For many years the Timber Industry was male-dominated. However, over the last few years more inspired and passionate women started taking center stage across the forestry value chain, from entrepreneurship to management to civil culture. Women have now started to come to the fore in the forestry sector, with roles varying Machine Operators to Chief Financial Officers to Company CEO’s.

Forestry all about managing timber plantations sustainably. It is also about looking after the landscapes which timber plantations share with other animals and species.

At Sabie Poles we know, as a timber treatment facility, that quality starts from the seedling. Therefore, we have invested a lot of capital into growing our very own Eucalyptus plantations. We wanted to ensure the highest quality from start to finish. This ensures full accountability for our timber products. We have stringent criteria in which we plant, harvest, and treat our products. We ensure that the end product is always of the highest quality. Sabie Poles is not only about growing and harvesting timber but treating them as well.

South African plantations grow pine and eucalyptus. They are not durable, therefore they are subject to attack from fungus and termites. Consequently, it is necessary to ‘treat’ or “protect” the timber through a process called wood preserving. We preserve wood through pressure treatment with CCA treatment. There are various classes and each class has a specific application. The purpose of the application will determine the treatment required to ensure maximum performance. 

The Timber forestry Industry

This industry is not for the faint-hearted as it requires people with all-around ability and experience. People who can motivate and manage a team of employees and contractors, maintain good relationships with neighbours and stakeholders and manage forestry operations.

The gender bias has been eliminated, women can now apply or learn for any role in the Forestry Sector. Forest Stewardship Council Africa shared South Africa’s Women in Forestry initiative. It highlights the important role women play in the forestry sector. More women seem to become part of all sectors of the forestry industry. According to Makhosazana Mivimbela, Chairlady for ‘She is forestry South Africa’, “We now see women represented in roles across the sector and along its value chain, from machine operators involved in harvesting and silviculture, to researchers, CEO’s and CFO’s…”

Sabie Poles has a passion for timber

Marina Daniel – Owner of Sabie Poles – started Sabie Poles in 1995 with nothing but a passion for the timber industry, 5 employees, and the backing of Lonza (Leader in CCA Treated Timber chemicals). Up until 1995, Daniel was an employee within the industry for years. Seeing a gap in the market for exceptional quality treated timber products, she reinvented herself from employee to entrepreneur.

Marina was asked a few questions regarding Women in Forestry and this was her response:

What triggered your passion for the timber industry?

“When we left Zimbabwe, my father was forced to stop farming and he ventured into building and construction. He finally settled on doing thatch roofs. I took great interest in what he was doing and saw how much he struggled to get a reliable pole supplier, so when the opportunity presented itself I decided to open a pole treating business.”

Besides work experience, what other experience and qualifications do you have regarding the timber industry?

“I studied marketing and sales management at the Technicon of Pretoria. Other than that I have taught myself computer skills. There are many qualified and experienced people in the timber industry and I gather my knowledge from reading a lot about the what and how of timber. I guess in that sense I’ve never stopped studying. There is always something new to learn every day.”

Have you ever experienced gender inequality in your lifetime of working in the timber industry?

“I have been very fortunate in the sense that I was never exposed to or suffered gender equality in the timber industry. I guess it’s because I’m headstrong and know what I want, yet respectful to anyone that comes my way. If you respect others they will respect you.”

What advice would you give to women regarding the Timber Forestry Sector?

“The timber industry is filled with ample opportunities. It is hard work, but very rewarding. If you take care of and nurture this valuable resource, it will take care of you and many generations to come. You cannot reap the harvest if you do not plant the seed. So take that step and plant that seed and in many years to come, you will reap the reward.”

Gender equality is an essential aspect of human dignity and social justice; providing more opportunities and increased household incomes, which improve nutritional and educational outcomes. 

Many campaigns have been launched to promote modern forestry, where silvicultural and technical advancements have helped break down gender barriers with women. It is important that women are promoted as forestry role models, both to women already in the Sector and to future generations who want to grow their careers in forestry.

Timber Forestry is a career choice that provides opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled personnel. Moreover, as a woman, taking responsibility to achieve equality by assuming various roles in all sectors, ranging from being a forester to becoming a CEO in forestry, could have a profound impact on future generations.

Furthermore, many women have already proven that they can make a difference in the Timber Forestry Sector. Hence, it is crucial to recognize their efforts, influence, strength, and the collective potential.

Additionally, women working in the Timber Forestry Sector possess extensive knowledge about this industry that can be passed down from generation to generation, thereby amplifying the possibilities of inspiring more women to enter this field. Consequently, it is essential for women to have the confidence to know that they can succeed as well.