Aug 13, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. NCT Forestry appointed Harald Niebuhr as new Chairman.He takes over from Carl Seele who retires after serving 18 years on the NCT Board, 16 of which as Chairman, NCT Forestry said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Harald joined NCT as a member in 1993 and was elected to the NCT board in 2002. In 2007, he was appointed vice-chairman. The new chairman is clear on his vision for NCT: “I foresee no change to NCT's mission to assist its members to achieve their full forestry potential and thereby optimise financial results on a sustainable basis,” says Harald. “NCT will continue to nurture the long-term relationships with its international and local customers. Expansion of market opportunities and value adding activities will always form part of NCT's strategy if it wants to achieve its mission. “In order to secure the sustainability of the timber resource, NCT will continue and expand its involvement in issues pertaining to the political and social challenges of our country. “NCT will remain the preferred 'home' of private and independent timber growers,” he concludes. Other appointments were Mike Woodburn (from Ixopo) as Vice-chairman and Themba Fakazi (from Empangeni), a new appointee to the board following the resignation of Sibusiso Mncadi who has relocated to Gauteng. NCT is recognised as an international supplier of quality round wood timber and the largest forestry-marketing organisation in southern Africa. NCT was established in 1949 as a marketing co-operative to cater to the needs of private and independent timber growers. Today Membership stands at approximately 2039 shareholding Members, representing a total area of over 300 000 ha – 21% of afforested land in South Africa.