4 Godi Isaac Nsele, a proud agroforestry farmer from Manguzi, has been named NCT’s 2025 Tree Farmer of the Year – a recognition of decades of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community upliftment. His journey began humbly in the early 1970s, working in the kitchens for the South African Railways. After earning his driver’s license, he left his job in search of better opportunities in the private sector. But just three weeks into his new role, he was falsely accused of stealing beer – despite being a non-drinker – and was abruptly dismissed. With only R150 in his pocket, he turned to his uncle for support. In 1974, he joined his uncle in the clothing trade, sourcing garments from Durban and selling them in Empangeni. This venture lasted six successful years. By 1977, he had managed to purchase his first bakkie, which he used for both the business and transporting passengers between Mozambique and Empangeni. In 1981, Mr Nsele ventured into farming, establishing a 2ha banana plantation in the swamps of Kosi Bay – a business that flourished. However, in 1989, his land was expropriated by Ezemvelo for environmental conservation. He used the compensation to purchase his first tractor and, with profits from the banana trade, built two general-dealer shops. When the forestry industry began promoting community afforestation in Zululand in the early 1980s, Mr Nsele seized the opportunity and planted his first timber plots. Around this time, his political activism led to his arrest. Thankfully, he was released in time to harvest his first trees in 1997. In preparation, he had already joined NCT in 1996. Once he realised the potential of forestry, Mr Nsele handed over the management of his shops to his wives and dedicated himself fully to his plantations. Today, he employs ten full-time workers and five seasonal workers. His son’s contracting business handles harvesting, creating further employment within the family. Mr Nsele is also known for his generosity in helping others. He supports aspiring timber farmers in his community by planting and harvesting the first rotation for them. Once the landowners inherit the coppice, they are empowered to continue independently. Adding to his growing list of achievements, Mr Nsele recently purchased a brand-new truck, which he uses not only to transport his own timber but also to assist fellow farmers in his area. His journey from hardship to leadership reflects a remarkable legacy of perseverance, vision, and giving back – values that embody the true spirit of the Tree-Farmer-of-the-Year. Godi Isaac Nsele and Matthew Crowe were awarded the prestigious Tree Farmer of the Year awards in the Small Grower and Commercial Grower categories respectively. The award is in recognition of exceptional silvicultural practice, environmental management, and augmentation of operations. Small-scale tree-farmer-of-the-year 2025 Godi Isaac Nsele l–r: Christo Müller, Babazile and Godi Nsele with NCT Chairman, Vern Schefermann
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