Nompumelelo Ngcobeni, from the rural area of Bulwer in KwaZulu-Natal, is thriving in the forestry business after struggling for years to secure a permanent job as a paramedic.
Ngcobeni began her career as a general worker in a male-dominated industry but has since become the proud owner of Phumi’s Forestry Services, a small, medium and micro enterprise.
Her business has benefited from Sappi’s Enterprise Supplier Development programme, which is facilitated by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). This programme aims to empower small-scale forestry growers by integrating them into Sappi’s supply chain and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Sappi’s Khulisa programme has played a crucial role in this initiative by providing guidance and support to private growers on topics such as species selection, planting, harvesting and safety.
At 41, Ngcobeni is now recognised as the first black female manual harvester of trees in South Africa’s. However, her journey has not been easy. After completing her matric, she pursued a certificate in paramedic studies but faced numerous challenges along the way.
“I love helping injured and sick people. But, after completing my course, I was unable to find a permanent job and only managed to secure a volunteer position that did not provide a salary.”
One day, she became intrigued by the company subcontracted by Sappi to fell trees at a nearby plantation near her home.
“I didn't have any prior knowledge about the craft, but I was captivated by what I saw. Although I was initially told that there were no available positions, the manager eventually decided to hire me after I pleaded my case.”
Through her determination, Ngcobeni, who started by sweeping and marking logs and driving the business’s bakkie, eventually became a supervisor. When the contractor shut down their operations to relocate, she realised she needed to take matters into her own hands and start her own business.
Registering Phumi’s Forestry Services
This led Ngcobeni to register Phumi’s Forestry Services in 2015. She now employs 20 staff members.
“I know how to put down, chop and debranch a tree. There’s nothing I don’t know about this business. My first pay cheque came from the money I earned working in the forest, and I love it.”
As a manual harvesting business, Ngcobeni and her employees operate in steep, or hard-to-reach areas. They use various tools and techniques for manually felling, debranching, and merchandising trees, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.
Sappi, a major player in the global paper and pulp industry, operates extensive tree plantations in South Africa that are managed to maximise sustainable fibre supply to their mills. “The work we do is very dangerous; we have chain operators and navigate rocky terrain. I’m grateful that I’ve never experienced injuries that caused lost time. Safety is the core of our business.”
Although the mother of four is enjoying the benefits of her hard work, she stated that starting a business is not easy. “Equipment is costly, and you are responsible for paying salaries. Currently, I have only one bakkie; if it breaks down, our work will fall behind.”
Despite the challenges, she’s grateful to her mentors, including Mike Hunter and Sappi management, for taking her under their wing and believing in her. “I now know how to map company scenarios, manage my cash flow and handle accounts independently. With my new laptop, I use a spreadsheet to keep track of my records.”
Her dream is to see more women enter the industry and secure funding to buy the machinery needed for her business growth.
For more information about Sedfa visit www.sedfa.org.za
Learn more about SAPPI's Khulisa programme at www.sappi.com.
enterprise.
Her business has benefited from Sappi’s Enterprise Supplier Development programme, which is facilitated by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). This programme aims to empower small-scale forestry growers by integrating them into Sappi’s supply chain and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Sappi’s Khulisa programme has played a crucial role in this initiative by providing guidance and support to private growers on topics such as species selection, planting, harvesting and safety.
At 41, Ngcobeni is now recognised as the first black female manual harvester of trees in South Africa’s. However, her journey has not been easy. After completing her matric, she pursued a certificate in paramedic studies but faced numerous challenges along the way.
“I love helping injured and sick people. But, after completing my course, I was unable to find a permanent job and only managed to secure a volunteer position that did not provide a salary.”
One day, she became intrigued by the company subcontracted by Sappi to fell trees at a nearby plantation near her home.
“I didn't have any prior knowledge about the craft, but I was captivated by what I saw. Although I was initially told that there were no available positions, the manager eventually decided to hire me after I pleaded my case.”
Through her determination, Ngcobeni, who started by sweeping and marking logs and driving the business’s bakkie, eventually became a supervisor. When the contractor shut down their operations to relocate, she realised she needed to take matters into her own hands and start her own business.
Registering Phumi’s Forestry Services
This led Ngcobeni to register Phumi’s Forestry Services in 2015. She now employs 20 staff members.
“I know how to put down, chop and debranch a tree. There’s nothing I don’t know about this business. My first pay cheque came from the money I earned working in the forest, and I love it.”
As a manual harvesting business, Ngcobeni and her employees operate in steep, or hard-to-reach areas. They use various tools and techniques for manually felling, debranching, and merchandising trees, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.
Sappi, a major player in the global paper and pulp industry, operates extensive tree plantations in South Africa that are managed to maximise sustainable fibre supply to their mills. “The work we do is very dangerous; we have chain operators and navigate rocky terrain. I’m grateful that I’ve never experienced injuries that caused lost time. Safety is the core of our business.”
Although the mother of four is enjoying the benefits of her hard work, she stated that starting a business is not easy. “Equipment is costly, and you are responsible for paying salaries. Currently, I have only one bakkie; if it breaks down, our work will fall behind.”
Despite the challenges, she’s grateful to her mentors, including Mike Hunter and Sappi management, for taking her under their wing and believing in her. “I now know how to map company scenarios, manage my cash flow and handle accounts independently. With my new laptop, I use a spreadsheet to keep track of my records.”
Her dream is to see more women enter the industry and secure funding to buy the machinery needed for her business growth.
For more information about Sedfa visit www.sedfa.org.za
Learn more about SAPPI's Khulisa programme at www.sappi.com.
Email
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp