Sawmilling South Africa News Update
Sawmilling South Africa News Update
With two months of 2026 having flown by, it certainly doesn’t feel like a new year with business and life back to normal. We have a busy March ahead so take note of the dates of various engagements. We are also encourage that our sawmills are reporting a positive start so let’s hope the uptick is maintained.
In February, we hosted our first Executive Management Meeting (Exco) of the year. Here are some highlights:
- The association is in a health state financially.
- Industry Enterprise Development project headed up by a retired sawmiller is off the ground.
- The trade development for Saw Doctor qualification is nearing completion.
- The kiln drier operator occupational qualification is progressing well.
- The much-anticipated National Resource Study will be handled by a more professional forestry-based service provider this year.
- Importantly, there has been a warning from one sawmill to be on the lookout for a sophisticated timber purchase scam.
Timber Ordering and Purchase Scam – Industry Alert
We have been made aware of a sophisticated scam involving the fraudulent use of a well-known retail chain’s name and details to place a substantial timber order. The perpetrators cloned the retailer’s ordering systems, account verification processes and delivery details, creating what appeared to be a legitimate transaction. The timber was dispatched in good faith. However, no payment was received.
Upon investigation and engagement with the retailer’s Head Office, it was confirmed that the order was entirely fraudulent. By that stage, both the timber and the payment had disappeared.
This incident serves as an important warning to all mills and suppliers. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and can closely mimic legitimate corporate processes. We strongly encourage members to conduct thorough due diligence when verifying new accounts, large orders, or amended delivery details — particularly where high-value consignments are involved.
If you would like further information or are similarly targeted, please contact us at SSA. So please stay vigilant and protect your business.
15th Annual Wood Conference a Continued Success
The 15th Annual Wood Conference, held at the CTICC in Cape Town, was — by all accounts — once again a resounding success. The conference brings together architects and engineers eager to deepen their understanding of the benefits of increased timber use in the built environment. It serves as an important platform for knowledge-sharing, innovation and collaboration across the construction value chain.
Backed by the Swiss Consulate in South Africa, the event typically features presentations from leading European companies involved in advanced timber construction, offering valuable international perspectives and case studies.
The continued growth and strong attendance of the Wood Conference reflects the rising interest in timber as a sustainable, high-performance building material in South Africa and beyond.
On the topic of conferences, please save the date for the Annual Growing Timber Connections Colloquium and Conference on 14 and 15 September respectively.
Forest Sector Charter Council B-BBEE Workshops – Mpumalanga & KZN
We are pleased to notify sawmillers of two upcoming workshops that will provide a practical, interactive engagement on the requirements of the B-BBEE Act and what it means for sawmillers in the forestry value chain.
Save the dates: 17 March (Mpumalanga) and 18 March (KZN)
The sessions will be presented by the CEO and team from the Forest Sector Charter Council (FSCC) and will unpack the “ins and outs” of compliance obligations, provide clarity on common challenges, and create an opportunity for direct discussion with the FSCC.
We strongly encourage members to attend and to bring along the staff responsible for B-BBEE compliance within your business.
Exact venue details in each region will be communicated closer to the date.
Talking Timber webinar | Is Timber Truly Sustainable?
We will be hosting two of South Africa’s foremost experts, Dr David Everard, Chairperson of the Sustainable African Forestry Assurance Scheme, and Professor Ben du Toit, Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University, for an informative discussion on the sustainability and renewability of timber.
Date: 12 March 2026
Time: 13:00-14:30
This webinar will explore the topic from both a local and systemic perspective, critically examining whether South African plantation forests can be considered truly sustainable and how climate change may influence forestry’s long-term viability. The discussion will then extend into the built environment, unpacking what sustainability means in practice and how timber can help reduce environmental impact across the construction value chain.
So until next month Don’t forget to cut straight and dry flat
Roy Southey
Source: SSA Newsletter
