Marketable skills bridge the gap between education and employability

"To unlock youth potential, we must bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace reality. Without curriculum reform and meaningful industry collaboration, we risk leaving a generation ill-equipped for sustainable livelihoods", says Melanie Jacobs, Global Process Owner for Talent, Performance and Learning at Sappi.

Beyond academic shortcomings, young South Africans face a growing web of social challenges. The emotional toll of persistent unemployment is seen in the rise of substance abuse, youth crime, and teenage pregnancy. Research by a criminologist, Prof Rudolph Zinn, found that most violent crimes are committed by youth less than 25 years old. Drug dependency now appears in children as young as eight years old.

Over a third of high school learners report problematic drinking habits, and, according to the Department of Basic Education, teenage pregnancy jeopardises educational and economic futures. Over 68,000 births to girls under 19 were recorded in 2024, with over 1,400 attributed to girls between the ages of 10 and 14. These are not just numbers; they represent stories of diminished potential and long-standing systemic neglect.

The Skills Centre at Saiccor Mill provides work integrated learning for learnerships

Short courses in sewing assist young people to offer services in their community — The Skills Centre at Saiccor Mill provides work integrated learning for learnerships

Youth entrepreneurship

Against this sobering backdrop, Sappi has placed youth empowerment at the core of its sustainability strategy, adopting a long-term, community-focused approach to skills development and upliftment.

Through its registered Skills Centres at Saiccor Mill in KwaZulu-Natal and Ngodwana Mill in Mpumalanga, Sappi has built an ecosystem that nurtures both technical proficiency and personal growth.

Since its launch in 2017, the Saiccor Skills Centre has produced 713 graduates, with Ngodwana contributing a growing cohort through unaccredited programmes, such as basic training in electrical work, welding, carpentry, home maintenance, and sewing, and accredited programmes in trades like welding and boilermaking for community youth.

All participants train under experienced artisans and gain hands-on technical skills and an understanding of self-discipline, work ethic, and entrepreneurship.

The programme's structure creates multiple pathways to success. Some learners transition into short-term employment, joining the annual shutdown maintenance teams at Sappi's mills, where they gain hands-on experience as general workers recruited from the Integrated Community Forum database. In 2025, Saiccor employed nearly 700 individuals through this mechanism, awarding approximately R6 million in work to Enterprise and Supplier Development companies.

Similarly, Ngodwana mill recruited over 400 general and semi-skilled workers, providing temporary yet vital economic relief. The names of learners who meet the criteria for apprenticeship are automatically added to the interview shortlist, and others are supported with upskilling to reach the artisan level.

A separate stream offers an 18-month New Venture Creation opportunity at NQF Level 2, guiding candidates in launching their own businesses, reinforcing a culture of entrepreneurship alongside technical training.

This commitment to nurturing future potential was further demonstrated through the 2025 Mnini Career Expo, hosted at Saiccor, where the Skills Centre team and current trainees engaged Grade 12 learners from Magabheni High Schools.

The impact has been just as powerful in Richmond, where Sappi's Forestry Skills Centre, opened in late 2024, has already trained more than 400 learners and facilitated 8,700 hours of development.

Sappi Khulisa

Many of these trainees are active participants in Sappi's Khulisa programme, which integrates small-scale growers into the broader forestry value chain through mentorship, technical support, and market access.

To make forestry education more accessible, Sappi has also partnered with Agricolleges International, enabling learners to complete foundational modules online before progressing to in-person, hands-on training at the Forestry Skills Centre. The centre not only delivers practical instruction from seasoned forestry professionals but also provides accommodation, creating a supportive and seamless transition from theory to real-world application.

Sihle Sibisi

Among the Khulisa success stories is 31-year-old entrepreneur Sihle Sibisi, who transformed a modest farming operation into a thriving enterprise employing 90 people. "Sappi shared forestry knowledge that helped us grow," Sihle reflects.

"Forestry is one of the most stable industries, and I encourage small farmers to treat their farms as businesses to reach the next level."

Amadansana

Another notable success emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, when a group of apprentices at the Saiccor Skills Centre turned adversity into innovation by launching Amadansana, a PPE manufacturing enterprise. What began as a sewing module providing masks evolved into a community-led business supplying protective gear to Sappi mills.

Hands-on training enhances employability at Sappi's Skills Centre at its Saiccor Mill — Sappi's aquaponics programme teaches youth to farm tilapia

Aquaponics

One of the most compelling illustrations of integrated youth development is the Ngodwana Aquaponics programme, launched in partnership with Standard Bank's Youth Development venture.

Situated in the Elands Valley of Mpumalanga, the initiative combines aquaculture, agriculture, and enterprise training into a holistic model that creates employment while enhancing local food security. The current participants include 16 young men and women between the ages of 20 and 40, all of whom are actively engaged in producing Tilapia fish, fresh herbs, vegetables, and a variety of artisanal food products.

A community-run farm stall sells these items along with baked goods and ready-to-eat treats at accessible prices, serving as both a retail hub and a platform for grassroots entrepreneurship.

The voices of those involved reveal the human dimension behind the programme. "As a youth, it has brought employment," says single mother Sibuyisile Sibuyi. "We can feed ourselves and our families. Everything is good now."

Tamzanqa Phofo echoes her sentiment, "Even with a matric certificate, I was unemployed. Now I can look after my family."

Umfolozi TVET College

Sappi is also investing in the country's energy and engineering future. Through the Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) programme at Umfolozi TVET College, 30 learners receive stipends and intensive training in solar, electrical, and mechanical disciplines. Backed by the National Business Initiative, the programme links education directly to industry, helping young people transition from classrooms to workplaces with confidence and capability.

Inaugural Youth Webinar inspires SA’s next generation of foresters

In celebration of Youth Month and National Youth Day in June, the Forest Sector Charter Council (FSCC) and Forestry South Africa (FSA) joined forces to host the first-ever FSCC Youth Webinar, themed “Raise Your Hand to Be Part of the Discussion”.

The event brought together public and private sector voices to discuss the exciting and diverse innovative pathways to resolve youth unemployment within South Africa’s forestry sector – and to offer practical guidance to students and graduates looking to launch meaningful careers in this vital industry.

The webinar marked a significant step forward in the FSCC’s evolving role, from transformation auditor to active facilitator, with youth development as a key area of focus.

“We’ve seen how impactful collaborative initiatives like She Is Forestry SA have been in advancing gender equality. Now it’s time to apply that same collective energy to youth empowerment”, says FSCC Executive Director Khosi Mavimbela.

Norman Dlamini - FSA Business Development Director — Khosi Mavimbela FSCC Executive Director

Designed to bridge the gap between graduation and employment, the online seminar featured insights from industry leaders, graduate recruitment experts, and young professionals. Sessions focused on building soft skills, identifying real-world skills gaps, and navigating the transition from student to industry contributor.

The speakers and topics were:

What B-BBEE means for the youth: Thabo Dlangamandla, FSCC Researcher.
Keynote address: FSA’s Unemployed Graduate Initiative: Norman Dlamini, FSA Business Development Director.
A journey of transformation: From unemployed graduate to FSCC research assistant: Eutricia Nkuna, FSCC Research Assistant.
An insider’s guide to graduate recruitment - Private Sector: Rushda Sulaiman, MTO Group Chief People Officer.
An insider’s guide to graduate recruitment - Public Sector: Tilo Mototo, Department of Forestry, Fisheries & Environment (DFFE) Senior Education Officer.
The journey to becoming: a young forester’s story: Sabelo Sithole, New Age Forest Solutions
Closing: Khosi Mavimbela, FSCC Executive Director.

Unemployed graduates initiative

Norman Dlamini, FSA’s Director of Business Development, delivered the keynote address and presented the Forestry Graduate Employment Programme (F-GEP), an industry-wide initiative tackling youth unemployment.

Designed as a one-year enriched internship, F-GEP aims to enhance the employability of unemployed forestry graduates while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

The programme’s dual focus on skills development and enterprise creation makes it a unique intervention .“It seeks to address critical skills shortages in the forestry sector, F-GEP prioritises graduates who show interest in pursuing scarce and in-demand skillsets”, says Dlamini.

Through a structured rotation model, participants are placed with industry experts across various areas of forestry operations, including forest fire management, pest and disease control, chemical control, human resources in forests, and forest engineering.

“F-GEP goes beyond traditional internships,” explains Dlamini, adding that while internships expose students and graduates to a workplace, they do not necessarily make them more employable. “We assess individual graduates’ technical and interpersonal skills, close the gaps, and prepare them to be employable, entrepreneurial, and industry-ready”.

Stories that inspire

Sabelo Sithole, Managing Director of New Age Forest Solutions, and Eutricia Nkuna, FSCC Research Assistant, shared personal stories of perseverance, growth, and initiative, resonating deeply with students navigating similar journeys.

Eutricia outlined the key attributes that enabled her to progress from an unemployed forestry graduate to a research assistant, and Sabelo reiterated the importance of proactively seeking out available opportunities.

“The conversations were honest, relevant and inspiring,” says Dr Blessing Karumbidza, Coordinator of the Higher Certificate in Forestry at Tshwane University of Technology. “Eutricia’s story, in particular, will serve as a blueprint for others. I hope this webinar becomes a regular feature – quarterly, even – because the doors it opened must stay open”.

In a show of encouragement, FSA awarded R1,000 Cape Union Mart vouchers to the students who posed the most insightful questions during each of the six Q&A sessions.

“In a small sector like ours, putting your hand up and speaking up can open doors,” says Dr Katy Johnson, FSA Communication Manager and MC for the webinar. “We wanted to reward that confidence and help students realise that their voices matter”.

With strong engagement, compelling storytelling, and a renewed commitment to youth development, the FSCC Youth Webinar is set to become a cornerstone initiative in the sector’s transformation and enterprise development agenda.

Sinikeza abantu amathuba okuphumelela

The opening of the Sappi Forest Skills Centre was attended by partners in the forestry industry.

The recent launch of the Sappi Forestry Skills Centre in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, with its slogan, 'Sinikeza abantu amathuba okuphumelela' (Giving people opportunities to succeed), is a significant step in shaping a future of opportunity for forestry.

It is designed to equip workers with specialised, hands-on forestry training, marking Sappi's commitment to nurturing skills, creating opportunities, and empowering local communities through education.

Investing in people

Reflecting on the milestone, Sappi SSA CEO Graeme Wild shared: "At Sappi, we believe that investing in skills is investing in sustainability. The opening of this centre is a testament to our commitment to education, training, and long-term empowerment, not just for our workforce but for the entire forestry value chain".

Beyond the achievement of establishing this centre, the opening was also deeply nostalgic for Graeme, who returned to familiar ground. Illovo Neck, where the centre is located, is the plantation where he began his career as a young forester at Sappi. Walking onto the site wasn't just an official visit; it was a significant milestone. It was a homecoming.

James Manana, Graeme Wild and Duane Roothman officially opened the centre.

Graeme Wild, Sappi SA CEO, reunited with his former fire tender operator, Nhlanhla Mhlekazi Phoswa, who is now a local contractor. — James Manana, Graeme Wild and Duane Roothman officially opened the centre.

That sentiment carried through as Graeme, James Manana, and Duane Roothman, who all started their careers at Sappi together, walked the red carpet to cut the ribbon. Today, James is VP of Human Resources, Duane is VP of Sappi Forests, and Graeme leads the company. Still, the bonds forged in their early days and their shared passion for forestry remain unchanged.

There was a touching moment when Graeme reunited with former fire-tender operator Nhlanhla Mhlekazi Phoswa, a man who, in years past, stood side by side with him in the field. Today, Nhlanhla is a successful local Sappi contractor.

Beyond forestry expertise

The centre builds on the legacy of veteran forester Tim Netterville. Skills centre manager Sydney Sikhosane and his team are honouring Tim's commitment to training generations of forestry professionals.

As of 1 October 2024, 402 people have already attended training, accumulating a total of 8,746 training hours. Among these, 32 training interventions required participants to stay at the centre for periods ranging from two to 15 days, with its comfortable and functional living quarters providing an ideal environment for extended learning.

There are plans to introduce carpentry training for local youth, focusing on manufacturing beehives and furniture, which are highly needed resources in the Richmond area.

Reflecting on the significance of the Centre, Duane emphasised its role in the forestry value chain: "Forestry doesn't exist in isolation. It is a vital link in the chain of sustainability, conservation, and economic growth.

“This training centre ensures that we cultivate the right skills for long-term success. Through partnerships like that with Agricolleges, we are widening access to education and expertise that will shape the future of our industry".

Melanie Jacobs is proud of the team's achievements.

Melanie Jacobs, Sappi's Global Process Owner: Talent, Performance and Learning said, "Seeing this centre become a reality is truly special. It's not just about classrooms or courses; it's about creating meaningful impact for the individuals who will train here, for their families, and for the future of forestry".

The Skills Centre supports SDG4 (quality education) by providing structured learning that goes beyond theory, ensuring forestry professionals gain practical expertise to thrive in an evolving industry. It also strengthens Sappi's workforce and sustainability impact, aligning with SDG8 (decent work and economic growth).

Sappi and Agricolleges join forces to launch online forestry skills courses

In a significant boost for forestry education and small business development, Sappi is partnering with Agricolleges to launch four online forestry skills courses designed to enhance technical capacity across the forestry value chain.

The initiative, supported by Forestry South Africa (FSA), seeks to make quality, affordable training accessible to more people, especially small-scale growers and contractors.

Hosted on Agricolleges' e-learning platform, the courses are designed to uplift technical forestry skills for the broader industry using the strong training foundation established by Sappi Khulisa's learning programme.

The partnership with Agricolleges reflects Sappi's commitment to creating shared value across its forestry value chain and empowering small-scale growers, contractors, forestry value-chain suppliers, and community land reform beneficiaries. The training is designed to transform participants into self-reliant, sustainable timber businesses.

"This initiative is part of our knowledge-sharing programme", says Duane Roothman, Sappi Forests Vice President. "By offering accessible and practical training, we aim to make small growers' businesses more viable and sustainable. Participants can also work towards full integration into the forestry value chain, including obtaining PEFC certification, which is important for our customers and consumers".

Francois Oberholzer of FSA says, "The collaboration aligns perfectly with the principles of the Amended Forest Sector Code and seeks to uplift and empower small businesses and enable smoother access for new forestry value chain participants. It will assist in their comprehension and internalisation of the activities and increase their operational capacity. It's a much-needed initiative for the sector and one we wholeheartedly support."

Wynand Espach of Agricolleges highlighted the value of the platform: "By making training accessible through online and mobile platforms, we're overcoming the challenge of geographical distance from training facilities. Our online facilitators provide continuous support and guidance in several official languages to enhance participant comfort and ensure an effective learning experience. "

Upon completing the four courses, learners will be eligible for a one-week practical training session at the Sappi Forestry Skills Centre near Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, at no additional course cost. Shared accommodation and meals will be provided; however, participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Four Courses are available:

Introduction to the forestry value chain (3 weeks): R2,700
Forestry health and safety (2 weeks): R1,800
Forestry certification basics (FSC and PEFC) (2 weeks): R1,800

Managing the environment in forestry (2 weeks): R1,800