Dwayne Marx
Director - Forestry Drones
Hermanus
Summary
Seasoned forestry executive and entrepreneur with over 30 years of leadership in commercial forestry, silviculture, and plantation management. Recognized for pioneering mechanization, driving operational efficiency, and leading large teams in complex environments. Extensive experience in business management, safety compliance, and industry transformation, with a proven ability to deliver innovative solutions and high-quality service. International exposure and a strong record of advancing best practices in forestry operations.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Forestry Drones cc
01.2021 - Current
- Established and operate a licensed commercial drone company, delivering asset inspections and aerial imagery for forestry and infrastructure clients across South Africa. Leveraged drone technology to enhance plantation monitoring and operational safety.
CEO
South African Forestry Contractors Association (SAFCA)
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Led an association representing 330 forestry contractors and over 24,000 employees. Realigned organizational strategy to address industry challenges and promote contractor interests. Drove initiatives to modernize operations and improve industry standards.
Founder & Owner
Idube Forestry Services (PTY) Ltd
01.2004 - 01.2019
- Managed large-scale silviculture, fire protection, and plantation management contracts for Mondi Forests, overseeing a workforce of 620. Pioneered mechanization in silviculture, achieving high safety and operational standards. Business concluded after tender renewal process.
Operations Manager & Minor Partner
CLC Contracting
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Directed all forestry contracting operations, including harvesting, silviculture, and fire protection. Expanded services into Malawi, managing international timber logistics.
Area Manager & Silviculture Forester
Mondi Forests
01.1992 - 01.2000
- Advanced from Silviculture Forester to Area Manager, responsible for large-scale forestry operations, team leadership, and implementation of best practices.
Junior Forester
Urbans Industries
01.1991 - 01.1992
- Supported silviculture and harvesting operations, gaining foundational experience in commercial forestry.
Education
01-1984
Matriculated 1984
National Higher Diploma - Forestry
01-1991
Skills
Team leadership
Strategic thinking
Marketing
Entrepreneurial and innovative
Strategic planning
Visionary leadership
Team engagement
Start-up operations
Accomplishments
- Over three decades managing forestry, silviculture, and fire protection operations throughout South Africa.
- Led mechanization initiatives, significantly improving operational efficiency and safety.
- Deep knowledge of FSC certification, compliance, and safety standards (4-star NOSA rating).
- Extensive experience in labour relations, including union negotiations and workforce development.
- Served on the SAFCA board for five years, including two years as CEO.
- International exposure: conducted operational research in Chile and managed expansion projects in Malawi.
- Commercial drone operator since 2021, specializing in forestry asset inspections and aerial imagery.
Affiliations
CEO & Board Member, South African Forestry Contractors Association (SAFCA).
Interests
Mountaineering, tennis, fishing, mountain biking, drone flying, RC flying
Timeline
Founder - Forestry Drones cc
01.2021 - Current
CEO - South African Forestry Contractors Association (SAFCA)
01.2021 - 01.2023
Founder & Owner - Idube Forestry Services (PTY) Ltd
01.2004 - 01.2019
Operations Manager & Minor Partner - CLC Contracting
01.2000 - 01.2004
Area Manager & Silviculture Forester - Mondi Forests
01.1992 - 01.2000
Junior Forester - Urbans Industries
01.1991 - 01.1992
Port Elizabeth University (Saasveld Forestry College) - National Higher Diploma, Forestry
Potchefstroom High School for Boys - ,