WoodEX for Africa 2026 Opens Visitor Registration

Johannesburg, South Africa – Visitor registration is now officially open for WoodEX for Africa 2026, taking place from 9–11 June 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

WoodEX for Africa is Southern Africa’s leading trade exhibition dedicated to the woodworking, timber processing, forestry, furniture manufacturing, machinery, tools and related industries. The event brings together suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, architects, designers, contractors and decision-makers from across the continent and beyond.

Established in 2012, WoodEX for Africa 2026 is expected to build on the success of previous editions, with an expanded exhibitor lineup, live machinery demonstrations and a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and value-added wood processing. Visitors can expect to engage directly with international and local exhibitors showcasing the latest products, technologies and solutions serving Africa’s growing wood and construction markets.

The exhibition serves as a key business platform for networking, sourcing new suppliers, discovering market trends and exploring partnership opportunities across Africa. From primary wood processing and forestry solutions to advanced CNC machinery, tools, finishes, panels and furniture components, WoodEX for Africa provides a comprehensive overview of the industry under one roof.

Registration for visitors is free of charge and open to trade professionals, industry stakeholders and qualified visitors. By registering in advance, attendees gain access to the full exhibition, live demonstrations and networking opportunities throughout the three-day event.

WoodEX for Africa continues to position itself as the gateway into African wood and woodworking markets, connecting global suppliers with regional buyers, distributors and project decision-makers.

FREE Visitor registration is now open: https://woodexforafrica.com/visitor-registration/

Event Info:

Event: WoodEX for Africa 2026
Dates: 9–11 June 2026
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
Email: info@woodexforafrica.com

Entry: Free Entry
Registration: https://woodexforafrica.com/visitor-registration/

Making the cut: Jana van Heerden's technical journey in woodworking

Janarien (Jana) van Heerden brings electrical expertise and mechanical precision to her role as woodworking machine technician at CMC Group, and, as South Africa's only female technician in this specialised field, she's charting new territory in the forestry sector.

Jana's journey began with her 2020 electrician qualification from Sol-Tech, followed by experience in the plastics industry. When she responded to CMC's technician advertisement in 2023, her background with machine components like bearings and motors caught their attention.

"Although I had solid experience with mechanical systems, I knew nothing about wood," Jana recalls. "Leon Fourie's confidence in offering me the woodworking machine technician position was both surprising and encouraging."

Proving expertise

Jana's role spans installation, commissioning, and servicing advanced CNC and woodworking machinery across Southern Africa, with projects completed in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

Her arrival at client sites invariably creates a moment of surprise.

"There's always that initial reaction when I arrive at a factory and they realise I'm the technician they've been waiting for," she explains. "Most production departments in woodworking, kitchen manufacturing, and shopfitting are managed by men, so seeing a female technician is unexpected."

However, van Heerden's technical competence quickly establishes credibility. Her electrical foundation covering single- and three-phase systems, manufacturing processes, and PLC principles, proves essential when calibrating equipment for diverse applications.

"The characteristics of different timber species, engineered boards like particle board and MDF and edge banding materials on tooling and machine settings are fascinating," she explains. "Each material demands specific technical adjustments".

Recognition and growth

A career highlight came in February with a hands-on learning opportunity at KDT's manufacturing facility in China, where Jana expanded her expertise on industrial-scale operations.

Pieter Olivier, Founder and CEO of the CMC Group, says he is proud of her achievements. "We believe in equal opportunities for anyone who is competent in what they do", he comments. "Jana regards everything as a learning experience, and her positive attitude in the workplace, respect for her colleagues and our clients make her achievements and performance exceptional".

Jana credits her success to mentoring from CMC’s technical manager, Flippie Badenhorst and the supportive environment. "The respect and dignity I've experienced from management and colleagues has been exceptional. Everyone has invested in my development".

Her Sol-Tech training, which included a practical industry year emphasising service delivery excellence, continues to inform her approach. "Understanding both the technical and service aspects is crucial. Ultimately, results speak louder than first impressions".