Yoliswa Dlamini didn’t choose forestry – it chose her. Growing up in Melmoth, a small
town in Zululand, weekends and holidays as the oldest child meant following her
forester father into the plantations. She learned to operate farm machinery and helped
with harvesting operations while other kids were playing games. “Forestry became part
of who I am before I even understood it was a career,” she says, attributing her passion
for it to her late father, Gervas. “He was my greatest inspiration and guiding light, and
his legacy continues to direct my path and purpose in this field.”
At 37, Yoliswa brings 15 years of industry expertise to her role as a Silviculture
Forester. This is underpinned by a BSc, an MBA, and an impressive array of business
qualifications – all earned while working full-time – and testament to her steadfast
dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. But her impressive
credentials don’t tell the whole story.
As the first woman in management at several plantations, Yoliswa faced significant
challenges in this male-dominated industry. Her empathetic approach was mistaken for
weakness, while her soft-spoken manner was perceived as lacking authority. And with
deep-rooted cultural attitudes that challenge female leadership in operational roles, this
led to periods of self-doubt during which she questioned her capability. "Yet, each
experience shaped my growth and leadership journey, she smiles.
The results speak for themselves. As Safety Manager at Sappi Highveld (2017–2019),
Yoliswa led a team that recorded zero Lost Time Injuries, and since 2019, she’s also
consistently delivered fully stocked compartments ahead of scheduled audits. The
defining moment in her career came earlier, in 2012, however, when she independently
managed disaster fires involving both ground and aerial teams. This was an intense
challenge that earned her special recognition from Komatiland and Working on Fire.
Her work hasn't gone unnoticed in the wider industry either. Forestry South Africa
selected Yoliswa to represent women in forestry on behalf of Sappi through the She Is
Forestry campaign in 2023. Alongside her team, they also won the Environmental
Award twice and the KZN Elite District Award. In 2024, Duzi Forestry Engineers invited
her to speak on ‘Women in Leadership’, highlighting the importance of women who uplift
others while advancing in corporate.“Each achievement reminds me that perseverance,
passion, and purpose are the true roots of leadership,” she shares.
Driven by a desire to uplift and help others grow, Yoliswa says she finds inspiration in
her roles as a mother, sister, and aunt. To her, Women’s Day affirms the power of
sisterhood. “Fixing each other’s crowns, silently and gracefully, with a shared purpose
and positive spirit, is a form of strength that inspires and empowers,” she continues.
“And there’s nothing a woman cannot achieve when she sets her mind to it.”
Building on this belief, she reflects how the sector has evolved for women: “Leadership
comes naturally to many women, and their multitasking abilities are truly a remarkable
blessing. These qualities enable effective leadership that creates environments of
respect, collaboration, and growth – what I call The Guide and Grace of the Feminine”.
“That said, we deeply value our male colleagues and subordinates,” Yoliswa
emphasises. “Forestry is physically demanding and requires stamina, teamwork, and
contributions from everyone, regardless of gender. Together, we build a stronger, more
resilient industry.”
For women considering careers in the industry, Yoliswa advises that being a forester is
just one of many rewarding paths available and that forestry offers a diverse and
impactful range of opportunities. She also shares some tips that have guided and
sustained her throughout her journey. In so doing, she hopes that it will inspire and
equip others, especially young women, with values that cultivate resilience, leadership,
and sisterhood:
Empowerment begins within.
Mentor and nurture one another.
Create opportunities for your sister to shine.
Remove obstacles and stand in her corner.
Encourage her to realise her full potential.
Understand what matters to her.
Lead by example – not words alone.
When given the baton, run your race fully.
As South Africa marks Women's Day on 9 th August, Husqvarna South Africa honours
professionals like Yoliswa Dlamini – women who have overcome numerous barriers to
shape the industry’s future. Her story demonstrates that persistence and passion can
flourish even in the toughest terrain, and may her journey continue to inspire women to
step forward, lead boldly, and lift as they rise.
Husqvarna’s forestry and land care equipment can be viewed at your local dealer or visit
https://www.husqvarna.com/za.
ENDS
WORD COUNT: 759
Press Release Disseminated on Behalf of:
Timothy Isabirye
Marketing Manager – Husqvarna South Africa
About Husqvarna
Husqvarna, a brand within Husqvarna Group, is a market leader in innovative and high-quality
products and services for shaping green spaces in parks, forests and gardens. Since 1689,
Swedish-born Husqvarna has a strong focus on research and development and is a pioneer in
robotic lawn mowers and chainsaws. Today, the product portfolio consists of the next
generation of robotic mowers, riders, chainsaws and trimmers for professional as well as private
use. Sustainable value creation, product innovation and digitalization remain important for the
journey ahead. Husqvarna products are sold in more than 100 countries. Husqvarna Group,
which also includes Gardena and Husqvarna Construction, has 13,300 employees in 40
countries around the world and net sales in 2024 amounted to SEK 48,4 billion. Husqvarna
Group is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.