Our Business
The South African Forestry Company SOC Limited (SAFCOL) is a state-owned enterprise operating under the oversight of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). As a strategic player in South Africa’s forestry sector, SAFCOL is committed to sustainable forest management, socio-economic development, and environmental stewardship.
With a strong operational footprint across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, SAFCOL manages and develops some of the country’s most valuable forestry assets. Its influence also extends beyond national borders into southern Mozambique, where it operates in the Manica and Sofala provinces, contributing to regional economic integration and cross-border collaboration in forestry development.
SAFCOL plays a vital role in promoting transformation within the forestry industry, supporting local communities, and driving innovation through responsible forestry practices.
SAFCOL’s mandate is; to conduct forestry business which includes timber harvesting, timber processing and related activities, both domestically and internationally.
Vision
A leader in sustainable forests and commercial forest products
Misssion
- Grow in the forestry value chain
- Build commercial value through strategic partnerships
- Facilitate sustainable and inclusive economic development
Core Values
- We are passionate about forests and our communities.
- We strive for excellence and innovation in our business.
- We respect and value our employees.
- We conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity.
- We strive for customer satisfaction.
Our Core Business
Forestry Operations
Our forestry operations are primarily focused on the sustainable management and protection of growing stock, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality logs to both the timber industry and our internal processing mills.
Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Komatiland Forests (KLF), we manage 15 premier softwood saw-log plantations strategically located across Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal. These plantations represent some of the most productive forestry assets in the country.
KLF’s operations—both commercial and non-commercial—span a total land area of 189,414 hectares, reflecting our commitment to responsible land stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and long-term value creation for stakeholders.
Seeds and Seedlings
We operate in an environment of increasing global demand for high quality timber products grown according to sustainable practises. This challenges our forestry scientists to implement modern technologies ensuring that the best genetic material available is planted, is correctly matched to site and the growing stock is managed following the most appropriate silvicultural practises.
Some of our tree improvement services include:
- Increased tolerance to disease and improved wood properties.
- Increased volume growth
- Improved stem form and branch characteristics; and
Forestry Management Expertise
As one of Africa’s leading forestry companies, we bring deep-rooted expertise in sustainable forestry management, backed by decades of operational excellence. Our capabilities extend beyond our own plantations—we are well-positioned to offer comprehensive forestry management services to governments, private companies, and stakeholders with timber assets across the African continent. From strategic planning and silviculture to harvesting and environmental compliance, our team delivers tailored solutions that maximize value while promoting ecological integrity and long-term sustainability.