Young people in forestry now have a place to upskill, grow, and thrive thanks to the brand-new Sappi Forestry Skills Centre in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal. The centre is all about real-life learning – where education meets opportunity in a rapidly evolving green industry.
“Investing in skills is investing in sustainability,” said Sappi Southern Africa CEO Graeme Wild at the opening. “This centre reflects our commitment to long-term empowerment, not just for our staff, but for the entire forestry value chain.”
The launch was also personal for Wild, who began his career right there, at Illovo Neck. Joining him were James Manana, now vice president of human resources, and Duane Roothman, vice president of Sappi Forests. All three executives started their forestry journeys at Sappi together.
One emotional highlight? Wild reconnected with Nhlanhla Mhlekazi Phoswa, a former fire tender operator turned successful Sappi contractor. Years ago, they worked side-by-side in the field. Now, they’re walking proof that with training and opportunity, anything is possible.
8 746 hours of training – and counting
Since October 2024, over 400 people have already trained at the centre, racking up nearly 9 000 hours of learning. Some trainees stayed for up to two weeks, sharpening their technical know-how and getting ready to lead in their communities and careers.
But the centre isn’t just about forestry. New programmes are coming too, like carpentry training for local youth, teaching them how to make beehives and furniture, both in high demand in the area.
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“Forestry doesn’t exist in isolation,” said Duane Roothman. “It’s a vital part of sustainability, conservation, and job creation. And with partners like Agricolleges, we’re making sure no one’s left out.”
Melanie Jacobs, who helped bring the centre to life, added: “It’s not just about classrooms. It’s about impact – for families, communities, and the future of the industry.”
Centre manager Sydney Sikhosane and his team rebuilt the old, run-down site piece by piece, inspired by the mentorship of forestry legend Tim Netterville. Now, the centre is a buzzing hub of learning and opportunity – especially for Sappi’s Khulisa growers, contractors, and future forestry professionals.
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