N˚ 84 • AUGUST 2014 In this issue • 2014 Tree farmer awards • High risk fire season • Plantations & people • NCT’s Mandela Day * W iS n & L N i nE k g Vi In E dW e S p e• n Ad Ue Gn Ut S Tt i 2 m0 b 1 4 e r g r o w e r s t o m a r k e 1 t s 2 N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 3 4 At its 65th AGM, NCT reported a group turnover important destination for NCT’s wood chips, China of R1,677 million for the year under review, an and India are coming into the mix,” reported the increase of R623 million on last year. This shows an general manager. increase in sales volumes and a weaker exchange He went on to elaborate why paper consumption rate over most of the financial year. in Japan has suffered and demand in India and Total sales volume amounted to 1 774 978 China has grown. tonnes with an increase in Eucalyptus pulpwood “Like many developed countries, Japan has a (33.25%), Acacia pulpwood (29,92%) and nonshrinking population and a trend to use less paper pulpwood sales (66.78%). per capita. On top of that, it also had to deal with NCT also presented a healthy group profit cheaper imports of paper from China in recent before tax of R159,9 million, R82,1 million higher years. The Japanese economy also took a heavy than last year. blow during the world economic crisis of 2008 In his address to members, NCT chairman, and tsunami of 2011. Harald Niebuhr, reflected on the global economy “Like China, India has a growing and developing of the past year and its impact on NCT. As the population. It has numerous pulp companies that international paper and pulp industry continued source fibre from many small growers who are to recover from the economic downturn of 2009, free to sell to the highest bidder. These companies market conditions leaned towards lower advertising have schemes to encourage tree farming, as they spend, digital media, decreased consumer spend themselves are not allowed to own plantations. and reduced industrial production. The demand for fibre outstripped supply in late “These trends presented a challenge to NCT at 2012 and caused prices to soar to a level where the start of the year,” said the chairman. “However the importing of logs and wood chips became aggressive marketing, a confident management viable,” commented the general manager. team, a loyal support base and good decisionDespite a slow start to the year under review, making played a role in securing NCT managed to find markets markets for the excess wood chip (at the best possible prices) for stock. NCT’s international brand members’ timber. and reputation as a reliant and The general manager also consistent supplier also allowed disclosed that NCT sold three ships the co-operative to break into of mixed Eucalyptus to India (and new markets and revive old ones,” will sell nine ships in the 2014 continued the chairman. calendar year); there were spot The chairman also expressed sales to China; and a well-timed that despite the digital age, contract with Sappi Saiccor. demand for paper products is on Future trends that face NCT were the rise throughout Asia. Added to highlighted. “With signs of a sellers’ the traditional basket of wood chip market, the pattern of dealing with customers, is the growing interest many customers on shorter-term from and investment in the wood contracts brings a new dynamic bio-energy industry. and more complexities to the Following the chairman’s Guest Speaker, Jeremy Gardiner negotiating table. With the spread address, general manager, Patrick of markets, comes the spread of risk Kime, presented an overview of market conditions and market knowledge gained. This calls for less that prevailed during the year and future market supply flexibility and the need for accuracy and trends. load scheduling,” concluded the general manager. “For several years, NCT has been in a position Guest speaker, economist, Jeremy Gardiner to lead wood chip prices paid by the local pulp from Investec addressed members on current and paper industries, and even special hardwood affairs, economics and investment markets under markets. Although Japan remains the most the title “Stable returns in an unstable market.” N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 5 Tr e e F a r m e r 6 Awards NCT announced its tree farmers of the year awards at its AGM in July. Alford Farms and Alfred Khoza received this year’s coveted awards in tree farming. The winners were recognised for their excellence in sustainable plantation management and earned them a place on the exclusive list of achievers in tree farming. In the commercial category, Alford Farms, owned by the Schefermann family, located near Vryheid in northern KwaZulu-Natal took top honours, while Alfred Khoza (Senzakahle Trading Enterprise) outside Mtubatuba in northern Zululand was awarded the winner in the category of a farm managed on communal land. The father and son team of Trevor and Neville Schefermann from Vryheid have increased productivity on their farm through correct site species matching, exceptional silviculture practices, good labour relations and effective diversification of markets and pooling resources with neighbours. Their plantation management is compliant with all aspects of sustainable plantation management including health and safety and minimizing impacts on the environment. The Schefermann operation is an example of an enterprise where a family has been able to work together to run a sustainable business, building on the legacy left by forefathers. Neville is a fourth generation timber farmer. These aspects make them worthy recipients of the NCT tree farmer of the year award in the category of farm managed on private land. Alfred Khoza was acknowledged the winner in the category of farm managed on communal land. He hails from KwaMnqobokazi outside Mtubatuba in northern Zululand. His business is also family run with his wife, Lindwe, managing operations. The operation was judged on general farm management and adherence to forestry standards in silviculture, harvesting, road construction and maintenance, environmental management and social responsibility. Alfred joined NCT in 1994 and has reaped the benefits of his membership. He compliments the co-operative for its services rendered to members, its effort to nurture and share vital forestry information to enable his business (and trees) to grow. Project regeneration, member workshops, logistics planning and markets have all contributed to the success of his enterprise. Alfred is a fine example of pure determination and true grit and is worthy of being awarded this accolade. The NCT tree farmer of the year was initiated in 2002 and is awarded annually to tree farming operations that display excellence in sustainable plantation management. Winners received a chain saw sponsored by: N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 7 Member Loyalty Members were recognised for their long-standing and loyal support at NCT’s 2014 AGM 25 years 25 years: Umhlatuzi Valley Sugar (Pty) Ltd; F Muraro; G Hodson; Karmar Farming Trust; Guzulu (Pty) Ltd; Cramond House CC; LL Conco; MJ Tusi; GD Lander; GW Klingenberg; Waterloo Estates CC; Malton Farm CC; EV Mkhize; DP Shewan &Sons; VJ Rohrs; PD Mckenzie; Imraan Kadwa Enterprises CC; JW Holdt Farming; UVS Company Ltd - CB Addison; ELJ Venter; D Bruce & Sons; Tall Timbers (Pty) Ltd; Cramond Forests (Pty) Ltd 30 years 35 years Inge Wichmann (EH Wichmann), Victor Drogemöller (VG Drogemöller), Chris O’Flaherty (THC O’Flaherty), Wolfgang Elges John Mapstone (Basfort Park Farming), Peter Dobeyn (Edgehill Farm), Rodger Stewart (New Guederland Sugar) 30 years: Umfolozi Sugar Planters Ltd; Lund & Son; EH Wichmann; Monastery Mariannhill; EFC Ortmann; TCH O’Flaherty; JE van Romburgh; WE Elges; VG Drogemöller; TJ Timbers; AJM Cook 35 years: Nandi Mission; Edgehill Farm (Pty) Ltd; Brasfort Park Farming; T Thorpe; De Billot Trust; New Guelderland Sugar (Pty) Ltd; Beaufort Sugar CC; Brocklee Farms CC; JH Bartlett; RC Saint; DG Turvey 40 years 8 45 years Stephen Gallager, Mike Gallagher, Rainer Kassier (Rittersgrun Trust) Denis Hodson (Myddelton Estates), Ian Hill 40 years: Stephen Gallagher Family Trust; Mark Gallagher Family Trust; Rittersgrun Trust; Jarvie Farming 45 years: Neuenkirchen Congregation; Myddelton Estates; QK Turner; Hill Family Trust Awards 50 years 55 years Karlen Estates (Pty) Ltd 60 years Daugherty Partnership; Marchmont Farm Partnership 65 years Matthew Crowe (Crowe Brothers), Trevor Lewis (Lewis Farming), Lloyd Harries (JMB Harries Farming) 50 years: D&CM Crookes Farming Partnership; Jindon Farming Partnership; JMB Harries Farming CC; Lewis Farming; Crowe Brothers t/a Fairfield Estate; JV Peckham Estates; EHW Oellermann; MG Armstrong 65 years Seele Properties Trust; RH Fortmann; R&M Farming; Holme Lacy Farms CC; RE Küsel; WA Shaw; Hiltonian Society; CI Shaw; WH Redinger; RE Domleo; Wackem Trust; Glengarry Farming; Silverly Estates; DH Küsel; IH Bee; PJ Schröder; MM Hoffmann; RW Schröder Family Trust; WVC Shaw; EAH Schröder; Cooling Estates William Shaw, Wolfgang Rommelspacher (Wackem Trust), Dieter Küsel. Irma Bee, Ron Küsel, Rupert Fortmann, Walter Redinger, Peter Schröder, Victor Schröder, Carl Seele, Reinhold Schröder, Irwin Shaw, Victor Shaw, Rowan Welsford (Hiltonian Society) N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 9 Guests in attendance Jeremy Carr and Pat Coleby Joseph Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Gumede, Livers Gumede, Madida Thanda, Khumalo James Mandla, Jorge Silavele Ant Foster and Conrad Klipp Gladys Shezi, Thembisile Mkhize, Emelia Zondi, Sakhiwe Mtshali, Lucky Nhlanhla Luthuli, Khulani Ngcobo,Beatrice Nzama Micheon Ngubane, Nomalanga Mosala, Irvin Pascal Joseph Ntuli and Ndunakazi Angel Nomasonto 10 Deren Coetzer, Ralph Voigts, Ivan Voigts Friedel Eggers, Ant Gibbs, Craig Norris Bruce Goatley and Reg Niebuhr Graham Burnett and Manabu Mikamiyama NCT conducted a number of field days recently. Mfundo Zungu, NCT’s PR Assistant, reports on the Zululand field day for smallscale timber growers held at the Nseleni Nursery. A full programme included discussions relating to markets and wood quality; management of pests and diseases; coppice management and site species matching. Elvis Nyathela, NCT’s Richards Bay district manager, provided members with key information on how to achieve good wood quality, its advantages and the relationship between density, age of timber and tonnes (over weighbridge in terms of returns). A tour of the nursery was conducted by William Davidson who urged members to place orders early as it takes time to produce the requested seedlings/clones. This was followed by an in-field stop at a clone trial that had been clear-felled and then coppiced. The coppice crop was six years old. The differences between species/clones and the impacts of pests could be seen in the growth performance. Craig Norris, NCT’s Forest Technology manager, explained how to select species/clones for the Zululand coastal plain and highlighted that GC clones are no longer a viable option because of pest problems. The GU hybrids produce the best growth in this area and also have the advantage of being suitable for pole markets. It was also emphasised why Leptocybe invasa N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T NCT members with Elvis Nyathela (crouching on the right) Leptocybe invasa (gall wasp) is an important consideration in choosing hybrids GU083 is high in density compared to other GU hybrids (gall wasp) is an important consideration when choosing a species/clone to plant. Although most GU hybrids do not form galls after being attacked by Leptocybe they can be susceptible to stunting if sting loads are exceptionally high. The seedlings do continue to grow but at a reduced rate. C. henryii is a good choice for this area as it is reasonably tolerant of the gall wasp and it has very good wood properties for pulp markets. 2 0 1 4 11 SilvaCel site BayFibre NCT recently acquired the land and assets of the former Silvacel mill from Mondi. This is a welcome move and allows NCT to assess and consolidate its operations in Richards Bay strategically. The site provides the machinery and space needed to meet the needs of a growing customer base into the future. It puts NCT in a good position for optimal marketing with the potential 12 to handle pine chips, biomass pellets and other products. NCT is excited at the possibilities created with the new facility: • It offers a storage area for logs larger than ShinCel and BayFibre combined – up to 60n000ntonnes. • It is conveniently adjacent to BayFibre, and uses the same access road. • It already has an export conveyor system from TWK the mill to the port with wood chip storage areas similar to ShinCel. • It offers NCT an alternative site to ShinCel, which is on leased land. The lease is due to expire in a few years. Options on how best to utilise the chipping operations, storage facilities and administration functions are under investigation. The ability of the acquired mill’s wood chipping equipment to run on a sustainable N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T basis will be assessed before NCT decides on the various possible permutations this purchase could facilitate. The purchase is indicative of NCT’s confidence in the international wood chip markets and the security of the co-operative’s role in those markets. This is NCT’s fourth mill in its wood chipping basket – others are ShinCel, BayFibre and NCT Durban Wood Chips 2 0 1 4 13 WEATHER WATCH HIGH RISK CONDITIONS FOR FIRE SEASON The seasonal climate watch report for the period July to November indicates conditions that are conducive to runaway fires. This report is issued by the South African Weather Service and uses statistical data and modelling systems to predict likely weather conditions. The forecasting system shows a strong probability for below normal rainfall for the late-winter period for most of the country. It also indicates a good chance of above normal minimum and maximum temperatures in early and late spring. If these conditions materialise, it would mean a season where the risks of fire damage would extend into late spring. Timber growers should take every precaution to reduce the risk of damage to their plantations. This would include: ensuring that there is enough fire-fighting capacity; equipment is in a serviceable condition; emergency procedures are in place; firecrews are adequately trained and kept on standby. Reaction time is critical, the sooner a team gets to a fire the greater the chance of containing the damage. It is also essential to become a member of the local Fire Protection Association (FPA). Maps indicating the probability (%) of climatic conditions deviating from the norm for the period August to end of October 2014. (Courtesy of the SA Weather Services) 14 FAMINE WEED A threat to food security, biodiversity & health Craig Norris, NCT’s Forest Technology Services Manager Famine weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) became well-established in South Africa in the 1980s after cyclone Demonia and is sometimes referred to as Demonia weed. In recent years, it has spread rapidly across KwaZulu–Natal, Mpumalanga and North-west provinces. It has the potential to infest frost-free sites throughout the summer rainfall zone. Famine weed can generate up to 25 000 viable seeds per adult plant which can mature to the flowering stage in four weeks. This makes it a very dangerous invasive weed, especially in disturbed environments where it can rapidly establish and proliferate. The name famine weed comes from the fact that it can have severe impacts on agriculture. In India, it caused yield decline of up to 40% in certain crops. In Ethiopia, sorghum yield was reduced by between 40% and 90% in areas where it was not controlled and in Queensland (Australia), it is estimated that rangeland infestation cost the livestock industry $168 million a year. The weed produces allopathic chemicals which inhibit the growth of other plants allowing it to spread rapidly. It is also toxic to livestock and can cause human health problems such as asthma, bronchitis and skin problems. The plants’ seeds can easily be carried in mud caked on vehicles and are often spread over long distances in this way. It is important to identify new infestation early and to eradicate these plants N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T immediately before they get a foothold. Roads, railway lines, power lines, riparian areas and similar corridors often serve as pathways along which the weed spreads. These areas should be checked on a regular basis. The best way to control the weed is to ensure good land management practices. Overgrazing results in bare soil and allows the weed to invade. Cultivated lands must be kept weed-free and plantations need regular inspection. Plants can be pulled out from the roots before flowering or sprayed using a registered chemical. Workers must wear protective gloves, clothing and a facemask at all times. Picloram 240g at a 0.5 concentration has proved to be effective as a foliar spray. If the weed is present on a farm, it is essential to do an initial spray with a minimum of two follow-up operations a year. This will ensure that plants to not have a chance to set new seed. Biological control is going to be an essential part of the war on famine weed. Two leaf rust fungi, a stem-boring weevil and a leaf feeding beetle have already been released. Ongoing research by the Agricultural Research Council will result in further control agents being released in the future. However, it is essential that landowners improve their management practices to lower the risk of invasion by this plant and reduce current infestations on their land. (Reference: Farmers’ Weekly – December 2013 – WESSA Training brochure) 2 0 1 4 15 A young plant growing in disturbed soil The plant is a prolific flowerer producing up to 25 000 viable seeds 16 Roads often act as pathways for famine weed to spread along N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 17 KwaZulu-Natal The Kwazulu-Natal Fire Protection Association (KZNFPA) is the recognised provincial umbrella fire protection association for the province. It offers aerial fire-fighting support (Firestop) to corporate and private forestry growers in the KZN midlands and is responsible for the camera detection network currently operated by Alasia Marketing (Firehawk) in Currys Post. THE FUTURE KZNFPA, in association with its affiliated FPA’S, the Working on Fire programme, other fire agencies and relevant Government departments, will become the overall co-ordinating structure in terms of the National Veld & Forest Fire Act (NVFFA) serve and safeguard the communities, and protect the property & resources of rural Kwazulu-Natal. KZNFPA will be the voice of integrated veld & forest fire management in KZN - for the benefit of the broader communities it is required to serve in terms of its NVFFA obligations. KZNFPA will play a pivotal role in providing authoritative advice and information on all aspects of veld & forest fire safety and management through a range of services it and its strategic partners can offer, to forestry, commercial agriculture and the community at large. KZNFPA is a not-for-profit association governed by an adopted Constitution, managed by an executive committee, operations committee, and run by a permanent staff compliment in its Currys Postbased provincial office. KZNFPA is representative of all FPA’s and their members which in turn are made up of the majority of landowner categories within the province. 18 Fire Protection Association ACCOMPLISHMENTS to date Aerial KZNFPA together with Sappi as a member, have upgraded the Riverdale airfield at an overall cost of R0.5 million. This has allowed for the permanent placement of two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS), a spotter aircraft and one of the Working on Fire national helicopter resources at the airfield. This has proven to be a positive move with increased utilisation of aerial fire fighting resources to surrounding landowners. It became necessary to review airfield constraints during bad weather days in the south-western area near Bulwer. A local farmer and member of the local FPA has offered his airfield to KZNFPA for use during the fire season. Basic infrastructure to support the aerial fire fighting resource was established and once again this has made a huge impact on the ability of the aircraft to manage fires from this new airfield. A full financial and contract review was undertaken, the end result ensuring that flying rates were reduced between 8-10%, and membership contributions in terms of the aviation budget were limited to a lower than CPI increment. KZNFPA is working on a provincial aerial support programme which will hopefully bring costs down further and improve effectiveness and efficiency of aircraft deployment and use within the province. Communication & reporting All spotter aircraft have been equipped with new improved headsets to ensure better clarity with communications, especially ground to air. The aircraft also have GoPro camera’s monitoring all aerial fire fighting operations. The footage of these fires now forms part of the fire report submitted by the pilot to KZNFPA management and the member impacted by the fire. The footage will also assist with post mortem discussions and facilitate improvement in terms of co-ordinated ground and air support at fires. The reporting format for all pilots has also been reviewed with more detail provided. KZNFPA will assess the effectiveness of digital radio within the province and ensure that any switch from analogue to digital radio networks is in the interest of all current analogue radio users, is a seamless transition and that a change over offers a medium- to long-term benefit for current users. Standard operating procedures A full review of all standard operating procedures has been undertaken to ensure that KZNFPA works within a very definitive and structured environment. A number of new standard operating procedures and policy documents have also been compiled to ensure effective and efficient management practices. Executive committee Representation includes all landowner categories – corporate and private timber, government, commercial agriculture and general landowners. Operations committee The operations committee has adopted a terms of reference to ensure that all committee members are able to participate in a collaborative and meaningful manner in turn ensuring the landowner/member benefits from the committee discussions and activities. (Courtesy: Bobby Hoole, Chairman KZNFPA Operations Committee) BACKGROUND In 1954 the Midlands FPA was established and some 30 years later, became known as the KZN Fire Protection Association and began to provide aerial fire fighting support services to the forestry industry in the KZN Midlands incorporating areas to the north of the Karkloof Shafton airfield, spreading northwards through to Greytown and to the south through to Harding / Weza. The aerial service became known as Firestop. N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 19 MAN & machine Photo: Jos Ackerman 20 vs NATURE Fighting fires from the air is as daunting as fighting it on the ground. Planes fly into blinding smoke and raging flames as strategic airstrikes are launched against fires engulfing hectares of land. Pilots brave the elements and encounter immense pressure and danger as they fly insanely close to land they are trying to save. The main purpose in aerial fire-fighting is to get to the fire as soon as possible and get it under control. Fire spotters and single engine air tankers (SEATS) are sent in to do battle with the elements. The spotter pilot plays a vital role and is used as a control platform for fire bosses as well as controlling and directing ground resources, SEATS and helicopters. The spotter co-ordinates the aerial attack. He is the eye in the sky relaying information on the fire as seen from above. The spotter guides the SEATS in and out of fires, making them aware of any dangerous obstacles (like power lines) or situations and recommends the correct line of fire. The safety of the SEAT is his priority. The spotter can also be used to patrol an area for the early signs of fire. Logging information – time of fire, where it starts and spreads – is critical for insurance purposes. Video footage, stills photography and dictaphone recordings are some of the methods spotters use. Single-engine Cessnas 182 aircraft are used with the most up-to-date communication and radio equipment. The SEATS’ role is to cool the fire for the ground crew. The challenges and danger they can encounter on a day is blinding smoke, down drafts, fierce berg winds, landing & loading. Turbo Thrushes are used which are modified for cropspraying out of fire season. Their water capacity varies between 1500-2000 litres depending on the aircraft. All water is loaded on land-based airstrips. As thrilling as it may sound, aerial fire-fighting is a job that requires nerves of steel. Skills required before one is even considered for the job is a commercial pilot’s licence with an agricultural rating and at least 1 000 flying hours under one’s belt for spotters and more for SEATS. NCT acknowledges Robbie Roodt, chief spotter pilot at Shafton air base in the KZN midlands for sharing information on aerial fire-fighers. N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 21 Rob Thompson, Assistant General Manager Over the years that I have been involved in anti-timber theft initiatives, certain key realities have come to the fore. The four realities Arguably the most disappointing reality is the very poor police and legislative support in the fight against the scourge of timber theft. Seldom is there adequate investigation into cases and when a case is brought to book, penalties imposed are considerably wanting. Most often than not, cases are thrown out of court due to lack of evidence. The second reality is that timber theft is difficult to quantify and identify. The extensive plantations and forestry related operations that growers manage are situated in remote and rural areas and in terrain difficult to monitor 24/7. The third reality is that forestry produces a natural timber resource, valuable, in that it offers the most basic of human essentials: warmth, shelter, protection and income. My fourth key reality is that timber theft frequency rides in tandem with market activity. Use the NCT green dye on your timber soon after clear-felling. 22 When market demand for timber increases the occurrence of opportunistic timber theft seems to increase. Addressing the realities The four listed realities, as concerning as they might seem at face value, do however provide some specific guidelines as to how to go about thwarting timber theft, or, at least discouraging such. • Issue specific and clear permits to contractors on your farm/plantation outlining unambiguous rights and restrictions. Permits to be carried at all times. • Name lists and ID numbers of contractor personnel should be obtained and regularly monitored. • Do regular checks on contractor personnel. • Make sure all available data on delivery documentation is completed in full. • Never allow delivery documentation into the hands of a third party on your behalf. • Never allow a load to travel without valid documentation. • Have literate, responsible and as senior as possible personnel on duty at your timber depots at all times. • Use the NCT green dye on your timber soon after clear-felling. Use a unique spray pattern for double security. • Record and document ALL timber movement from the fell process EVERY day. How much felled? How much in field? How much at depot? How much dispatched? Become pedantic about your record keeping. • Designate your stack areas visibly to deter illicit activity and indicate disturbance. Count accurately. • Photograph your stacks daily and compare successive images for signs of disturbance. Photograph with the electronic date and time stamp activated, every load that leaves your farm (together with the driver) if possible. • Invest in a remote infra-red camera trap. Use it to monitor sites such as depots, access points or in field at night, remotely and safely. • Where load skimming is suspected, paint a swath of dye across your loads on trucks and wagons. Obtain mill images on receipt of loads for comparative purposes. • Regularly interact with your haulier and check N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T routes and driver behaviour as recorded by the tracking facility. • If timber is being stolen standing, then mark trees in advance of the fell line with a distinct pattern with a hatchet. Alert mills to be on the lookout for the pattern in timber arriving. At worst this measure will deter further theft from that location. In the case of an incident that you wish to have prosecuted, the onus will always be on you to prove ownership of the timber. In all of your operations, work towards closing as many loopholes as is possible, right from onset and as early into the supply chain as you can. Should an incident then occur, you stand a fighting chance of making headway with a prosecution. On the other hand however, I would be so bold as to say that, should the above counter-measures be implemented efficiently and as a rule, the likelihood of opportunistic incidents recurring on your farm or within your supply chain is very remote. Generally the bulk of timber theft incidents within the KZN environs still appear to be opportunistic. There are some indications of organised syndications running truck skimming operations along some main transport routes. While these are being monitored by the authorities, your careful management of loads, service providers and freight records remains warranted. Remember, trust relationships are your first line of defence, so select your service providers carefully and regard whoever selected, as a fundamental extension of your business. In Mpumalanga, the timber theft situation appears more dire with incidences of violent and armed theft of both timber and equipment increasing. The combating of armed theft is outside the scope of an article of this nature barring the obvious call on all NCT farmers to be vigilant and careful. If a situation feels wrong, then rather follow your instinct to remain safe, than take a chance. There is always so much to say and recommend in an article relating to anti-timber theft measures. I trust that this article serves to stimulate timber growers to go just that little bit further towards keeping tally and recording timber flow along the supply chain. If you know what you have, how much you have and where it is at any given time, you will immediately notice should something go awry and appropriate action can be taken. 2 0 1 4 23 Women behind the scenes In our fourth feature of Women behind the Scenes, Mfundo Zungu, NCT’s PR Assistant, gets up close and personal with our lovely ladies from the George district office. Toekie Steenkamp and Annaline Munro It is apparent that Toekie Steenkamp and Annaline Munro of the George office are both passionate and dedicated to providing their members/logistics contractors with the best possible customer service. They both agree that being a Commercial Services administrator requires continuous interaction and communication with members and contractors. Without structured daily planning, it is impossible to keep members happy and satisfied. Their main area of operation is the southern Cape, brokering sales between growers and nonpulpwood (special) markets. They also offer a service to members in the Eastern Cape (Stutterheim) who mainly supply wattle to NCT Durban Wood Chips and Sappi Saiccor in KwaZulu-Natal. Some 35 members are serviced by the George office with 2i000–3 000 tonnes of timber being processed. Annaline has been in the employ of NCT for nine years. She takes each day as it comes and gives her best at all times. Team spirit and satisfied members make it worthwhile to report for work each day. Annaline has extensive administration work experience: she worked at the Nestle dairy factory laboratory as an ISO and NOSA typist and later as a receptionist and debt collecting clerk for attorneys. Prior to joining NCT, she worked at Shell (garage franchise) as receptionist and debtors/creditors clerk. Annaline has an executive secretary diploma through the Academy of Learning College, majoring in Public Relations. Annaline is the mother of two daughters; Joanli (8) and Ansuné (3) and is madly in love with, Johannes, her husband of 12 years. She’s involved in her church and enjoys assisting at the children’s 24 church. Annaline is thankful for working half-day; it allows her to participate in her children’s extra mural activities. She also expresses great appreciation towards Toekie for her motivation and all her assistance. “It is a privilege to be part of Toekie’s team,” says Annaline. Annaline wants to “live each day to its fullest, make a difference in some one’s life today, as tomorrow is not promised to anyone!” Toekie, too, is a noble employee of NCT - for 14 years. Month–end payments from the markets are most challenging in her line of duty. However she always strives to keep her members satisfied. Toekie’s introduction to forestry was when she married forester, Manie Steenkamp in 1975. She joined SAFCOL in 1977 in the administration section working in East London, Ruiterbos, Outeniqua Mountains, Jonkersberg, George and La-Motte offices until 1999. In March 2000, Toekie joined Marius Neser at NCT and took over office management in 2008 when he left. Toekie has a passion for sport and is an active outdoors person who enjoys camping and fishing with her family. Cycling and road running are part of her daily routine. She has provincial colours in mountain biking (endurance) in her age category and has completed nine Argus Cycle races. A qualified nursing sister, Toekie is a very proud ouma to two grandchildren. She has three daughters: Melanie, a social worker residing in England, Annelie, a speech & audiologist based in Cape Town and Ilze, a dietician living in Australia. Toekie’s pet hate is dishonesty. She believes that the greatest truth is honesty, and the greatest falsehood is dishonesty. T E A M N C T C E L E B R A T E D M A N D E L A D AY W I T H A C L E A N - U P O F B U R G E R S T R E E T, IN PIETERMARITZBURG NCT cleaned up a 2km course between its head office and subsidiary office (NCT Tree Farming) in Burger Street on Mandela Day. Two teams proceeded to clean up parts of Burger, Alan Paton (Commercial), Jabu Ndlovu (Loop) and Prince Alfred streets. Team NCT in Commercial Road Team NCT of Lungile Nguse, Mfundo Zungu and General Manager, Patrick Kime in Burger Street N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 25 26 P L A N T A T I O N S Tackle single tracks on your mountain bike, exchange a run on the tarmac for one on dirt, take the dogs for an outing, get a glimpse of a crowned eagle, surprise a bush buck or simply take an afternoon walk and appreciate the tranquility and fresh air. These are just some of the activities to experience in a plantation forest. Plantation forests are managed as a commercial entity in which the technical business of timber growing, harvesting and processing takes place. Plantations act as a carbon sink and assist to combat global warming. They also offer users the opportunity to enjoy the forest environment and outdoors. Today, many plantation forest owners have developed hiking trails and mountain bike routes through their land and have made the progressive move of opening their forests to users. Perhaps many also recognise the importance of promoting the multiple uses of landholdings and encourage a better understanding of the ecosystems which make up the forest environment. Plantations have proved popular among sport enthusiasts, hikers, birders, photographers, walkers and others who wish to share the open spaces with their dogs. A network of trails in the plantations offer routes over forested hills, valleys, streams and grassland areas. Trails cut across plantation roads and single tracks through the trees. Users should be mindful that these are working farms so routes can change to secure their safety when trees are harvested. Apart from experiencing the tranquil surroundings in a plantation, users don’t have to contend with traffic though they may have to look out for wildlife – bush buck, reed buck, duiker, oribi are common in the forests not to mention the abundant birdlife. The majority of land owners allow access to N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T A N D P E O P L E their land for free; some install honesty boxes at various points to cover the maintenance of trails while others impose an annual entry fee limiting the number of users. U S E S Pietermaritzburg boasts its own mountain bike park in the plantations owned by the Msunduzi Municipality (and managed by NCT Tree Farming). The Cascades Cycle Park is also the venue for annual international mountain bike events that are part of the world circuit, the most recent being the UCI MTB Marathon World Championship. Some forestry companies have partnered with event organisers, mountain bike and running clubs allowing access to their plantations and natural areas in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. They provide sponsorship and/or land access to several popular sporting events. Runners also make the most of this environment and take to the forests to train with some official races combining a route on road and off road, winding along single tracks and fire breaks. C H A L L E N G E S However, the opening of forests to users does not come without its challenges. The illegal dumping of garden, household and building waste, as well as day-to-day litter are a constant headache for land owners. The rubbish is not only an eyesore and health risk, but also hampers firefighting teams who often have to battle through waste dumped on access roads and on firebreaks. Forest fires are also a frequent problem with some actively and indiscriminately lit. Hunting with dogs is prohibited in plantations and these should be reported to the police and land owner. Most land owners do not encourage the use of motorbikes as they cause erosion and noise pollution. 2 0 1 4 27 of the Tamanna Patel, School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Photo: Tamanna Patel. 28 endangered oribi antelope Oribi are South Africa’s most endangered antelope. Their conservation is challenging because the majority of the population live within privately owned farms. It is for this reason that the Oribi Working Group (OWG) was formed to help monitor and manage existing oribi populations and to reduce known threats to them. Surveys have been conducted biannually since 1998 and, as of recently, annually. Population estimates are generated from counts conducted through these surveys which are then entered into a long-term database. However, there are many gaps in the database (eg. inconsistent returns) which leads to an inaccurate understanding of oribi population trends. To-date, it is noted that population numbers are strongly related to the number of surveys returned by landowners every year (Figure 1). In years where survey returns were low, population numbers were low, and vice versa. This emphasises the need to get as many surveys returned per year to make the data, and thus the population estimate, as accurate as possible. All private landowners who have oribi on their property are urged to conduct oribi counts annually in September and to consistently submit their numbers to the OWG. This helps in determining trends in different areas and gives an overall trend of the oribi population in South Africa. This information will provide a more accurate picture of oribi populations and thus better direct long-term conservation initiatives and management practices. Figure 1 Oribi population in South Africa from 1998 – 2013 based on survey returns. Oribi population number is related to the number of returns received each year by the OWG from private landowners. Data from OWG database. Oribi survey forms are available on request from [email protected] or at https://www.ewt.org.za/TGSP/oribi.html Also please report all illegal hunting with dogs to 086 167 2226 or to [email protected] N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 29 NCT TREE FARMING Want to enjoy the financial benefits and returns of tree farming but don’t have the resources to manage one? NCT Tree Farming may be the answer. NCT Members, who prefer not to manage their own plantations, are able to purchase the management services and expertise which are tailor-made to suit each individual client’s needs. NCT Tree Farming supplies a total management package which includes the handling of all forestry operations, financial services, administration, marketing and the employment of suitable staff. SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE • Effective on-the-ground management • Advanced financial and administration services • Planning services. Prior to the management of a farm, a management committee is set where both parties control the contract. This committee meets as often as is necessary to facilitate and ensure the sustainable management of the estate. NCT Tree Farming (Pty) Limited, PO Box 1445, Pietermaritzburg 3200 Telephone (033) 8978500 * Fax (033) 8978501 * www.nctforest.com Tree Farming Profile Lunga Tshangisa is the estate manager at the Harding Town Board forestry management scheme owned by the Umuziwabantu municipality. He grew up in rural Pondoland outside Port St Johns and completed his matric in 2004 at Port St Johns High. Because of a lack of funds and opportunities, Lunga joined his mother who was employed at NCT’s Baynesfield Estate in search of employment. He later also became employed on the estate. In 2006, he received a bursary from NCT to study forestry at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) George Campus. Lunga did not disappoint. He obtained his diploma in 2008 and was appointed junior Forester under the supervision of Ed Hayter in Greytown managing various schemes such as Eyethu, Hamvee and Ushukela. Lunga gained vast experience in various aspects of timber farming from managing small contractors, transport and liaising with the customers and communities. Lunga is focused and determined to achieve: in 2011 he obtained his B. tech in forestry from NMMU and in 2012 was promoted to estate manager at Harding. Lunga regards himself as a hard worker who likes a job to get done. “I like to deliver what is expected of me so I expect the same from my subordinates,” he confesses. “I am happiest when everybody is happy, when the employee is satisfied with his/her needs, when the contractor/supplier has been paid and management is satisfied,” he says with a big smile. He believes he still has a lot to learn and to deliver to NCT. He wants to add value rather than be a burden to the organisation. “I enjoy the culture of NCT; I’m left to manage issues that suit the dynamics of my area,” expresses Lunga. When not at work, Lunga enjoys a game of soccer and spends quality time with his family: wife, Makhosi, and their two-year-old son, Prince Bantu and six-month old daughter, Qhawekazi. They bring joy and completeness to his life. Lunga is a true family man who keeps close ties with his parents and siblings back home. 30 Community combats fires With the fire season high on the agenda at many timber plantations, the Willowfontein community of Pietermaritzburg, bordering Baynesfield, has taken the initiative to prevent run-away fires. Peter Odell, NCT’s forester at Baynesfield Estate was approached by Robert Mncwabe, Simon Mkhize and Mnyalezwa Cingo to assist with fire-fighting equipment. It appears that builders in the community clear areas for construction and unilaterally burn the open grasslands. This results in fires spreading to homesteads and trees on the plantation. New appointments James Stegen was appointed to NCT’s board in July. He is a current director of UCL Company Ltd and an alternate NCT representative on the FSA general committee. James is a third generation NCT member from Greytown, with his grandfather having originally joined the cooperative some 57 years ago. James Stegen Appointed to the NCT board Anash Lutchminarain Software developer, IT Services ADVERTISING RATES FOR 2014 Full page Half page Inside front page: R5 700 Inside back page: R5 200 Back page: R6 000 Other pages: R3 900 Inside front page: R2 850 Inside back page: R2 600 Back page: R3 000 Other pages: R1 950 Rates exclude VAT Bookings: Anita Nicholson, Tel: 033 897 8507 or eMail: [email protected] N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 31 2 0 1 4 Justin James Advertising • Colour Display Marketing www.nctforest.com 32
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