NCT FORESTRY CO-OPERATIVE LIMITED
NCT Forestry Ingwe
LINKING INDEPENDENT TIMBER GROWERS TO MARKETS
NCT Forestry is a timber marketing co-operative catering to the needs of private and independent timber growers. It is recognised as an international supplier of quality round wood timber, hardwood pulp chips and the largest forestry marketing organisation in southern Africa. NCT's core area of management and operation covers the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Demand for NCT's service however has resulted in its sphere of influence extending to parts of the Westernand Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Swaziland.
NCT'S OWNERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
As a co-operative (contrary to corporate type principles), its members share in profits and own NCT. Membership of some 2 000 shareholding members, represent a total area of approximately 300 000ha (21%) of afforested land in South Africa. Members benefit from the wide range of services NCT offer and also qualify for bonuses based on their patronage and committed supply, depending on available financial reserves.
NCT is managed by a team of professionals who offer its members a unique blend of specialisations in the various aspects of timber growing, transport and marketing. Its board of directors (all private timber growers), is elected by members and include two black directors. They represent black grower constituencies in Richards Bay and the KZN midlands and play a pivotal role in ensuring that the Co-operative's black member base is represented in all decision-making processes.
NCT's process to accelerate empowerment among its black members began in the 1980s with a major focus in the 1990s. Total Black membership stands at 573 (30% of NCT's total membership) of which women members make up 25%. A new category of designated groups has also emerged: 23 community trusts, made up of over 2 000 beneficiaries, have received forestry land through the land reform process. The community trusts have opted to become members of NCT and have a total forestry land holding of some 9 000 ha in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
NCT'S MARKETS
PULPWOOD
Hardwood timber destined for pulpwood is NCT's predominant product, sold into various wood chipping plants.
In some instances, NCT does market timber to local corporate pulp and paper markets. The feasibility study of constructing its own pulp mill in Richards Bay is still being investigated. Despite a number of initial setbacks, NCT continues with the study. This initiative would result in NCT fully beneficiating locally grown timber and creating benefits beyond those normally enjoyed.
