SA Forestry magazine

15/07/2025

In this issue, we discuss the Sawmilling South Africa AGM, how forestry contractors are using winch-tethered Ponsse Oyj machines for steep slopes harvesting in KZN, the inaugural Youth Webinar organised by the Forest Sector Charter Council and FSA, and the “pilgrimage" to Ligna 2025 in Germany.

Read online or download the June 2025 issue here - https://www.woodbizafrica.co.za/june-2025-issue-49/

17/06/2025

11/06/2025

What a month it's been! The sector has been buzzing with activity.

The FSA AGM remains one of those events that lift the spirits each year. This time around, we had Rudi Dicks from the Office of the President delivering a compelling keynote on Operation Vulindlela's progress, accelerating structural reforms, and supporting our economic recovery. It's always encouraging to hear about tangible progress on this front.

Speaking of progress, the skills development space is heating up. We're seeing some substantial investments here, including R20 million in FP&MSeta funding for FSA's unemployed forestry graduates programme.

On the equipment front, AFGRI Group's acquisition of Mascor's John Deere dealerships across KwaZulu-Natal and the Mpumalanga Lowveld is significant news. Bell announced the launch of its 2006AF Haulage Tractor in response to customer demand for increased power.

Our May issue also brought us those major biennial European trade shows that so many in our industry look forward to. Interzum in Cologne drew our furniture designers, interior specialists, and upholsterers. LIGNA, held in Hannover the following week, attracted sawmillers, panel producers, woodworkers, and mass timber manufacturers.

For this and more interesting stories, please click the link to read online or download - https://www.woodbizafrica.co.za/may-2025-issue-48/

26/05/2025

The Green Building Council South Africa GBCSA, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has officially launched the 2025 Women in Green Building Competition.

Now in its fourth year, this transformative initiative open doors for women in the property, construction, and sustainability sectors by offering career-boosting training, certifications, and recognition.

“This competition is more than a learning opportunity”, says Lisa Reynolds, CEO of GBCSA. “It is an accelerator for women driving sustainable change in the built environment. We are thrilled to see it grow year after year, and the positive impact it’s having on the careers of many women”.

Find out more - https://saforestryonline.co.za/articles/women-in-green-building-competition-is-closing-soon/

26/05/2025

Bell Equipment Forestry & Agriculture has released the 2006AF Series V Haulage Tractor with a robust 200hp (149kW) workhorse in response to market demand for a more powerful machine capable of hauling a larger payload.

The current range consists of the smaller 140hp (104kW) Bell 1406A and 1406AF models as well as the 173hp (129kW) Bell 1736A and 1736AF, where ‘A’ and ‘AF’ denote 2WD and 4WD configurations respectively.

The Series V leans heavily on Bell Equipment’s tried and tested haulage tractor heritage. Its unique characteristics make it a better tool for haulage than a standard agricultural ploughing tractor.

Read more - https://saforestryonline.co.za/articles/the-new-series-v-2006af-bell-haulage-tractor/

23/05/2025

The 15th Lower Saxony Forwarder Championship takes place on 29 May 2025 at LIGNA in Hannover.

Hosted by the Working Group of Forestry Contractors of Lower Saxony, it challenges operators with two tests: "turmbau" (tower building) to assess crane operation skills, and the Cup stage where drivers compete in identical forwarders and navigate multiple stations.

The fastest, most accurate competitor wins.

Read more - https://saforestryonline.co.za/articles/dont-miss-the-forwarder-championships-at-ligna/

22/05/2025

Norman Dlamini, Forestry South Africa's Business Development Director, says South Africa's forestry sector supports impoverished communities across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. Beyond providing employment and boosting rural economies, the sector invests in social initiatives addressing food security and other socio-economic and environmental challenges.

Read more - https://saforestryonline.co.za/articles/transformation/growing-more-than-trees-forestrys-role-in-food-security-and-livelihoods/

21/05/2025

FSC certification for small-scale tree farmers in South Africa is gaining momentum, with over 870 growers already certified in one group scheme and a target of 3,000 small-scale grower operations within a few years.This breakthrough enhances wood marketability while promoting responsible forest management practices.

Read more - https://saforestryonline.co.za/articles/small-growers/fsc-breakthrough-for-small-scale-tree-farmers-in-southern-africa/

20/05/2025

Stephan Jooste launched WoodEX for Africa 12 years ago to fill a crucial sector gap. “We needed a space where the whole value chain could connect and grow,” he says. Backed by key industry partners, the event has become a gateway platform for networking, business growth, and market access linking local timber, tooling, and machinery players with international OEMs and expanding African reach.

Read more - https://saforestryonline.co.za/articles/stephan-jooste-explains-why-woodex-for-africa-is-relevant/

20/05/2025

Sappi Forests' Zululand Coastal team achieved 10 million Lost Time Injury Free hours, equivalent to 1,141 years of continuous work for one person. This remarkable safety milestone represents over 2,330 days (6+ years) without a lost time incident since 18 November 2018.

Read more - https://saforestryonline.co.za/articles/sappis-zululand-coastal-team-celebrates-10-million-ltif-hours/

19/05/2025

End-splitting is a significant challenge when harvesting hardwoods like eucalyptus, oak, and beech due to internal tension released during felling. Philip Boardman of Alternative Structures recommends Signumat split-stoppers as a fast, effective solution for southern Africa.

Read more - https://saforestryonline.co.za/articles/forestry_machines_equipment/split-stoppers-keep-the-split-ends-of-hardwoods-in-check/