NOMTHANDAZO PRECIOUS NDLANGISA
Pretoria,South Africa
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven Forestry professional with an Advanced Diploma in Forestry and practical experience within state forest plantations. Currently serving as a Forestry Intern with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), with strong exposure to silviculture, harvesting supervision, fire management, audits, compliance monitoring, and EPWP team supervision. Strong knowledge of forestry and environmental legislation, including the National Forests Act, National Veld and Forest Fire Act, and National Environmental Management Act. Skilled in planning, supervising, auditing, and managing operational teams in diverse environments. Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and time management skills. Holds a valid driver’s license and is willing to travel.
Takes on challenging new role harnessing interpersonal skills, collaboration and problem-solving. Driven to deliver high-quality service and consistent results.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Forestry Intern
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Pretoria, Gauteng
2024.04 - 2026.02
- Provide technical and operational support in the office of the Chief Director: State Forest Management and Land Administration.
- Review silvicultural prescriptions to align with long-term timber management objectives.
- Facilitate silvicultural and operational activities in accordance with Annual Plans of Operation.
- Guide and allocate forestry operational tasks within Western Cape plantations.
- Contribute to job creation through Expanded Public Works Programm (EPWP) and other operational planning initiatives.
- Coordinate all EPWP projects under State Forest Management in Western Cape and North West provinces, including housekeeping projects.
- Participate in recruitment of EPWP participants (advert drafting, shortlisting, interviews).
- Monitor and ensure EPWP teams meet operational targets.
- Conduct physical verification and quality control inspections in state forest plantations.
- Monitor timber harvesting operations and perform monthly reconciliation of harvesting data.
- Consolidate and analyse weekly, monthly, and quarterly production reports.
- Address internal and external audit queries and ensure compliance with forestry legislation and policies.
- Develop and implement Audit Action Plans (major and minor corrective actions).
- Verify BAS documentation and payment supporting documents.
- Provide supervisory support and oversee operational compliance.
- Ensure adherence to Occupational Health and Safety standards.
- Support planning and budgeting of annual forestry operations.
- Provide support during the review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for silvicultural practices.
- Assist in revenue collection processes and commercial forestry planning to optimize resource use and financial accountability.
- Ensure compliance with Section 23 of the National Forests Act by reviewing and verifying permits, licenses, and authorizations prior to harvesting or transporting timber.
- Support valuation of biological assets in line with PFMA and Modified Cash Standards; update alpha-numeric data in the Biological Asset Register (Microforest).
- Provide support during plantation audits in line with Principles, Criteria, Indicators, and Standards (PCIS) to ensure sustainable forest management.
- Participate in Commercial Forestry Sector Masterplan meetings and the Participatory Forest Management Forum (Grabouw area).
- Support community awareness initiatives adjacent to state forest plantations.
- Facilitate fire management plan development, monitor implementation, and measure progress per the National Veld and Forest Fire Act.
- Assist with development of risk registers for biological asset management, monitor mitigation actions, and provide evidence to the Deputy Director General: Forestry Management, Directorate: Risk Management and the Directorate: Business and Strategy Management.
- Provide support to the team responsible for the transfer of plantation management to the communities through Community Forest Agreements in accordance with the National Forest Act.
Student Forester
Indlovu Forestry
Piet Retief, Mpumalanga
2016.01 - 2016.12
- Supervised stock enumeration teams measuring DBH, height, and volume calculations.
- Planned and executed slash management, de-stumping, marking, pitting, and planting operations.
- Conducted coppice reduction in Eucalyptus compartments.
- Prepared and maintained fire belts and fire breaks in compliance with NVFFA.
- Liaised with farmers regarding fire belt management.
- Monitored chainsaw felling operations and adherence to Best Operating Procedures.
- Conducted PPE inspections and enforced safety compliance.
- Maintained machinery logbooks and operational records.
- Assisted in burning tracer belts and skoffelling of fire belts.
- Monitor the adherence to the prescribed Best Operating Procedure during chainsaw felling
- Assessed the completeness and quality of the PPE worn by the team members.
- Ensured adherence to safety working procedures in plantations during operations.
- Developed wildfire prevention strategies, contributing to overall forest health and longevity.
- Maintained health of woodland by implementing sustainable forest practices.
- Tracked weather conditions closely, adjusting work schedules as necessary to maintain productivity during adverse weather events.
- Enforced compliance with all relevant environmental regulations during daily operations.
- Conducted site assessments for identification and inventory of trees.
- Assessed potential environmental impacts before initiating any large-scale forestry projects or operations.
- Supervised teams to conduct efficient logging operations without depleting resources excessively.
- Marked timber for stand improvement, general thinning and economic purposes.
- Protected local wildlife habitats with careful forestry management plans.
Education
Advanced Diploma - Forestry
Nelson Mandela University
George, Western Cape 2022.01 - 2023.12
National Diploma - Forestry
Nelson Mandela University
George, Western Cape 2015.01 - 2018.12
Grade 12 -
Indala High School
Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal 2009.01 - 2013.12
Skills
- Knowledge of National Forestry Acts (National Forest Act and National Veld and Forest Fires Act)
- Knowledge of the Forestry Acts (National Forest act & National Veld and Forest Fires Act
- Knowledge of the National Environmental Management Act
- Knowledge of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
- Knowledge of the Public Financial Management Act
- Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Project management
- Problem solving
- People Management
- Time management
- Inventory management
- Knowledge and application of Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge and application of Plantation Database Management - Microforest
REFERENCES
- Nomusa, Mncwango, Deputy Director (supervisor), ndmcwango@dffe.gov.za, 0609734076
- Onele, Ludidi, Assistant Director, oludidi@dffe.gov.za, 0648879060
- Uwe, Bohmer, Forester (Mentor), ugbohmer@gmail.com, 079 855 6038
- Coert, Geldenhuys, Lecture, cgelden@mweb.co.za, 0827761593
Timeline
Forestry Intern
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
2024.04 - 2026.02
Advanced Diploma - Forestry
Nelson Mandela University
2022.01 - 2023.12
Student Forester
Indlovu Forestry
2016.01 - 2016.12
National Diploma - Forestry
Nelson Mandela University
2015.01 - 2018.12
Grade 12 -
Indala High School
2009.01 - 2013.12