Michael Ngubane began his career as a forest guard for Mondi in 1986, then progressed to become a silviculture supervisor, gaining valuable experience in forestry operations.
Supplier & Contractor Development Success Stories
Njojo Construction
Bhekinkosi Gumede began his career in the forestry industry 35 years ago as a general worker, and worked his way up to store-man and then supervisor. In 2001 he started his own company, Njojo Construction, now a leading silviculture contractor in Zululand.
Sakhisizwe Bush Control
Dumisani Ntombela has been in forestry for 24 years. He learned his trade as a Mondi forester, working in various positions in silviculture and harvesting. This experience gave him the skills and confidence to manage his own contracting business, Sakhisizwe Bush Control.
Fanyana Nursery and Garden Services
When the founder of Fanyana Nursery, Fanyana Nkosi, passed away suddenly in 2014 soon after the business was established, his wife, Doris Tshabangu, bravely stepped up to take over the reins.
Siyaqhubeka Nursery
Cebisile Shongwe, born and raised in Mpumalanga, was working as a nursery supervisor for Mondi contractors when she was talent spotted by the Mondi Zimele team who saw in her a potential entrepreneur.
B&B Transport
A hard-working husband and wife team has turned a ‘one-truck’ transport business into a diversified operation with 52 permanent and 30 temporary staff, with opportunities for further growth.
Busy Bee
A cleaning contract with Mondi, plus a low interest loan and business support from the Mondi Zimele Jobs Fund, has provided the members of a community-based co-op with their first experience of running a business.
Idube Forestry
Richmond-based Idube Forestry is successfully managing the transition from traditional manual silviculture practices to modernised systems, while also meeting the challenges of broad-based black economic empowerment.
Ikhasi Forestry
Ikhasi (Pty) Ltd is a community-owned forestry business handling all the silviculture work on a 1500ha forestry estate in the Kranskop area, creating jobs and empowering their own community in the process.
Pallet Link
Mondi Zimele’s ongoing support and linkage with a pallet manufacturer has been instrumental in growing the business and creating jobs, while securing a sustainable supply of pallets for the Mondi Merebank mill.