How does a sawmill without its own log supply survive Covid, a collapsing structural timber market and soaring input costs driven by load-shedding? For the White River Saw Mills (WRSM) Group, the answer lies in its relationships with people.
After many years in forestry and the bioeconomy, I have come to believe that we sometimes make the relationship between people and trees seem shallower than it is.
Forestry South Africa’s annual general meeting offers a glimpse into a rural industry that may be small in national agricultural terms, yet its resilience, ability to build relationships within and beyond its value chain, and depth of leadership make it highly influential in national policy and strategy.


