Khulisa Growers Gain International Knowledge in China

This initiative, organised by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD), aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to align their agricultural practices with global sustainability and food security goals.

Thandi Cynthia Mokoena from Mpumalanga, the owner of the Matsino Business Enterprise—an agroforestry project focused on timber production, crop production, and animal husbandry—oversees a forestry operation spanning 679.693 hectares and has been part of the Khulisa programme since 2019. When she heard about the opportunity, she encouraged Thembisa Mpengesi from the Eastern Cape—who oversees 9.7 hectares and has been a Khulisa member since 2014—to join her on this exciting journey.

Both growers returned with a fresh perspective and a renewed eagerness to reshape agricultural methods in South Africa. A standout takeaway was the stark contrast between the two countries' approaches to farming. In China, sustainable and green technologies are deeply integrated into operations, with significant advancements in mechanisation. These efforts are driven by a shared goal: minimising environmental impact while maximising efficiency.

While Thandi and Thembisa value the traditional methodologies passed down through South Africa's agricultural history, they are excited about the potential to innovate. They see opportunities to adopt advanced equipment and practices that increase productivity and create safer working environments.

"This unique opportunity allowed me to enhance my technical knowledge and gain insights into sustainable agricultural practices that I am now eager to apply within my own operations," said Thandi.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Being away from home and navigating language and cultural barriers required resilience and adaptability. However, their passion for their farms and effective communication skills enabled them to embrace this thrilling and insightful experience. Despite these challenges the training was transformative. Thandi and Thembisa advise fellow Khulisa growers to seize international training opportunities, build networks with international experts, and adopt eco-friendly, resource-efficient methods to enhance productivity and sustainability.

This programme not only broadened the growers' horizons but also demonstrated the value of global collaboration. The insights gained will contribute to the continued growth of the Sappi Khulisa programme, fostering innovation and sustainability across our operations. "As Khulisa growers, it is our responsibility to prioritise the adoption of eco-friendly and resource-efficient methodologies in our operations, promoting increased productivity and a sustainable working environment," emphasised Thembisa.

"As part of the Khulisa programme, we encourage our growers to seek knowledge beyond what we offer locally. Opportunities like this training in China exposes them to global best practices, helping them adopt sustainable and innovative approaches. The insights they bring back not only enhance their operations but also inspire the entire Khulisa community to strive for greater productivity and environmental stewardship," added Sandile Nkosi, General Manager: Sappi Khulisa.

During their training in China, Thandi and Thembisa acquired key skills that are reshaping their agricultural practices. They learned about low-energy and controlled-atmosphere storage techniques, eco-friendly pest control methods, and sustainable packaging technologies. These innovations reduce post-harvest losses and promote environmental sustainability. Thandi and Thembisa are confident these techniques can strengthen food security and improve agricultural efficiency in South Africa .

About Sappi Khulisa

The Sappi Khulisa Enterprise Supplier Development programme is an inspiring example of positive social impact and shared value in South Africa. It is an integral part of Sappi’s woodfibre supply chain, enhancing security of fibre supply, while uplifting rural communities by equipping them to become sustainable participants in the forestry value chain.

Initially, the programme started in 1983 and focused on supporting subsistence farmers with access to 1 hectare (ha) to 20 ha of land to grow trees. It was first known as Project Grow, starting with only three beneficiaries in the Zululand, South area. In 2013, Sappi Khulisa expanded to include community forestry projects and forestry projects handed to land-reform beneficiaries.

Today the project stretches from the far north of the KwaZulu-Natal province to the far south and into Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape, and the total area managed is 37,269 ha. In 2024, under this programme, 318,116 tons of timber worth some ZAR332.6 million was delivered to our operations. Since 1995, a total volume of 5,187 906 tons to the value of ZAR3.334 billion has been purchased from small growers under this programme. In 2013, Sappi Khulisa expanded to include community forestry projects and forestry projects handed to land-reform beneficiaries. Currently, the programme involves 4,143 growers and approximately 942 small, medium and micro enterprises who are involved in silviculture, harvesting, loading, short and long-haul activities. We offer training at two Sappi Forests Skills centres, based at Illovo Neck and KwaMbonambi in KZN, to all value chain participants, including land-reform beneficiaries. In 2024, we trained 550 Khulisa growers in 22 different courses, including on core operational skills in forestry as well as safety, legal compliance and business management.“Our team of 42 Sappi Khulisa foresters works with just over 4,000 small growers, helping to manage their 37,269 hectares of land. Although the work can be challenging it is also hugely rewarding when we see the difference this can make to a community.”

In recognition of its developmental impact, Sappi Khulisa  received the prestigious Trialogue Strategic CSI Award at the close of 2023.