Industry Applause For The Social Activist Turned Presidential Advisor

Interview with Mr Rudi Dicks, Office of The President 

Mr Rudi Dicks appeared the picture of composure at Forestry South Africa’s (FSA) AGM, as he addressed a room filled with CEOs and Executive Directors representing the majority of South Africa’s forestry sector – many of whom he once picketed. Speaking with the confidence and finesse of a seasoned international presenter, he engaged the audience with the ease of someone deeply embedded in the industry and the passion of a man who clearly loves his work.

His address was a compelling mix of behind-the-scenes insights into Operation Vulindlela and humorous anecdotes, including interactions with President Cyril Ramaphosa and tales from his time on the picket lines.

For those who missed it, the full speech is available to FSA members via the login page of the FSA website. The industry’s debt of gratitude was perfectly summarised by FSA Executive Director, Michael Peter, who outlined the many pivotal roles Rudi has played in breaking down the barriers that have long hindered sector-wide investment.

Whether it was bringing the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to the table on Water Use Licence (WUL) issues – and securing FSA’s proposed framework, ultimately cutting WUL application processing times from over 300 days to just 90! Or, helping to lift the cap on alternative energy contributions during the Eskom power crisis, Rudi’s influence has been transformational. His impact has extended to critical infrastructure reform in the transport sector, positioning the Forestry Industry as a key player in several high-level presidential initiatives.

Following his speech, Rudi took a few questions about the future of the Forestry Sector and the opportunities he sees ahead.

You’ve had a long association with the Forestry Sector, from the picket lines to your work in the Presidency. Is there anything that still surprises you about this industry?

Yes! One of the executives today said that forestry is not a patient industry—but actually, it’s an industry that requires immense patience. Your returns aren’t immediate; investments mature over seven, nine, even ten years, depending on the product and value chain. Patience isn’t just vital in growing trees; it’s also been essential in engaging with government.

I’ve come to realise that this is an incredible sector—one that has genuinely embraced transformation, successfully supporting over 5,000 small-scale foresters and producers. Despite tough conditions, it continues to invest in South Africa. Its patience has helped forge meaningful partnerships and solve historical challenges, one issue at a time. In this respect, forestry’s approach has been nothing short of phenomenal.

That’s why it’s viewed as an important sector—one with real potential to grow and be supported further.

You mentioned that the country’s growth keeps you up at night. What do you believe are the key components to forestry’s continued success, and how can it help stimulate national growth?

I think the sector is already doing what’s needed. Our job is to unlock the regulatory bottlenecks – things like the constraints around Category B and C plantations. Right now, the biggest challenge is logistics. The system doesn’t function properly, which forces you to move massive volumes via roads.

Meeting demand isn’t forestry’s problem – it’s getting products to market. Fixing the logistics issue is the growth trigger. It enables more investment, more capital outlay, more trees. That’s the catalyst.

Some progress has been made. Michael mentioned examples, including the R36 billion investment that Themba Vilane referred to. That wouldn’t have been possible without addressing regulatory issues. Once you remove those constraints, the capital flows in – and continues to as these are long-term investments.

Are there any areas where the sector is undercapitalising on potential opportunities?

Yes. I think the next step is to focus on how forestry can create crosssector collaborations – with mining, for example – where both sectors face the same hurdle: you can’t move products quickly, efficiently, or cost-effectively across the country or to ports. That’s where forestry needs to build stronger partnerships with others in the private sector and jointly work with Transnet to shift products from road to rail.

Finally, if you had a magic wand, what’s the one constraint you’d remove to help forestry thrive?

Politicians! [laughs] No, not exactly. It’s not about removing a specific constraint but rather providing more certainty – particularly around the broader context in which we operate. We’ve addressed some of the immediate issues limiting growth, but what we also need is greater policy and political certainty.

Growth and structural reform are vital, but they’re only one piece of a larger puzzle that includes social issues, unemployment, education and opportunity. Unlocking those requires a chain of events – starting with smart policy choices that lead to investment and growth.

Source: Forestry In Focus

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