Aerial view of South African plantation forest
Core Operations

Our Business

Integrated forestry operations — Forestry, Processing, Lumber, Round Logs, Timber-frame Structures and the Platorand Training Centre — spanning Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique.

1.4M m³

Annual Sustainable Volume

3 + 2

SA Provinces & Mozambique

5,000+

Jobs Created

FSC

Certified

Sustainable Plantation Management

Forestry

SAFCOL's forestry operations form the backbone of our business. We manage commercial plantation forests across Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, and through IFLOMA in Manica and Sofala provinces, Mozambique — producing approximately 1,400,000 m³ of timber sustainably each year.

Our plantations cultivate primarily pine (Pinus patula and Pinus elliottii), eucalyptus, and wattle species. Through responsible silvicultural practices, we ensure long-term sustainability of the resource while maintaining biodiversity corridors and protecting indigenous forests within our management areas.

SAFCOL holds Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability in forest management. Our operations support over 5,000 direct jobs and sustain more than 20,000 livelihoods in surrounding communities.

MP

Mpumalanga

Largest Area

KZN

KwaZulu-Natal

Key Region

LP

Limpopo

Growth Hub

Download Sustainability Report
Plantation forest rows stretching into the distance
Value-Added Processing

Lumber

Our Timbadola sawmill transforms raw logs into high-quality structural, industrial, and treated timber products for domestic and export markets.

Timbadola sawmill processing facility
Flagship Facility

Timbadola Sawmill

Located in Limpopo Province, our state-of-the-art sawmill processes softwood logs using advanced optimization technology for maximum recovery.

SAFCOL's lumber business unit focuses on adding value to our raw timber resources through processing at the Timbadola sawmill. The facility employs cutting-edge technology to optimize log recovery, producing a range of sawn timber products that meet both South African and international quality standards.

Our lumber products are SABS-approved and serve the construction, furniture manufacturing, packaging, and general industrial sectors. We are committed to continuous improvement in processing efficiency and product quality.

Structural Timber

Load-bearing beams, trusses, and framing timber for the construction industry. Kiln-dried with moisture content below 12%.

Industrial Timber

Pallets, crating, packaging, and fencing material for industrial and agricultural applications.

Treated Timber

CCA and creosote-treated products for outdoor applications, including utility poles, fencing, and landscaping.

SABS

Approved Products

S5/S7

Structural Grades

<12%

Moisture Content

CCA

Treatment Available

Raw Material Supply

Round Logs

SAFCOL is a major supplier of round logs to the pulp, paper, mining timber, and pole treatment industries across Southern Africa. Our sustainably harvested logs are sourced from FSC-certified plantations and graded to meet exacting customer specifications.

Round log sales represent a significant portion of SAFCOL's revenue. We supply a diverse range of products across three primary genera: Softwood (Pine), Hardwood (Eucalyptus), and Wattle, each serving distinct markets and end uses.

How to Buy from SAFCOL
Stacked round logs at a forest depot

Products by Genus

Pine plantation
Softwood

Pine

Pinus patula & Pinus elliottii

  • Pulp

    For paper and packaging manufacturing

  • Sawlogs

    Processed into structural and industrial lumber

  • Pruned Logs

    Premium knot-free timber for high-value applications

Eucalyptus plantation
Hardwood

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus grandis & hybrids

  • Pulp Fibre

    Short-fibre pulp for fine paper production

  • Mining Timber

    Support poles for underground mining operations

  • Poles & Tree Lengths

    Transmission and utility poles, fencing

  • Sawlogs & Prime Logs

    High-quality logs for furniture and flooring

Wattle plantation
Wattle

Wattle

Acacia mearnsii

  • Tree Lengths

    Full-length logs for various industrial uses

  • Pulp

    Bark for tannin extraction, fibre for dissolving pulp

Wattle is primarily grown in KwaZulu-Natal and valued for both its timber and bark extract used in the tanning industry.

Procurement Process

How to Buy from SAFCOL

SAFCOL sells round logs through an annual bidding process. Prospective buyers are invited to submit bids for timber supply contracts on an annual basis.

01

Annual Bid Invitation

SAFCOL publishes bid invitations annually in major national newspapers and on the SAFCOL website.

02

Submit Your Bid

Interested parties complete a formal bid document specifying product type, volume requirements, and delivery preferences.

03

Evaluation & Award

Bids are evaluated based on price, B-BBEE status, collection capability, and historical performance. Successful bidders are awarded contracts.

04

Contract & Delivery

Contracts are signed for one year with timber delivered ex-depot or roadside, depending on the agreement.

Sales Contacts

Elsina Mahlase

083 809 1339

Elsina@safcol.co.za

Hendry Seteria

083 630 1651

Hendry@safcol.co.za

Logs available at Roadside, Standing, and at Stump. Pine uses a Pricelist Auction (Base price); Eucalyptus & Wattle use a Price Quotation System (Reserved price). Volume awards cover twelve-month periods.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

SAFCOL sells timber through an annual competitive bidding process. When bids are open, invitations are published in national newspapers and on our website. You can also register your interest by contacting our commercial division directly at info@safcol.co.za to be notified when the next bidding cycle opens.
We supply three main genera: Pine (softwood) for pulp, sawlogs, and pruned logs; Eucalyptus (hardwood) for pulp fibre, mining timber, poles, sawlogs, and prime logs; and Wattle for tree lengths and pulp. We also produce sawn lumber including structural, industrial, and treated timber at our Timbadola sawmill.
Yes. SAFCOL holds Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for its plantation management operations. This certification ensures our forestry practices meet international standards for environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability.
SAFCOL operates timber depots across Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo provinces. Timber can be collected ex-depot or delivered roadside depending on the supply agreement. Contact our logistics team for specific depot locations and availability.
Absolutely. As a State-Owned Company, SAFCOL is deeply committed to B-BBEE and transformation in the forestry sector. Our bidding process gives preference to B-BBEE compliant enterprises, and we actively support SMMEs and community-based timber enterprises through capacity building programmes and preferential allocation.
SAFCOL training centre facilities
Skills Development

Platorand Training Centre

The Platorand Training Centre supports government skills development initiatives and corporate strategy implementation, providing accredited forestry training for SAFCOL employees, contractor workers, and community members.

Our training programmes focus on forestry-specific skills including silviculture, harvesting operations, fire management, chainsaw operation, and occupational health and safety. We also offer learnerships, apprenticeships, and bursary programmes to support youth development and transformation in the industry.

Accredited Programmes

SETA-accredited qualifications in forestry and wood technology

Community Upliftment

Training extended to community members and contractor workers

Safety First

Comprehensive OHS training for all operational activities

Youth Development

Learnerships, bursaries, and apprenticeship opportunities

Explore Training Programmes
Misty forest canopy

Partner with South Africa's Forestry Leader

Whether you are sourcing raw materials, processed lumber, or exploring partnership opportunities, SAFCOL delivers reliable, sustainable volume backed by responsible plantation management across South Africa and Mozambique.