Forestry contracting in South Africa

Abstract

The outsourcing of forestry activities over the past decade has created an industry with an annual turnover of R600 million and 35000 employees (Edwards, 2000). During the past decade forestry companies have switched from employing some of their workers directly to a contractor system. For example, forest contractors are now hired to carry out planting, tending and silvicultural operations. Sappi Forests, Mondi Forests and Safcol are all contracting certain work out and are currently assisting contractors to improve their service, reliability and professionalism through offering training opportunities. The Forest Owners Associated has recently announced the launching of a section 21 company called Forestry Contractors' Productivity Initiative in order to improve the country's competitiveness. The initiative will be implemented through a network being established for forestry contractors with the support of the Sector Partnership Fund