The South African Forestry Company SOC Limited (SAFCOL) was established in 1992 as a Schedule 2 State-Owned Company. Operating under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), SAFCOL is the third largest state-owned forestry company in South Africa.
Our mandate is to conduct forestry business which includes timber harvesting, timber processing and related activities, both domestically and internationally. We manage some of South Africa's most important commercial timber resources across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and internationally in Mozambique.
SAFCOL plays a vital role in the South African economy, creating over 5,000 jobs and supporting more than 20,000 livelihoods in rural communities.
SAFCOL operates across multiple business areas, from core forestry operations to ecotourism, ensuring sustainable value creation for South Africa.
Core timber harvesting operations managing over 187,000 hectares of commercial plantation forests across South Africa and Mozambique, producing pine, eucalyptus and wattle species.
Value-added timber processing and sawmill operations producing structural lumber, industrial timber products, and timber-frame building structures for the construction sector.
Three species — Pine, Eucalyptus and Wattle — supplied to domestic and international markets including sawlogs, pruned logs, poles, mining timber and pulpwood for paper and packaging.
Supporting government skills development initiatives and corporate strategy implementation through accredited forestry training, learnerships and workforce transformation programmes.
SAFCOL operates hiking trails (Magoebaskloof, Kaapschehoop, Fanie Botha, Uitsoek), waterfalls (Lone Creek, Bridal Veil, Mac Mac, Berlin, Lisbon, Debengeni), picnic sites, and Lakenvlei Lodge accommodation across the Mpumalanga and Limpopo forestry estates.
A state-owned forestry business delivering commercial performance alongside measurable social, economic and environmental returns.
5,000+
Jobs
Direct & indirect employment across forestry, processing and community operations.
20,000+
Lives Supported
Through small business support, social upliftment and skills development programmes.
1.4M m³
Annual Sustainable Volume
Responsibly managed pine, eucalyptus and wattle timber supplied each year.
61%
Plantations Under Land Claims
Managed through our dedicated Land Claims Division in partnership with claimant communities.
SAFCOL (South African Forestry Company SOC Limited) is a state-owned enterprise under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Executive Authority.
With approximately 61% of plantation land directly affected by land claims, SAFCOL established a dedicated Land Claims Division to work with claimant communities and government towards equitable, sustainable settlements.
SAFCOL is committed to operating in a sustainable manner that balances economic, social and environmental responsibilities.
Investing in skills development, fair labour practices, health and safety, and employee well-being. SAFCOL champions diversity, transformation and equal opportunity across all levels.
About 61% of SAFCOL's plantations are directly affected by land claims. Our dedicated Land Claims Division works with claimant communities and government alongside job creation, enterprise development and social investment in schools, clinics and ECD centres.
Responsible stewardship of natural resources including biodiversity conservation, water management, fire prevention, carbon sequestration, and FSC certification compliance.
Access our annual integrated reports, financial statements, and sustainability disclosures.
SAFCOL is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, accountability and transparency. As a state-owned company, we adhere to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), King IV principles, and the Companies Act.
Our assurance framework includes internal audit functions, external audit by the Auditor-General of South Africa, risk management oversight, and compliance monitoring across all business areas.
SAFCOL has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption. We maintain robust anti-fraud policies and encourage all stakeholders to report unethical behaviour through our confidential reporting channels.
Comprehensive anti-fraud policy framework, regular fraud risk assessments, and preventive controls across all operations.
Confidential and anonymous reporting through our independent whistleblower service. All reports are investigated thoroughly.
Code of ethics and business conduct, conflict of interest declarations, and ongoing ethics training for all employees and contractors.
Explore the beauty of SAFCOL's forests, operations, and the communities we serve.
