Timber iQ August - September 2019 // Issue:45 | Page 4

WOOD FOR THOUGHT Timber’s significance to South Africa T he timber industry plays an important role in South Africa’s socio-economic framework. From an economic viewpoint, the industry provides employment to many people in different sectors. From a social context, we see that the timber industry is working to be more inclusive for rural communities to be active players and stakeholders in the industry. Unemployment in South Africa has been, and continues to be, a major problem. It only makes sense for various industries to try by all means to provide employment opportunities that will accommodate the skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour force. Another interesting fact about South Africa’s timber industry is its historical roots. Timber farming has been taking place for many years and dates as far back as the 16th century. It is safe to say that South Africa has gained a lot of experience when it comes to the timber industry. This does not mean that we have it all figured out because the industry still has many challenges that still need to be addressed. But, through collaboration and putting ideas together, the industry can come up with solutions to get around these challenges. In this issue, we find out about small-scale timber operations and what challenges they face and how they navigate around them. We also speak to Herman van Boom from Learn to Earn where he tells us about how to earn a living in the timber industry. Our featured project for this issue is the Bloomberg headquarters in London. We also profile Riaan Huiskens, who walked away with the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award for 2019. He tells us about the role and significance of architecture in creating buildings that utilise space effectively and look beautiful at the same time. As always, your feedback as readers is very important to us, so please feel free to send through your thoughts, suggestions and critique. Happy reading and enjoy! Dineo Phoshoko Staff writer PV - KSA 2019.pdf 2 2018/11/15 14:52:32 HIGH GLOSS & SUPER MATT PET BOARDS C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Maximum Gloss Surface | Extreme Matt and Soft Surface | Environmentally Friendly and Recyclable Product | Super Scratch Resistant | High Chemical Resistance | High UV Resistance | Delivered with a Protective Film GAUTENG 011 865 2151 2 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019 // CAPE TOWN 021 371 6136 BLOEMFONTEIN 051 434 1179 EAST LONDON 087 354 0696 [email protected] www.pearlman.co.za www.timberiq.co.za