Makhotso Sotyu | How to make our forestry industry sustainable

The recent handing over of the management of Kei-Mouth and Qolorha plantations to the Imidushane Traditional Council, and concurrently, Wilo and Ntlangaza plantations to the Nqabe Traditional Council, marked significant strides towards community empowerment and sustainable forestry practices, underscoring government’s commitment to inclusive development and environmental stewardship.

The department of forestry, fisheries, and the environment (DFFE) has been at the forefront of spearheading these initiatives, leading to the development of the Commercial Forestry Sector Masterplan.

This comprehensive blueprint, approved for implementation in November 2020, serves as a guiding framework for the growth, investment, and transformation of the forestry sector. Now, in its third year of implementation, the master plan emphasises the importance of transferring plantation resources to empower communities and foster sectoral development.