FSA navigating the ever-changing socio-political landscape
While May promised South Africans great change in terms of the political, economic and social landscape, for FSA members it brought the
consistency, familiarity and friendship that comes with FSA’s Annual General Meeting.
For a few brief hours, foresters from all walks of life – multinationals, family run businesses and small-holdings – came together to review the triumphs and challenges of the past financial year. In doing so, the networks that are so vital to this small Sector’s success were strengthened and new friendships were formed.
As always, Executive Director, Michael Peter’s choice of guest speakers were spot on. John Endres, Director at the Centre for Risk Analysis (CRA) delivered a powerful keynote speech entitled ‘
On the Edge, South Africa’s prospects for reform or realignment’. The presentation, which is available here for those who missed it, provides a stark overview of South Africa’s economic underperformance and brilliantly set the scene for political change. However, it was Endres’ enlightening overview of the pre-election state of play and the subsequent governance implications that completely captured the full attention of his audience. Not even a month on from his talk, we are already watching some of his forecasts play out, the big question is how many of his 2029 prediction will come to fruition.
Following Endres was the familiar face of the IDC’s Steven Ngubane, who once was part of the FSA structure and will always be part of the family. He provided fascinating insights into the IDC business model and the capital investment packages, and projects, they support (‘Impacting financing for SMEs in agribusiness’). Expertly walking the audience through the processes and explaining the role of blended finance and entrepreneur development
Both talks were extremely well received by the audience, as was that of Andy Mason who relinquished his role as FSA Chair to Mr Buhle Msweli, who is quickly becoming a rising star in the industry.
While 2023 was no doubt a difficult year for much of the Forestry Sector, the general feeling was one of optimism going forward. The hard fought gains of 2023 have begun to generate momentum and there was a feeling at the AGM that 2024 would be the year where FSA, and the Industry, really start to reap the rewards of their labour.
No AGM write up would be complete without a word about the team behind the association.
Under the exceptional leadership of Michael Peter, the portfolio Directors – Dr Ronald Heath, Francois Oberholzer, Norman Dlamini – and their respective Managers – Stefan Links and Nathi Ndlela – have worked tirelessly alongside FSA consultants Dr Katy Johnson, Dr John Scotcher and Jacqui Meyer to ensure the Industry’s voice is heard and their needs represented at the highest levels. They have been supported relentlessly by Suzanne Blows, Judy Dowsett and Precious Singo, whose hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. FSA’s success can also be attributed to the multiple expert working groups and committees, staffed by our members, whose collective expertise keeps FSA, and the industry, ahead of the curve. For this, we cannot thank you enough.
While South Africa may be finding its feet as it takes the first tentative steps into a new coalition era, FSA is already up and running, ready to navigate the changes and challenges thanks to the incredible structures it has in place and the unwavering support of its members. So here’s to the next AGM and the successes and challenges we meet along the way.
Source: Forestry in Focus – Issue 15
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