The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms. Bernice Swarts, hosted the Forestry Summit, on the 10th of October 2024 at Freedom Park in Pretoria, Gauteng. The Forestry Summit gathered key players from the forestry sector and the event aimed to address critical issues under the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom: Maximizing Benefits from our Forest in a Changing Environment.” Participants also included government officials, industry leaders, environmentalists, and community representatives, all focused on the future of South Africa’s forestry.
Deputy Minister Swarts emphasized the summit’s purpose, stressing the importance of finding where the challenges are and to find each other amongst the sector also to have responsible management of forest resources for the benefit of all South Africans.
Chief Sandile Manzolwandle from Emqanduli in the Eastern Cape voiced the challenges faced by his community, highlighting the need for more government support to ensure that local communities benefit from forestry practices.
Mduduzi Phiri who is a small forest owner from the place called Efeni situated in Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality also discussed the significance of engaging youth in the industry. One forest owner noted the importance of investing in the next generation to equip them with the necessary skills for a sustainable future in forestry.
As the summit concluded, participants left with a renewed commitment to collaborate and ensure that South Africa’s forests are managed sustainably for the benefit of all. The insights gained from this gathering will guide the sector as it faces future challenges and opportunities.
