Over the next few newsletters, we plan to introduce the FSA team, giving members and individuals working for forestry companies the opportunity to get to know the people behind the positions. As this newsletter is all about women, Precious Singo – the welcoming face that greets visitors to our Johannesburg Head Office – seemed the perfect choice.

Precious Singo – Receptionist Johannesburg Head Office
Precious has always intended to work in the Forestry Sector and is one of those few lucky individuals who is really ‘living her dream’, “I love working in forestry because I have both respect for the industry and appreciate the sustainable nature of our forests, which are also home to indigenous species too. I am so proud to work for FSA, the company that represents South African timber growers.”

Precious’ journey with FSA started as a cleaner. However, her exceptional people skills and unflappable nature, along with her organisational ability saw her quickly be elevated to the receptionist. “My greatest professional achievement was completing my Higher Certificate in Office Administration in just two years while working a full-time job. It taught me to prioritise my time and stay focused on my goals.”

An indispensable member the FSA team, Precious now liaises with a variety of sector stakeholders from FSA members to Government Ministers and the media. “My future aspirations and goals are to take up a leadership role. I am currently looking to learn as much as I can to ensure the personal growth needed to become a leader in the future,” she explains.

As this is Women’s Month, we asked Precious what advice she would give women looking to enter the industry. “If you are interested in a career in forestry as a woman and aren’t afraid of being challenged, forestry is the right choice for you. Choosing a career in forestry, you have to enjoy working both outdoors and in your office. You will also need to accept that sometimes your work may require you to spend time away from your home and family. However, if you are disciplined, organised and focused, forestry is an interesting and rewarding career which does not simply end in the plantation with the harvesting of trees. It is an incredibly diverse and rewarding career path where nothing is impossible.”