#WomenInForestry – meet Ncobile Zitha
MTO Group
Silviculture and Harvesting Operations Manager and Estate Management of the De Kaap Plantation.
Qualifications
- National Diploma in Forestry
Forestry career: 4 years
I oversee the development, implementation, management and control annual operational plans (APO). Additionally, I am responsible for developing the budget for the plantation to achieve long and short-term goals of the management unit, in line with the business strategy, within company norms, policies and procedures.
I also ensure the establishment and promotion of the organisations safety policies and culture within my team. I have thorough experience managing and coordinating contractors as well as working with various communities and business stakeholder.
I consider myself a visionary change agent and seize every opportunity to transform challenges into business successes.
WHY I LOVE WORKING IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR
Forestry is very diverse; I get to interact with different people from different walks in life. I am continually learning something new in the industry. The roles and responsibilities are diverse. In the forestry sector one becomes a jack of all trades due to exposure of things beyond a forestry qualification. There is also great opportunity to specialise, so one can choose which roles they fit in most and sharpen their expertise and experience thereof. I also love that I get to work in the outdoors, it is refreshing, and I find the opportunity to interact with nature and feel revived being in nature.
MY ADVICE TO THOSE EXPLORING A CAREER IN FORESTRY
I want to welcome them and tell them that they belong! We need to break the barriers and stereotypes that exist in our industry and society. I want them to self-validate and to own the space and their development. Women are generally good communicators, mediators, strategists and leaders, so this is an excellent industry to develop and apply those competencies to the benefit of various stakeholders and the economy. Make no mistake, there are challenges, life in operations can be remote and tough, but we women are strong and can thrive through the challenges. A strong support network awaits new entrants because we are a family in forestry.
