The South African Forestry Company Limited is incurring significant financial losses due to timber theft and illegal mining activities in its Mpumalanga plantations.
The South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) is facing dire challenges in its Mpumalanga plantations as it reports substantial financial losses, amounting to nearly R20 million annually, attributed to organized timber theft by criminal syndicates. During a briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sibalo Dlamini, highlighted the threatening implications of these losses not only on revenue but also on the eco-tourism that relies on these natural resources.
The criminal activities involve highly organized and armed groups that conduct their operations at night, taking advantage of the vast area of the plantations, which spans thousands of hectares across several provinces, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. This scale makes it challenging for SAFCOL to secure the plantation areas effectively. As such, Mr. Dlamini announced that the company is in the process of implementing advanced digital security systems aimed at improving detection rates for these illegal activities and protecting the economic and environmental value of the plantations.
The issue not only poses significant economic risks for SAFCOL but also threatens the integrity of natural reserves essential for eco-tourism. Illegal mining activities further compound these risks, leading to environmental degradation that could deter potential tourists and impact local communities relying on eco-tourism for their livelihoods. The ongoing conflicts between resource security and illegal enterprises highlight the need for stronger law enforcement and community engagement to protect these vital resources in South Africa.
