First and foremost, as it is appropriate in any operation, I would like to begin with a introducing myself in my level of understanding of safety. I have had extensive first-hand experience in preparing and obtaining FSC and NOSA certifications, throughout my career. Safety and the applicable systems have always been a true passion of mine in forestry operations. It cannot be understated how important safety has become in the work place, regardless of the operation. The most important goal of any manger should be to send each and every employee home safely every day after performing work in our challenging working conditions, be it in the plantations, sawmills or offices. Developing and maintaining a general safety culture is critical to general well-being of employees and drives employee safety involvement. In my previous employment, managed all forestry operational matters for World Hardwood (Pty) Ltd. I have been part of multiple teams in the past creating systems, which involved collaboration efforts among many of our stakeholders, for our technical department as well as in our harvesting, silviculture, fire protection, security and research operations. I have in the past and for many of our current operations that we still use today, implemented, managed and controlled many of these initiatives. Communication and organisational structures considerations are key aspects contributing to the successful implementation of these initiatives. This usually involves negotiation with contractors and forming sound contractual agreements. Studies have been an important aspect and passion in my life. I have obtained a Master’s in Business Leadership (MBL) at the School of Business Leadership (SBL) with UNISA. Prior to this I completed a BCom in Financial Management with UNISA and obtained a BTech in Forestry at Saasveld (NMMU) prior to the BCom. At World Hardwood (Pty) Ltd, I performed 2 roles in the company as the Forestry Manager as well as the Forestry Technical Manager. My responsibilities include all aspects in the forestry operations and in the technical role, my primary objective has been to analyse the sustainable management of the World Hardwood’s timberland. During 2014 I did extensive work on the long-term optimisation of the sustainable yield (MAI) of the available land and developed a long-term strategic plan that was implemented from 2015. This I believe is the primary objective of any forestry business. Prior to 2014 I implemented Microforest for the Masonite’s Forestry Division. I structured the data layout for the process and continue to manage it today. I am completely to all aspects in plantation forestry management, with particular reference to safety, financial management, human resource management and general rural community relations. I have had limited exposure to pine species related operations, mechanisation and marketing. During my employment at Masonite (Africa) Ltd, I managed half the forestry resources suppling our pulp mill in Estcourt, KwaZulu Natal. I become very familiar with the pulping processes at the mill with particular reference to demand and supply of raw material and the LEAN manufacturing requirements. Towards the end of my employment with World Hardwood I was in the process of conducting extensive research and was in the process of proposing to the shareholders of World Hardwood the concept of creating other revenue streams with particular reference to Golden Kiwifruit production. I have also in the past managed all operations of 300 hectares of sugarcane land. I have been a key person in the sale processes of Masonite to World Hardwood and the sales of multiple sites, that World Hardwood obtained from Masonite, to Mondi and other organisations. I have developed a keen understanding of these processes together with applicable business rescue law, labour relations law and competitions law.