"Forestry became part of who I am before I even understood it was a career," comments Yoliswa Dlamini, attributing her passion for forestry to her late father, Gervas. "He was my greatest inspiration and guiding light, and his legacy continues to direct my path and purpose in this field".

Yoliswa grew up in Melmoth, a small town in Zululand, South Africa. On weekends and during holidays, she followed her forester father into the plantations. She learned to operate farm machinery and helped with harvesting operations while other kids were playing games.

At 37, Yoliswa brings 15 years of industry expertise to her role as a Silviculture Forester. This is underpinned by a BSc, an MBA, and an impressive array of business qualifications, all earned while working full-time. But her credentials don't tell the whole story.

As the first woman in management at several plantations, Yoliswa faced significant challenges in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Her empathetic approach was mistaken for weakness, her soft-spoken manner was perceived as lacking authority, and deep-rooted cultural attitudes that challenge female leadership in operational roles led to periods of self-doubt. Yet, "each experience shaped my growth and leadership journey," she says.

As Safety Manager at Sappi Highveld (2017–2019), Yoliswa led a team that recorded zero Lost Time Injuries, and since 2019, she's also consistently delivered fully stocked compartments ahead of scheduled audits. A defining moment in her career came earlier, in 2012, however, when she independently managed disaster fires involving both ground and aerial teams. This was an intense challenge that earned her special recognition from Komatiland Forests and the Working on Fire programme.

Her work hasn't gone unnoticed. Forestry South Africa (FSA) selected Yoliswa to represent women in forestry on behalf of Sappi in the She Is Forestrycampaign in 2023. Alongside her team, they also won the Environmental Award twice and the KZN Elite District Award. In 2024, Duzi Forestry Engineers invited her to speak on "Women in Leadership", highlighting the importance of women uplifting others while advancing in the corporate sector.

"Each achievement reminds me that perseverance, passion, and purpose are the true roots of leadership", she shares.

Yoliswa says she finds inspiration in her roles as a mother, sister, and aunt. To her, Women's Day affirms the "power" of sisterhood. "Fixing each other's crowns, silently and gracefully, with a shared purpose and positive spirit, is a form of strength that inspires and empowers," she continues. "There's nothing a woman cannot achieve when she sets her mind to it."

Reflecting on women in forestry, she says, "leadership comes naturally to many women, and their multitasking abilities are truly a blessing. These qualities enable effective leadership that creates environments of respect, collaboration, and growth. I call this the 'guide and grace of the feminine'", she comments.

"That said, we deeply value our male colleagues. Forestry is physically demanding and requires stamina, teamwork, and contributions from everyone, regardless of gender. Together, we build a stronger, more resilient industry".

For women considering forestry careers, Yoliswa emphasises that being a forester is rewarding because there are diverse and impactful opportunities in the sector. She says the following mantras guide and sustain her:

• Empowerment begins within
• Mentor and nurture one another
• Create opportunities for your sister to shine
• Remove obstacles and stand in her corner
• Encourage her to realise her full potential
• Understand what matters to her
• Lead by example - not words alone
• When given the baton, run your race to the finish line.

As South Africa marks National Women's Day on 9 August, Husqvarna South Africa honours professionals like Yoliswa Dlamini, women who are shaping the sector's future.