In the rugged landscape of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, Denver de Kock, a third-generation sawmiller, stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. As the owner of RD Sawmill near Maclear, Denver is not just continuing a family legacy but is also defying challenging market conditions with a thriving sawmilling business. The de Kock clan is renowned in the region's sawmilling industry, a multi-generational family of aunts, uncles, brothers, and cousins who have collectively built a sawmilling empire that spans the province.

The Eastern Cape boasts a significant commercial forestry sector, with plantations covering approximately 129,334 hectares, representing 10% of the country’s total forestry plantations. This presents substantial opportunities for downstream beneficiation, which Denver de Kock has seized to further the family's legacy with his sawmill in Maclear, close to the de Kock clan’s home in Tsolo near Qumbu. RD Sawmill’s origins in 2010 echo the family's tradition, with Denver initially partnering with his cousin before taking sole ownership.

RD Sawmill's initial operations relied on circular mills. However, due to recovery losses, Denver transitioned to Wood-Mizer equipment, starting with an LT10 to improve both recovery rates and sawn quality. The success of the LT10 led to the addition of two LT15s and two Wood-Mizer HR200 resaws, significantly increasing the sawmill's capacity. The primary focus of RD Sawmill is wet-off-saw sawn timber, which is sold through retail channels or directly to the public for construction, pallet production, and furniture manufacturing.

“When RD Sawmill started in 2010, the business used circular blade mills to break the logs into boards,” Denver explains. “But we soon saw the light when we got our first Wood-Mizer LT10. The circular blade mills weren’t giving us good recovery. When we changed to the LT10, our recovery and cut size accuracy improved significantly. The improved cut quality of bandsaws that left less marks on the timber also opened the doors to new markets with furniture grade material going to manufacturers,” he adds.

Several challenges in the Eastern Cape sawn-timber market have made it increasingly important for sawmillers to streamline their businesses to remain competitive. Denver de Kock notes the difficulties in log supply and the impact on small and medium-sized sawmillers. With commercial plantations closely linked to key offtake markets and a growing sawmilling sector competing for a limited log supply, margins have been squeezed.

Denver emphasizes the importance of innovation and maximizing resources, stating, “But we’re using Wood-Mizer’s thin-kerf narrow bandsaw tech to recover every scrap of saleable material to boost profits.” Operational cost increases, driven by electricity supply constraints and rising diesel prices, have further eroded margins. However, Denver is proactively addressing these challenges by leveraging the lower rolling resistance of Wood-Mizer's thin-kerf technology and seeking better pricing for his products in new markets.

Sawmilling is deeply ingrained in Denver de Kock’s life. “It’s become tough,” he admits, “It’s hard work, and it’s up to the individual to think innovatively around making the most from what they love doing. In my instance, sawmilling is in my blood. I work on the business from early to late. I think about the company when I wake up and go to bed. And importantly, I’m hands-on. We’re privileged to have a business and a supplier network like Wood-Mizer that partner with us to build forward and prosper.”

RD Sawmill stands out due to Denver de Kock’s meticulous management and commitment to innovation. The mill's well-maintained signage reflects his attention to detail. Denver's insightful approach and openness to exploring new avenues to maximize timber value are evident. The sawmill's unique practice of using sawdust for extra revenue, its pristine saw shop for blade maintenance, and the precise, regimentally stacked sawn timber all contribute to its success. Denver de Kock is a sawmiller to watch, dedicated to the long-term prosperity of his business.

In related news, Pieter Toerien Productions will present Agatha Christie's "Black Coffee" at Theatre on the Bay in Cape Town from March 19 to April 26, 2025, followed by a run at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre in Johannesburg from April 30 to June 1, 2025. Directed by Alan Swerdlow and starring Alan Committie as Hercule Poirot, the play is set in 1938 and revolves around a stolen atomic formula and ensuing murder. The production features a stellar cast, including Ashley Dowds, Mike Huff, Michael Richard, Peter Terry, Anne Williams, Brett Kruger, Dianne Simpson, Schoeman Smit, and Jackie Lulu. The creative team includes Sarah Roberts for set, costumes, and props, Adam Howard for sound design, and Denis Hutchinson for lighting design.

Alan Swerdlow's direction emphasizes the prescience of Agatha Christie's concerns about nuclear weapons, setting the play against the backdrop of pre-war espionage and anxiety. Swerdlow highlights the importance of treating Christie's plays seriously, allowing the comedy to emerge naturally. The Christie estate has granted permission for professional companies to adapt the settings of the plays, contributing to the current global resurgence of interest in Christie's work.

The production promises sheer entertainment and escapism, layered with nuance and resonating with contemporary anxieties. Don't miss "Black Coffee," a fun and funny take on the classic murder mystery.