivery notes are complete, accurate, and match the load as outlined in the delivery document • Dispatch points and mill destinations are clearly stated and adhered to. • Paperwork aligns with NCT’s CoC system to avoid compliance risks. 3. Maintain Integrity During Transport • Loads are secure and protected to maintain quality. • Avoid unauthorised route changes or delays, or misuse of delivery notes. 4. Report Issues Immediately • Inform NCT of any inconsistencies in delivery notes or CoC documentation. • Notify NCT of any challenges during transportation to address them promptly. A transporters commitment to CoC compliance demonstrates professionalism and builds trust with NCT and NCT’s suppliers, as well as our local and international markets.
10 With the increased focus on matters certification, it is perhaps worthwhile to stand back and lay out in very simple terms exactly what markets are looking for and what we as suppliers need to do to meet this requirement. Markets (including NCT) use certification as a tool to demonstrate to customers in a credible, independently audited, manner, that they are: • sourcing material that is sustainable, • timber is ethically (and legally) harvested and sourced, • moves along a traceable supply chain, • and is from a verifiable source. Certification is also used to demonstrate corporate responsibility. There are various certification routes that different markets look at, and these mostly include the better-known Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification® (PEFC®), or for biomass material, the Sustainable Biomass Program® (SBP®). A recent acronym that you will have heard bandied about is EUDR, which is the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products. This is not certification, but a regulation that must be complied with to allow product entry to the EU. Again, certification is a tool that can be used to help demonstrate compliance with EUDR. It is worth noting that while one may not need to comply with EUDR for sale into Asian markets, those Asian markets will often require EUDR-compliance as they process your input and then sell this product on into the EU. Which still means you will need to be EUDR-compliant for sale into Asia. PEFC & FSC forest management certification requires a grower to comply to set standards. You are then audited against these standards and can then sell your timber as certified if found compliant. This timber is the top tier of what NCT sources for its markets and is reflected by the payment of a premium (currently R50/t). Most times this also includes market access, as key markets require certain percentages of certified timber, which in turn may have allocation implications for NCT members. There are various routes that suppliers may gain forest management certification. This includes either joining the NCT FSC group scheme or another group scheme. In either case, the certification credits are recognised. Underpinning forest management certification is legal compliance. This is an issue that many suppliers may grapple with, given the complexity of legislation in South Africa. You can use certification as a tool to assist you with this. A simplified overview of t – Colin Summersgill –
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 11 Controlled Wood (or Controlled Material) is timber that complies to a lower standard. This lower standard includes legally harvested timber, which in our context is taken to mean timber that is not stolen. Controlled wood evaluation includes the application of a due diligence system to minimise the inclusion of undesirable timber. For NCT this includes the use of the supplier’s Code of Conduct, source declaration form completion, use of the NCT app to pinpoint the source and state of the timber. Controlled wood is vital to NCT as our own mills cannot physically separate chips, and to claim credits for certified timber, this may not be mixed with anything except controlled wood (the claim is then made on a percentage basis). Chain-of-Custody (CoC) refers to the ability to be able to track or trace the timber along the entire supply chain, i.e. from harvest source, the transport, delivery to market, sale on to the next market and so on. For example, timber grown on a forest management certified unit is sold as certified, this timber is tracked and the certification credit for this timber is recorded along the chain. Coupled to this tracking and tracing is material accounting (once certified and controlled material are mixed). Material accounting is vital in that it informs the he essence of certification Certification Manager – amount of credit that can be claimed when selling material. CoC forms an integral portion of demonstrating compliance with EUDR. EUDR adds another layer to certification in that NCT is now required to be able pinpoint the compartment from where all timber is sourced. In the case of suppliers with no data in NCT’s geodatabase, NCT requires that suppliers use the NCT App to provide an image of the prospective timber supply using the app. This image is geo-referenced and NCT uses this geo-reference to map the block of timber (adding this to the NCT geodatabase). Members whose timber is already mapped will use the NCT App to place their orders, adding the compartment number that they will be supplying from. The underlying theme is that NCT is obliged (and wants) to only source timber that is ethically (and legally) grown and harvested and supplied along a transparent (and legal) supply chain from a source that can be verified. In addition, our markets are demonstrating an appetite for more certified timber, over and above what we are already supplying. To be clear: NCT is in no rush to accept any timber against which we have even the slightest doubt or concern. If we have doubt, we walk away so as to not jeopardise the greater whole.
12 In today’s fast-paced world, juggling work, home life, financial pressures, and personal well-being can feel overwhelming. Many of us are striving to keep our heads above water while trying to excel both professionally and personally. The good news is that with the right tools, mindset, and support, it’s possible to navigate these challenges and find balance. As your colleague, I want to share some practical advice on how to be a good self-manager and make the most of the resources available to you, including our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP from Discovery Healthy Company). Mastering Self-Management Balancing Life’s Challenges and Thriving at Work – Neels Reyneke – HR Manager –
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 13 Start this holistic healing journey by prioritising “Self-Care.” I know what most people think, selfcare is so selfish… no it is not, it’s essential. When you’re physically and mentally well, you’re better equipped to handle life’s demands. Start by getting enough sleep, aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Eating well is mandatory, fuel your body with nutritious meals to maintain energy levels. Exercising regularly does not translate into a 10km run, even a short walk or stretch break can reduce stress, boost your mood, and clear your mind in order to achieve better focus. You must take mental breaks regularly. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or simply take a few minutes to breathe deeply during the day. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy to care for others and perform at your best. Balancing work and personal life require clear boundaries. You would need to stick to defined work hours, work hard during your scheduled work times and avoid overextending yourself by unnecessarily working after hours. Learn to say no to additional tasks if you’re already stretched thin, explain this to your line manager as blunt refusal will land you in trouble. Try to unplug after work, if possible, minimise work emails and notifications during personal time to recharge. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout and allows you to be fully present in both your professional and personal life. Time management is key to staying on top of your responsibilities. Focus on what’s urgent and important first. Break tasks into smaller steps, it makes large projects feel more manageable. Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, or even some clever apps can help you stay organised. Avoid multitasking, focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency and reduce stress. Life’s challenges can sometimes cloud our perspective. Practising gratitude can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life. Try keeping a gratitude journal, write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Celebrating small wins in your life, acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Surrounding yourself with positivity. Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you. A positive mindset can improve resilience and help you navigate tough times with greater ease. Whether at work or at home, open communication is vital. If you’re struggling, talk to your manager, a trusted colleague, or a loved one. Sharing your concerns can lighten the load and help you find solutions. Remember, you’re not alone, many people face similar challenges, and there’s strength in seeking and offering support. You don’t have to face challenges alone. Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is called: Discovery Healthy Company and is here to help. The EAP offers free consultations with qualified counsellors whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship issues, or financial concerns, professional support is just a call away. The EAP is administered by Discovery and your privacy is respected; you can seek help without fear of judgment. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact the EAP helpline, it’s a valuable resource designed to help you thrive. If you see a colleague struggling, remind them of the EAP and its benefits. Life is a balancing act, and it’s normal to feel stretched at times. By prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, managing your time, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate life’s challenges more effectively. Remember, our Employee Assistance Programme is here to help you every step of the way. Let’s work together to create a supportive environment where we can all thrive, both at work and in our personal lives. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back! Contact the Discovery Healthy Company today: Call 0800 320 420 toll free from a landline or a cell phone. Access Healthy Company on the Discovery App or on the website www.discovery. co.za. Confidential and available 24/7. Let’s take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life together.
14 Eucalyptus smithii is an important and profitable species for NCT, its members and its customers (end-users of wood chips). Eucalyptus smithii produces high volumes when planted on suitable sites and has favorable properties for pulp production (that is, density in the 600 (kg/ m3 range and pulp yield of approximately 56%). Its high-density benefits both NCT members and customers: members can sell more tonnage over the weighbridge, while customers maximize stowage capacity, gaining more utilisable wood material per shipment for pulp production. The land base planted to E. smithii and/or the expansion of areas planted to E. smithii are however limited by climate and Phytophthora spp. (disease causing pathogens). In past years there have been many projections about a warming climate, and we are experiencing that reality today! The high susceptibility of E. smithii to Phytophthora has made the planting of the species, particularly in northern KwaZuluNatal and southern Mpumalanga unfeasible and unprofitable. Hybridisation and clone testing: To overcome the constraints associated with E. smithii expansion NCT, in 2007, teamed up with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to develop and plant a E. grandis x E. smithii hybrid progeny trial. Unlike E. smithii, E. grandis can be planted in warmer climates and is tolerant to Phytophthora. Combining the two species overcomes the limitations of E. smithii as a pure species. In 2015/2016 sixteen E. grandis x E. smithii hybrid clones selected from the 2007 progeny trial were further tested by the Hybrid Clone Consortium (HCC). HCC is a non-profit organisation that screens and tests clonal material for commercial forestry production. HCC members include NCT, TWK, and various private commercial nurseries. In 2022, HCC released the first E. grandis x E. smithii hybrid clone (GS 211) for commercial production. GS 211 is currently available at Sunshine Seedlings, Ezigro Seedlings, CPS Seedlings and Sutherland Seedlings. Growth performance of GS 211 compared to E. smithii: GS 211 shows promise as a high yielding hybrid in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands and southern Mpumalanga. Across a range of trials, the yield is significantly better than E. smithii. Letters denote significant differences (p<0.05). Within the same trial, bars with different letters are significantly different from each other. Pulping properties of GS 211 compared to E. smithii: In 2023, NCT commissioned Sappi Technology Centre to conduct pulping studies on two E. grandis × E. smithii hybrids (GS 211 and B 223) E. grandis x E. smithii an important hybrid for NCT and its customers – Noxolo Ndlovu – Research Scientist –
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 15 together with E. smithii. The results showed that the E. grandis × E. smithii hybrids had a pulp yield comparable to E. smithii but exhibited superior pulp and paper-making properties. GS 211 had the highest tensile, burst and tear strength, followed by B 223, then E. smithii. The hybrids do, however, have a lower basic density compared to E. smithii. These Sappi results were confirmed by the Hokuetsu Corporation (HKP) in September 2024. R50/tonne price premium for E. grandis x E. grandis mill deliveries: HKP have agreed in principle for wood from the hybrid to be mixed in with E. smithii shipments, but they are concerned about the effect that the lower density will have on stowage. For this reason, a price premium of half of the E. smithii price premium will be offered to members for all E. grandis x E. smithii mill deliveries. NCT is encouraging members to plant hybrids on sites Figure 1: Yield of GS 211 versus E. smithii in 8-year-old line trials Table 1: Site characteristics of trials testing E. grandis x E. smithii hybrids that are not suitable for E. smithii. Site requirements and recommendations: • Altitude between 800 m to 1300 m • Avoid frost prone sites and/or frost pockets • Areas previously limited by Phytophthora such as in southern Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal • Can be planted on margin E. smithii sites The future of the E. grandis x E. smithii hybrid: GS 211 has a lower wood density and oil content compared to E. smithii. Future efforts will focus on identifying high-yielding hybrids with wood density comparable to or greater than E. smithii, together with higher oil content. Furthermore, the hybrid will continue to be tested across a range of mean annual precipitation and temperature conditions to further refine and expand its site suitability requirements.
16 CRAIG NORRIS It has been almost a month since we bade farewell and celebrated Craig Norris and his remarkable career in forestry and at NCT. For those of us who had the privilege of working closely with Craig, his retirement is truly bittersweet. On the one hand, it feels like a great loss — his absence is deeply felt, and I swear most of us are drowning in one (or more) stages of grief! On the other hand, we are excited that after all his dedication, hard work, and impeccable work ethic he gets to rest and enjoy the ‘finer things in life’ to their fullest. In Craig’s case, finer things are probably not a shopping trip to Dubai or Paris but more like time spent outdoors canoeing, running, hiking, travelling and enjoying time with family –and, of course, continuously engaging with forestry stakeholders to share and create knowledge. I do not know if we at NCT will ever fully grasp the depth of Criag’s contribution to making NCT the successful organisation that it is today. Having worked under his leadership for nearly three years, I quickly learned that Craig is like a walking forestry encyclopaedia — he knew everything about everything forestry. Beyond his vast knowledge, Craig had remarkable foresight and understanding; he was both tactical and strategic. Collaboration was at the heart of his leadership. He intricately understood NCT as an organisation and recognised that we do not have all the expertise in-house. So, he leveraged relationships and networks — with FABI, FMG, ICFR, TWK, academic institutions, and many others to benefit NCT. Craig pioneered and championed key disciplines that are central to the success of any forestry business. He was instrumental in establishing and managing the tree improvement programme, ensuring that NCT could swiftly respond to the inevitable pest and pathogen attacks, as well as climate-change threats that, if unprepared for, could devastate forest plantations. Craig was at the forefront of forest certification, ensuring that NCT remained globally relevant. He also played a key role in communicating the latest and relevant silvicultural research findings to foresters and farmers, helping NCT stay aligned with industry standards and remain both productive and profitable. Craig was not just an excellent leader and pioneer of research programmes, but he was what I would refer to as perfect example of an HR textbook manager. Craig was hard working and hands-on. His passion for research and NCT was contagious, and we as his team members caught it like wildfire. So much so that we forgot – Noxolo Ndlovu – Research Scientist – a TRIBUTE to
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 17 that we had plans and goals outside of NCT. And that’s leadership! The ability to inspire your subordinates to catch the vision and to run with it. Craig believed in people and had faith in their abilities to do their jobs. While this may sound like a simple statement, the impact of trusting and believing in people cannot be overstated— it can make the difference between a productive employee and one who feels anxious, unmotivated, and unproductive. As his team members, he granted us independence, yet was always ready to support us and, at times, shield us when we made mistakes. In everything he led with kindness, humility, patience, and grace. Craig has clearly excelled in his career, earning him respect not only within NCT but across the South African forestry industry as a whole. I would often watch in fascination during meetings with industry stakeholders of all ranks and positions, as Craig’s voice and opinion were held in such high regard—much like Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia or Mufasa from The Lion King, his words carried great weight. Heartfelt congratulations to you, Craig! You can look back on your years of service with immense pride and satisfaction. Your career and life have been filled with impact and inspiration. We wish you all the best in this next season!” Clones by the hundred – a silent testimony to a small part of Craig Norris’s massive contribution to the forestry industry and NCT as a whole.
18 Retirement functions are generally bittersweet occasions. Whilst celebrating and acknowledging the retiree’s contributions, there is generally an element of trepidation regarding who that person’s successor might be and how that new person will engage and perform going forward. Arguably, there might well be a mathematical and linear relationship between the level of trepidation experienced and the extent of the contribution made by the outgoing individual. It appears as if SAIF members are currently in retirement mode. A while back we saw Jacob Kotze retire after a long and productive career with NCT and we certainly miss his presence now. This month, we see two more SAIF members retire. Craig Norris, a towering pillar of forestry knowledge and experience, enters the retirement paddock. He will be closely followed next month by Jeremy Carr, a stalwart and solid forester if ever there were one, who has also reached the end of an illustrious and successful career. NCT will be all the poorer as we wish these two men a wonderful, well-deserved and rewarding retirement. This is a forestry newsletter, so, for all you purists out there, Craig is by definition not a trained professional forester, but rather a teacher. His forestry knowledge, however, gleaned from years of exposure to matters of forest science, coupled to a keen intellect, places Craig definitively in the position of natural-born forester, which accolade is one that many trained foresters would wish for! As for Jeremy, he went to Saasveld, but don’t judge him – said the University of Stellenbosch author of this article – and so the argument starts! The above retirements, and the resulting trepidation experienced (refer first paragraph), got me thinking about exactly what it is that makes some individuals stand out above the rest. These individuals were not edge trees that basked in freely accessible opportunities and simply grew without effort or contribution. No, these are individuals situated well in the Retire – Rob Thompson –
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 19 middle of mixed stands, and who have competed with the best to rise high above the canopy and be seen and duly recognised as performers and plus-trees. Having penetrated the canopy, they have defied the rules of forest ecology and rather than dominating those around them, have instead nurtured and sustained their peers, thereby contributing to overall stand health and vitality. Such is their reach that they have positively influenced individuals in neighbouring and everfurther-flung stands. Fortunately, retirement does not equate to terminal harvesting in this analogy! All three individuals remain positioned as plus trees although their roles now change. Whilst they continue to contribute towards sustaining forestindustry health by way of formal or informal consulting, they now have the added challenge of navigating themselves through the unchartered waters of retirement and the positives, and no doubt some negatives, that this journey entails. So, what are the attributes of plus tree foresters and what makes them stand out from the rest? What are the take home lessons to those younger individuals that will follow up and fill the places of those plus-trees, now retired? From my observations of the outgoing trio, humility tops the list of attributes. Each member of the trio has immense knowledge of forestry and industry but still has the ability to temper outputs humbly, rather than ostentatiously. By doing so they are able to gain the meaningful attention of those they interact with, rather than forced and pretentious focus. Community association is the next attribute that I perceive to be a major part of the genetics of these three plus-tree foresters. By community, I mean full engagement and investment with the organisations that they worked for, the members and clients they served, associations such as SAIF that they subscribed to, outside associations in sporting and other disciplines that they contributed to, and general ability to interact with people from all walks of life, family included. As plus trees, they have an inherent ability to reach out to all other stand individuals and make a positive and significant difference to their lives and careers. Positive attitude is a top attribute which, in my experience, is not too common. Fewer and fewer people appear to be demonstrating the presence of this attribute. Conversely, our retirees have a positive attitude in bucketfuls, and this has stood them in good stead throughout careers in very turbulent industry waters. I will never forget a senior and very astute fellow forester who had an immense influence on my career say to me that a good attitude trumps a person’s qualification. A golden piece of advice in my opinion. A plus tree is one with genetic makeup to be a success. It has an inherent drive to push through boundaries and challenge opposing forces. It follows a determined course with failure not being an option. It grows in the presence of fellows but does not restrict itself to their achievements. Plus-trees are simply “called” to be plus-trees. I often worry about the industry in terms of the “missing middle”. Who will replace the wave of retirees, and will they have the capacity to fill big boots? Will these up-and-coming foresters have a true calling for forestry or does the profession remain just a job to them? Perhaps the observations of attributes made in this article will spur up and coming individuals in the mixed stand, to emulate the visible plustrees and take on the required attributes to grow beyond the canopy. Fortunately, in human terms, we are not limited to a genetic programme. We have the ability to take decisions and make meaningful changes to our attitude and life trajectory. My challenge to all the inhabitants of our mixed stand is to project yourselves forward to the time of your retirement and determine if you too will likely receive the accolades such as those being proffered to the three individuals discussed here. If not, then now is the time to take some farreaching decisions. It’s yours for the taking. Do yourselves and us proud! ment lessons Member Services Manager –
20 Pest Control Operators (PCOs) play a vital role in sustainable forestry, ensuring effective pest management while maintaining compliance with South African legislation. Understanding when a PCO is required and the legal obligations surrounding pesticide application is essential for forestry professionals to avoid non-compliance and environmental harm. When Do You Need a Registered PCO? A PCO is required in the following circumstances: • Use of Restricted-Use Pesticides: Only a registered PCO is permitted to apply restricteduse pesticides, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. • Contracting Pest Control Services: Any contractor applying pesticides in forestry operations must be a registered PCO (i.e. someone who applies pesticides for financial gain). • Aerial Applications: Aerial pesticide application is subject to strict regulations, requiring careful planning and execution. The TIPWG SOP on Aerial Application mandates that only registered PCOs oversee aerial pesticide applications to prevent environmental contamination and ensure worker safety. In contrast, landowners applying general-use pesticides on their own property may not require PCO registration, but they must still adhere to safety and environmental regulations. Legal Compliance and Regulatory Framework PCOs operate within a strict legal framework, which includes: • Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies, and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947): Regulates pesticide use and requires PCO registration. • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 85 of 1993): Ensures worker safety and proper handling of hazardous substances. • Hazardous Substances Act (Act No. 15 of 1973): Understanding the need for a PCO in South African Forestry By Jacqui Meyer, TIPWG Coordinator Governs the purchase, storage and handling of pesticides. • National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008): Regulates the safe disposal of pesticide containers and hazardous waste. • PCO Regulations 2011: Defines registration requirements and professional responsibilities. The Role of a Registered PCO A registered PCO ensures that pesticide application is carried out safely and legally by: • Ensuring all pesticide applications comply with label instructions and best practices. • Keeping records of pesticide usage, worker training and compliance checks. Consequences of Non-Compliance Failure to use a registered PCO when required can result in: • Legal penalties, fines, or revocation of operational licenses. • Environmental damage and contamination of water sources. • Health risks to workers and communities due to improper pesticide handling. Conclusion A registered PCO is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a safeguard for responsible and sustainable forestry management, ensuring compliance with pesticide regulations which protects the environment, workers and industry reputation. Forestry professionals must assess their pesticide use and confirm when a PCO is legally required to maintain best practice and compliance. For more details on PCO registration and compliance, download the PCO Guidelines from the TIPWG website, visit the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) website or consult industry bodies such as CropLife SA. Always verify pesticide regulations before application to ensure responsible forestry management.
NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 21 Applying herbicide in the nursery, ensuring effective weed control while maintaining compliance with industry regulations. The precise and compliant application of herbicides in forestry plantations. Knapsack sprayers used to ensure safe and effective herbicide application in compliance with forestry. Applying herbicide in a young pine plantation, demonstrating the importance of PCO oversight in forestry operations.
22 During July 2024, 51 speakers presented their research in one of 11 chaired sessions to an industry audience comprising over 200 individuals from across the forestry value chain. A further 27 researchers presented their findings in the form of posters, which audience members could view during the session breaks, lunches and cocktail event. “Speaking on behalf of the organisational committee, many of whom have been involved in past Symposiums, this year’s Forestry Science Symposium exceeded all expectations. The diversity and breadth of research areas on show illustrated the vast array of expertise found within the Forestry Sector. The deliverance of presentation was exceptional, seasoned scientists and students standing on stage for the very first time, provided the audience with ‘user-friendly’ explanations of complex scientific endeavours. Audience members asked informed and often thought-provoking questions, and well-timed session breaks enabled everyone to mingle, network and forge friendships that may result in future collaborations. We really could not have asked for more.” Dr Ronald Heath, FSA Director of Research and Protection. For those who did not manage to be there in person, the team have developed a series of infographics for each session providing links to PDF versions of the presentations found on the ICFR Website (https://icfr.co.za/forestry-sciencesymposium/). The Forestry Science Symposium Showcasing the science driving the Forestry Sector forwards The Symposium also produced five Award Winners, voted for by a panel of judges. Congratulations to: Dr Jacob Crous – Best full presentation (open category) Ms Michelle Pretorious – Best full presentation (student) Dr Danvir Ramesar – Best speed talk (open category) Mr Nigel Kombora – Best speed talk (student) Mr Lihan Esterhuizen – Best poster “Being selected to deliver a speed talk in front of industry professionals was already an honour, and winning the prize was even more humbling.” Mr Nigel Kombora “This was the first Foresty Science Symposium I attended and to have won a presentation category was an empowering moment. I have a newfound sense of purpose to contribute to this Sector and strengthen the network that holds our community/Sector together. I believe what needs to be mentioned is the level of collaboration within the Foresty Sector, indicating that if anything, collaboration is the way forward for high quality research and a sustained development in South African forestry. Therefore, my award is the award of the work done by my colleagues, the ICFR and the Forestry Sector as a whole for their endless support over the years!” Dr Danvir Ramesar
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