About
About Awethu Forestry
Founded on March 9th, 2012, Awethu Forestry Investments is a South African-based forestry management company dedicated to advancing the sustainable, commercial, and community-based forestry sector across the continent.
With operations rooted in professionalism, ethics, and innovation, Awethu provides a full suite of end-to-end forestry management solutions — from timber procurement and plantation establishment to certification, harvesting, and market integration.
Our purpose is to bridge the gap between smallholder forestry producers and high-value global markets, enabling inclusive growth and long-term sustainability. We believe that responsible forestry is not only an environmental imperative, but also a commercial opportunity to create jobs, build communities, and unlock Africa’s green economic potential.
Positioned at the intersection of sustainability and enterprise, Awethu Forestry Investments is a trusted partner to investors, farmers, and industry stakeholders, offering transparent governance, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
Our purpose is to bridge the gap between smallholder forestry producers and high-value global markets, enabling inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.
Our Vision
“To be a transformative leader in sustainable forestry by empowering people, optimising operations, and delivering value to customers through responsible stewardship of natural resources.”
Our Mission
“To unlock the full commercial potential of Africa’s smallholder forestry sector by delivering innovative and sustainable forestry management services that drive profitability, attract investment, and connect producers to high-value markets.”
Our Core Values
Ethics: We act with honesty, fairness, and accountability in all that we do.
Professionalism: We deliver quality results through technical excellence and operational discipline.
Sustainability: We are dedicated to the long-term health of forests, people, and the environment.
Collaboration: We work together — across communities, industries, and stakeholders — to create shared value.
Innovation: We continuously explore new technologies, management models, and market opportunities to strengthen competitiveness and growth.
Management Process
Onboarding & Contracting
Client or grower partnerships begin with structured agreements outlining management scope, expectations, and shared responsibilities.
Planning & Establishment
Our technical teams design and implement customized planting and silvicultural programs based on land capability and desired output.
Maintenance & Compliance
We manage plantation health through tending, fire control, pest management, and continuous compliance monitoring.
Harvesting & Market Integration
Once mature, plantations are harvested and directed toward pre-approved markets or contracts under controlled chain-of-custody procedures.
Certification & Reporting
Our compliance unit ensures full FSC and PEFC certification, guaranteeing traceability and sustainability at every level.
This process ensures every plantation under Awethu’s management adheres to the highest standards of productivity, sustainability, and market readiness.
Meet The Team
Our leadership team combines decades of collective experience in forestry management, agribusiness, and community development. Each member plays a pivotal role in ensuring the company’s success through technical excellence, strategic foresight, and responsible governance.
Board of Directors
Mandla
Ntuli
Founder & Managing Director
General Manager
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Operations Director
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