That said, 2025 is already showing signs of brighter days ahead. Early reports from millers are surprisingly optimistic, with some even suggesting that the market might be ready for an upward shift in sales prices—something we haven’t seen in the past one or two years. As the saying goes, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast,” and we’ll see if that hope and resilience translates into meaningful economic growth for the sector.

A Flying Start to 2025
We’ve hit the ground running this year, particularly with our work alongside the FP&M Seta. The long-awaited completion of the Sawdoctor Trade materials and the Kiln Dryer Occupational Certificate materials is now within reach. These qualifications have been a source of endless frustration, but it finally feels like we’re approaching the finish line. This is yet another reason to feel optimistic about what 2025 has in store.

Last week, we had a productive session with the “Forestry Masterplan Focus Area Three” group, which focuses on advancing value addition in the forestry sector. Guided and monitored by officials from DFFE and DTIC, I’m happy to report that significant progress is being made. Collaboration between government and industry appears to be taking a more positive path, which is another promising sign for the year ahead.

Upcoming Events
The first quarter of the year is already filling up with exciting events and meetings:

• 6 February: Another in the series of Talking Timber webinars, this time covering Timber Frame Construction, Standards, and Codes. REGISTER HERE.
• 10 February: A meeting of the Working Group on the Wood Machinist Qualification.
• 11 February: International Day of Women and Girls in Science – if you have any article how women are changing the face of the timber sector, send them our way!
• 14 February: A reminder for all the romantics—Valentine’s Day!
• 25 February: The 14th Wood Conference at the CTICC. Backed by the Swiss Consulate, this annual event introduces European wood and timber technology to South African architects and engineers. It’s a must-attend for anyone interested in timber design and construction. For details, visit www.woodconference.co.za.
• 9 March: Cyclists, mark your calendars—we hope to see you all in the Cape!

In addition to these, there are the usual FSCC and FMP meetings, followed by the Easter holidays.

Signing Off
Until next month, remember: don’t forget to cut straight and dry flat.

Cheers,
Roy Southey
Executive Director: Sawmilling South Africa