Sibusiso Sibanyoni
Piet Retief
Summary
Experienced Forestry Technical Transfer Specialist with a strong background in operational improvement. Skilled in information transfer, forest management, fire protection, and strategic project coordination. Leads ISO14001, FSC, and PEFC certification processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards while enhancing stakeholder collaboration and driving cost efficiencies.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Transfer Specialist
Mondi - Zululand & Central Business Unit
01.2020 - Current
- Coordinated rollout of strategic projects and facilitated continuous improvement initiatives across areas and business units.
- Applied best practices to enhance operational effectiveness across the organization.
- Rolled out and implemented new policies and procedures based on best practices.
- Facilitated FSC, PEFC, and ISO certification processes for forest operations.
- Performed certification systems audits (2PA audit) in respective Forest Operations and reported findings.
- Interprets quality and productivity assessments and engages with operational staff to ensure continuous improvement – benchmarking against best practices.
- Benchmarked operations to identify areas for improvement and shared insights with forestry staff.
- Facilitated knowledge exchange between research, specialists, and forest operations.
- Coaches forestry staff in terms of the implementation of best practice
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives according to business parameters.
- Encouraged ongoing enhancements in operational processes to increase efficiency.
- Actively drives innovation sharing and continuous improvement within the relevant Forest Operations, facilitating CI across Mondi and Mondi’s contract operations
- Coordinated collaboration between business units and areas, facilitating centralized initiatives.
- Commissions work study assessments and productivity initiatives implementation
- Arranged studies with relevant departments based on identified local research needs.
- Ensures operational policies and procedures compliance
- Supported the tender process, budgeting, negotiations with contractors, and calculations.
- Implemented and approved new equipment in operations according to the SSPO4 process involving contractors and various departments.
Senior Silviculture Forester
Mondi - Ntonjaneni Area
04.2019 - 12.2019
- Developed and managed performance of silviculture foresters and contractors, enhancing team capabilities within work plan unit.
- Implemented sustainable management practices, enhancing forest ecosystem health through regular assessments.
- Conducted regular tree health assessments, identifying disease outbreaks early to minimize losses.
- Established short- and long-term management plans for forest lands and resources.
- Executed targeted removal of invasive plant species, fostering growth of native flora and fauna.
- Monitored contract compliance and forestry activities, ensuring adherence to government regulations and safeguarding forest health.
- Coordinated interactions between work plan unit, stakeholders, and support functions effectively.
- Conducted quantity, quality, and safety audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Silviculture Forester
SiyaQhubeka Forests - Nyalazi Plantation
10.2017 - 04.2019
- Developed site preparation and planting processes, leading to increased crop yields.
- Conducted pre-canopy and post-canopy weeding to promote healthy growth.
- Monitored tree health and diversity, identifying disease outbreaks to reduce pest losses.
- Implemented fire protection measures, including reducing fuel loads and suppression strategies.
- Supervised burning operations for effective compartment management and land clearing.
- Ensured environmental compliance with ISO and FSC standards to maintain certification.
- Coordinated with stakeholders and contractors to ensure alignment on project goals and deliverables.
- Managed 8000 ha farm to improve operational efficiency and sustainability.
Management Forester
Sappi Forests – Rooihoogte Plantation
12.2014 - 09.2017
- Executed budget preparation for farm operations across 18,000 hectares, ensuring resource allocation aligned with operational goals.
- Managed airstrips, dams, and lookout towers to support operational efficiency and enhance safety measures.
- Supervised fleet management of eight fire trucks for effective response readiness.
- Oversaw pruning operations on Pinus patula species to promote optimal growth and improve overall yield.
- Administered conservation areas, ensuring compliance with FSC standards.
- Directed weeding operations, enforcing contractor adherence to company standards.
- Established new sites through preparation and planting initiatives.
- Ensured contractor compliance with safety standards and occupational health regulations.
Centre Research Forester
Sappi Forests - Tweedie Shaw Research
06.2014 - 11.2014
- Conducted planting research trials for cold-tolerant hardwoods to evaluate adaptability and growth potential.
- Managed pollination and grafting processes for cold-tolerant hardwoods to enhance genetic diversity and improve yields.
- Executed stock enumeration on planted trials to assess growth performance and inform future planting strategies.
- Implemented all silviculture practices, including establishment and weeding, on planted trials.
- Performed data analysis and captured relevant findings.
Silviculture Forester
SIBSA WEED SERVICES cc (Sappi Trust, Salpine, Futululu and Palm Ridge Plantations)
03.2012 - 05.2014
- Directed all silviculture operations to achieve productivity targets.
- Managed brushwood fire breaks and conservation burning operations to minimize fire risks and promote ecosystem health.
- Coordinated fire protection measures, including fuel load reduction and suppression activities.
- Implemented environmental management practices for ISO and FSC compliance.
- Supervised four teams of 100 personnel, improving coordination and workflow across operations.
- Oversaw fleet management, optimizing resource allocation and reducing downtime for operational readiness.
- Ensured adherence to SHEQ standards for safety, health, environment, and quality.
- Managed cash flow to maintain financial stability of the business.
Silviculture Forester
Hayters Forest Management (Sappi Sutton Plantation)
07.2011 - 01.2012
- Supervised 90 personnel across four teams in silviculture operations.
- Coordinated establishment activities, including site preparation and planting.
- Implemented maintenance strategies for pre-canopy and post-canopy weeding.
- Directed brushwood firebreak and conservation burning operations to mitigate risks.
- Oversaw fire protection measures, including fuel load reduction and suppression efforts.
- Ensured compliance with ISO and FSC standards for environmental management.
- Managed cash flow and budgets to optimize resource allocation.
- Managed fleet and infrastructure to support operational efficiency.
Safety Officer
SIBSA WEED SERVICES cc
06.2009 - 06.2009
- Developed written safe work procedures (WSWP), performed safety inspections, and led the management of 5-star NOSA certifications.
- Conducted safety audits to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance.
- Developed and implemented safety training programs for staff and contractors.
- Collaborated with management to create safety policies and procedures.
Practical student forester
Sappi Forests - (Clan Plantation)
03.2008 - 12.2008
- Supported plantation forester to enhance productivity and efficiency of plantation activities.
- Assisted with daily forestry operations and maintenance activities.
- Monitored forest health and reported findings to supervisors.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Forestry And Wood Science (Part Time)
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa12-2026
Advance Diploma - Forestry
NMU George Campus
George, South Africa01-2021
National Diploma - Forestry
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (SAASVELD)
George, South Africa01-2013
Matriculation certificate -
Bantfwabetfu Senior Secondary School
Badplaas, South Africa01-2005
Skills
ISO 14001, FSC, and PEFC standards
Auditing and compliance
Budgeting and forecasting
Project management
Data analysis
Benchmarking and analysis
Best practice implementation
Continuous improvement
Leadership
Team collaboration
- Problem-solving and decision-making
Certification
- 2014 HIRA Continuous Risk Assessment from VCS Consulting Training
- 2015 Single Resource Leader from Working on Fire
- 2015 Root Course Analysis Technique from IRCA Global
- 2015 Initial Attack Fire Boss Course from CMO
- 2018 Extended Attack Fire Boss Course from CMO
- 2018 Managing Others Training with Duke University
- 2021 Incident Commander
- 2023 Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- 2025 Wildfire Investigation
References
- Mark Prigge, Area Manager,mark.prigge@mondigroup.com ,+27 82 374 4443 , Mondi
- Sanele Zuma, Forestry Manager, sanele.zuma@sappi.com, +27 83 340 5578, Sappi
- Hezrom Kunene, Area Manager, hezrom.kunene@mondigroup.com,+27 82 681 2002, SQF
Personal Information
Languages
- IsiZulu
- siSwati
- isiXhosa
- English
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Accomplishments
- Specialist of the Year 2025 - Iswepe Area
- Best Innovator 2025 - Technical Department
- Specialist of the Year 2023 - Piet Retief Area
- Best Team Collaboration 2023 - Technical Department
- Best CI Project 2023 - Technical Department
- Best Contribution to research 2023 - Technical Department
- Best Team Collaborator 2022 - Technical Department
- Best CI Project 2021 - Technical Department
Timeline
Technical Transfer Specialist
Mondi - Zululand & Central Business Unit
01.2020 - Current
Senior Silviculture Forester
Mondi - Ntonjaneni Area
04.2019 - 12.2019
Silviculture Forester
SiyaQhubeka Forests - Nyalazi Plantation
10.2017 - 04.2019
Management Forester
Sappi Forests – Rooihoogte Plantation
12.2014 - 09.2017
Centre Research Forester
Sappi Forests - Tweedie Shaw Research
06.2014 - 11.2014
Silviculture Forester
SIBSA WEED SERVICES cc (Sappi Trust, Salpine, Futululu and Palm Ridge Plantations)
03.2012 - 05.2014
Silviculture Forester
Hayters Forest Management (Sappi Sutton Plantation)
07.2011 - 01.2012
Safety Officer
SIBSA WEED SERVICES cc
06.2009 - 06.2009
Practical student forester
Sappi Forests - (Clan Plantation)
03.2008 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Forestry And Wood Science (Part Time)
Stellenbosch University
Advance Diploma - Forestry
NMU George Campus
National Diploma - Forestry
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (SAASVELD)
Matriculation certificate -
Bantfwabetfu Senior Secondary School