Sappi Khulisa story | Mama Khumalo

Mama Khumalo flourishes with Sappi Khulisa 

The famous saying, 'You strike a woman, you strike a rock', describes Mama Khumalo's life journey best. 

Mama Khumalo grew up in an era where education was not seen as a priority and was not taken seriously, especially not for a girl which meant she only spent a few years at school as a child. She also entered adulthood earlier than most, after having 10 children with her husband. Through all the hardships that she had to endure, and despite her limited educational exposure, she and her husband have done extremely well in the forestry business under the Sappi Khulisa programme. 

Mama Khumalo oozes energy and passion for forestry and growing trees. The moment she starts talking about her crops, her eyes light up. "My love for forestry keeps me going, as I work long hours planting trees and taking care of the crops." Mama Khumalo is also the chairperson of the Sappi Khulisa growers committee in the Gcotsheni area.  My family has benefitted from growing trees with the assistance of Sappi's Khulisa, we have built a solid home for our children and are committed to working together with Sappi. I feel that I need to get more of the youth involved in forestry, starting with my children—the future lies with them," says a cheerful Mama Khumalo.

They have a total of 12.89 hectares of land of which 8.04 hectares were planted with trees last year and 4.9 hectares have been set as coppice. Mama Khumalo hires local people to work with them to maintain their plots.

Sbongakonke Mngomezulu, a Sappi Khulisa forester has been working closely with the family on their forestry journey and describes Mama as an absolute inspiration, "Mama is a well-motivated grower and her and Baba Khumalo make a great team. She has inspired lots of growers to re-establish their plots as they have seen how wonderful her plot looks now. I have had the pleasure of guiding Mama on the growing process and I am confident that her harvest will be prime!" 

The Khumalo family accompanied by Sappi Khulisa forester, Sbongakonke Mngomezulu (left).