Who we are.
Timba Group is a family-run timber manufacturing business based in White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Since 2000, the business has grown across sawmilling, timber treatment, value-added garden products and timber exports.
John Payne
Founder
Johnny Payne studied and practiced as a vet, then in 1990 he decided to follow his other passion and start a woodworking business. He started the business from his small holding just outside of White River and focused on harvesting coppice material from the surrounding gum forests and turning this timber into garden edging for the local nursery industry. He installed a CCA treatment plant and thus began a value add business with a lot of potential. When he was joined in 2000 by his son-in-law, Chas, he took more of a backseat in operations but remained the foundation and inspiration for product development, work ethic, new ideas, business integrity, and general good conservative guidance as the next generation charged ahead. John remains an active contributor today, aged 86, especially with his knowledge of treating timber.
Hugh Prettejohn (Chas)
Owner
Chas started his career in the construction industry in Johannesburg. When their first child was born, they decided to move out of Johannesburg and get involved in the family business in White River. The business could not sustain two families and so, under John's guidance and experience, new products were developed to grow the business and make it more sustainable. Over the years, the business has grown into a diverse mix of timber manufacturing, treating, drying, and sawmilling.
Yvette
Accounts & Sales
Yvette joined the company in 2013 and was instrumental in getting the accounts section organised, professional and reportable. Her first mission was to get an office built so that the business could run more efficiently and professionally.
Aminah Themba
Management Team
Aminah Themba used to manage one of the local plant nurseries and was a customer of Timba Garden Products. In 2009 she began her journey with Timba as a supervisor. Her calmness under pressure, attention to detail, ability to manage a large workforce, great client relations and overall integrity have led to her being a key member of the management team.
Chris Roux
Maintenance Team
Chris Roux and his team of skilled maintenance personnel make sure the wheels keep turning. The team is a vital part of the entire operation and they ensure that breakdowns are attended to, new machines are built, and regular maintenance is carried out. This way we limit down time and ensure that we have a safe working environment with well maintained plant and equipment.