We’re heading into AGM season, and we hope to see as many of you as possible at this year’s Annual General Meeting on 18 June, hosted at the University of Pretoria’s Engineering 4.0 complex.

You can RSVP here.

This year promises an insight-packed programme:

• Dr Rudolf Botha will be our keynote speaker, offering insights into South Africa’s economic outlook and its resilience in the face of potential trade tensions – including those sparked by “dear old Mr Trump’s” tariff threats.
• Dr Schalk Grobbelaar will explore how the sawmilling sector is navigating current challenges, including what makes a sawmill truly viable compared to years past. Many of you are familiar with Crickmay’s monthly numbers, so Dr Grobbelaar’s academic perspective on what we should (or shouldn’t) be focusing on will be particularly valuable.
• Carin Combrink, head of the Department of Architecture at the University of Pretoria, will share insights into the global and South African shift towards timber construction, highlighting the future of timber and wooden products.

After these engaging sessions, we’ll enjoy a tour of the university’s timber engineering laboratories – and of course, we’ll make sure you’re well-fed at lunchtime!

Earlier this month, Forestry South Africa’s AGM in Pietermaritzburg provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with our cousins in the timber-growing sector. The keynote speaker, Rudi Dicks from the Presidency, shared encouraging updates on Operation Vulindlela – including progress in reforming and privatising certain rail and port operations, as well as breaking down barriers to state enterprise reform. These developments point to a more positive economic outlook – something we’ll see if Dr. Botha echoes during our own AGM.

On the ground, our visits to Eastern Cape and KZN this month revealed a notably more optimistic sentiment among sawmillers compared to this time last year. Volumes are moving, and some of the earlier price increases have held steady – encouraging signs for the industry. Let’s hope this optimism extends across the country!

Finally, a quick note on something exciting: you or your colleagues might have received an enquiry for timber exports to Vietnam. If you haven’t seen it yet, please check with your team. We have a customer in Vietnam looking for quotes from South African mills for mill-run 25mm and 28mm pine. This is our first solid enquiry from the Far East – let’s seize this opportunity and get those quotes in!

SSA will also have a presence at Woodex, taking place during the same week as our AGM – 18-20 June. It might be worth staying an extra day, and if you do attend, be sure to pop past our stand. 

In closing, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the AGM on 18 June.

As always, remember: cut straight and dry flat.

Until next time,
Roy Southey
Executive Director: Sawmilling South Africa