N E W S & V I E W S • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4 27 FNB’s gift to NCT – 74th annivesary – signed by Siya Kholisi The year 2024 is a momentous one for NCT, as the co-operative celebrates its 75th anniversary alongside 74 years of partnership with FNB. This long-standing relationship is built on a foundation of trust and shared history, which has led to quicker decision-making, better management of expectations, and greater efficiency in serving the co-operatives needs. “Our deep understanding of NCT’s business needs allows us to offer customised financial products and services that fuel growth and innovation”, expresses FNB. The partnership between FNB and NCT is more than just a business relationship; it’s a mutual commitment to each other’s success. By focusing on understanding and supporting each other’s goals, we’ve forged a bond that has stood the test of time. Our collaboration has provided NCT with tailored financial solutions, dedicated relationship managers, and continuous support to help achieve its objectives. As NCT reaches th i s s ign i f i cant 75year mi lestone, FNB extends i ts sincere congratulations to the entire co-operative and its people. With NCT’s strong structure, governance, and exceptional leadership, FNB is confident that the cooperative will continue to thrive and reach even greater heights. FNB looks forward to many more years of successful collaboration and shared success with NCT. pulp is further processed abroad into paper and packaging materials or fabric, much of which inevitably ends up as finished products in the European Union. The beginning of this global supply chain goes all the way back to every NCT member tree farmer who supplies timber to one of NCT’s depots – including the small-scale growers harvesting tiny one or two hectare woodlots in Matimatolo. In fact, this regulation impacts upon every single farmer in South Africa that grows and sells timber that is used as raw material in the manufacture of products destined for mainstream global markets. This timber must either be certified by FSC or PEFC – or both – or at the very least must be sold as ‘controlled wood’ with full assurance of the legality of the whole supply chain. Back to the Ahrens field day where the NCT team spelled out their requirements for purchasing members’ timber delivered to the depot. NCT is busy developing an app that runs on a mobile phone which will assist the growers to provide the essential info required to comply with their chain-of custody assurance. This includes taking and uploading a photo of the timber they have harvested before it leaves their plot on the short haul journey to the NCT depot. A marketer of clothing in Stockholm or Rome might request that photo to verify that the product he is selling has legitimate origins. Failure to be able to trace that timber all the way back to the grower would result in the mill gate being shut in the face of the timber supplier. Another area of risk for the ‘controlled wood’ requirements of growers is the short haul transport from plantation to depot. Gone are the days when any old vehicle with wheels – licensed or unlicensed – can be used to haul the timber along dusty district roads from plantation to depot. If the vehicle and the driver and the load are not fully legal and legit, it’s game over. The chain of custody is broken, and the timber cannot be sold as ‘controlled wood’. The mill gate will be shut once again. The growers attending the field day took the news about beefing up their chain of custody assurance well. Some had questions around the difficulties they face in arranging suitable short haul transport, or navigating the technology required to use the app. But those are just some of the challenges that are going to have to be overcome if the timber supply chain is to remain intact.
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