R23 million of timber stolen from state-owned forestry company

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment revealed that criminals stole R22.5 million worth of timber from the South African Forestry Company (SAFCOL).

SAFCOL is the third largest state-owned forestry company in South Africa and plays an important role in the agricultural, manufacturing, and rural economic sectors.

It is the largest producer of high-quality sawlogs in South Africa, focusing heavily on sustainable pine plantations with 25- to 30-year rotations.

It manages 190,000 hectares of operational forest land, with prime plantation assets spanning Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Beyond harvesting logs, SAFCOL processes timber. Its flagship processing facility is the Timbadola Sawmill in Limpopo.

This sawmill produces kiln-dried, stress-graded structural lumber for construction and clear-grade lumber for furniture manufacturers.

Unlike many other South African public enterprises, SAFCOL has long-standing cross-border operations.

The company was established in 1992 under the Management of State Forests Act. It operates as a Schedule 2 major public entity.

Oversight recently shifted under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). From the previous Department of Public Enterprises.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment recently provided details on timber theft at SAFCOL following a Parliamentary question.

The minister revealed that 24,871 square meters of timber was stolen at SAFCOL plantations during the 2024/25 financial year.

The estimated value of the timber stolen from SAFCOL plantations during the financial year was R22.546 million.

“The Department works closely with law enforcement agencies and local stakeholders to reduce timber theft and protect state forest resources,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that during the 2024/25 financial year, 38 persons were arrested in connection with timber-related offences and timber theft.

“Of these, 14 arrests were recorded in relation to DFFE-managed plantations in Limpopo Province, while 24 arrests were recorded at SAFCOL plantations,” he said.