Forestry South Africa 2025 AGM exceeds expectations
With Rudi Dicks from the Office of the Presidency as the Keynote Speaker, alongside addresses by Professor David Drew from the University of Stellenbosch and Mr Sandile Ngcobo, Mondi’s Director of Public Affairs and Transformation, the expectations for this year’s Forestry South Africa AGM were high and no one left disappointed!
Rudi Dicks – an influential voice and ardent supporter of our Sector
As far as keynote addresses go, it is hard to imagine how FSA will top this year’s speech by Rudi Dicks, who combined just the right amounts of political savvy and storyteller finesse with his deep understanding of the Sector to create a talk that was witty, engaging and impactful. His mastery of storytelling saw leaders of companies he used to picket double over with laughter as he retold his time on the picketing lines. None of them back then would have realised the essential role this man would play in keeping the Sector operating during Covid-19, or in opening up investment opportunities by removing some of the barriers in place associated with water licencing, faltering energy and infrastructure. Yet as his accomplishments were read out ahead of his speech by FSA Executive Director, Michael Peter, you could feel the deep admiration and appreciation resonating from every member of the audience.
Professor David Drew – transforming the way forestry research is conducted
How do you follow Rudi Dicks? Simple, with a research project which is the first of its kind and could transform the way we understand our trees, silvicultural practices and even the soil in which they are planted. Tailoring his messaging perfectly for a lay-audience, Professor Drew introduced the potential of forestry research in a digital age, outlining the areas where the 4th Industrial Revolution could completely transform the Sector if we are able to address the barriers which are currently limiting its application. By showcasing the potential of his Merensky Foundation open-air laboratories and opportunities intensive monitoring in these settings presents, Professor Drew painted an exciting picture of how well conducted research could completely change the face of forestry.
Sandile Ngcobo – the consummate storyteller
The trio of talks was rounded off by one of the most charismatic characters in our Sector, Mondi Director of Public Affairs and Transformation Sandile Ngcobo, who, from the moment he stepped on stage with his bright socks and tailored suit, had the audience captivated on his every word. Understandably so, as even without Sandile’s storytelling finesse, Mondi’s Project Vuselela is an exciting endeavour which has the potential of opening a whole new raft of opportunities for all those involved in the South Africa Forestry Sector.
In Conclusion – an address by outgoing FSA Chair Buhle Msweli and a closing by incoming Chair Duane Roothman
The confidence and poise of outgoing FSA Chair, and small-scale grower, Buhle Msweli is something to behold, especially in someone so young. He is clearly a force of change already and will certainly play a huge role in shaping the Sector as we move forward. His year as Chair has been marked with both major challenges and remarkable achievements both of which he has navigated successfully thanks to his exceptional work ethic and commitment to the Sector – thank you Buhle.
We must also thank Duane Roothman, Buhle’s vice-chair this year, who will be taking over the role of Chair for 2025/26. He eloquently closed proceedings and provided many an informative question and answer during the sessions. We may be a small Sector, but when it comes to human capacity we are certainly very rich.
Source: FSA
Back to NEWS:
BUSINESS l CLIMATE CHANGE l CONSTRUCTION l EDUCATION l ENVIRONMENT l FORESTRY ENGINEERING l FORESTRY l GOVERNMENT l INTERNATIONAL l LAND l RECYCLING l RESEARCH l ROOFING l SHORT HAUL l SILVICULTURE l SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY l TRANSPORT l TREATMENT l TRANSPORT l VALUE ADDING
