What we Do
Main Activities of Flepu Hardworkers
Planting
The planting activity requires the worker to open planting pits in a previously ploughed or ridged area and the planting of the seedlings in the pits. For this activity the worker is provided with a planting tool and a tray of seedlings. These seedlings are planted in allocated rows.
Blanking
The replanting of trees where the plant mortality has been higher than the company accepted norms. The blanking system requires the worker to identify and if required remove the dead tree. A planting pit is then prepared or opened in the previously planted area. A new seedling is then replanted in order to maintain the compartment stocking.
Pruning
The height-based pruning operation is designed to prune all trees to the same height within the compartment. The manual-pruning worker ensure that each tree pruned meets the correct quality requirements. This results in all the trees receiving the same treatment rather than a tree specific treatment.
Burning Slash
Slash burn management forms an integral part of the site preparation operations and an appropriate system must be selected at the harvest planning stage. The team responsible for burning will then burn the plantation residues prior to planting to improve productivity in subsequent silviculture operations and to decrease fire risk.
Weed Slashing
The clearing of a designated area of weeds and regrowth using a hoe (slashing tool). The manual slashing worker should ensure that the slashing operation meets the correct requirements, preventing damage to trees.
Burning Fire Breaks
Burning of fire breaks forms an integral part of the protection of a plantation. This is done in accordance in terms of the Veld and Forest Act. The team responsible for burning will burn fire breaks before the commencement of the fire season in accordance with local Fire Management Plans.
