The purpose of this research was to assess the contribution of the South
African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) to sustainable development
in the Vhembe District to determine the extent to which local people
benefit from its projects. The research methodology employed by the
study included a qualitative approach along with purposive sampling,
interviews, site visits and observation. Data was collected from senior
management, project managers, staff and beneficiaries in relation to the
delivery of socio-economic development projects in the Vhembe
community.
The study found that while there had been progress in the implementation
of projects like beekeeping, establishing nurseries and renovation of
schools, other projects such as infrastructure development, venture
creation and job creation were less successful. Based on these findings,
the study concluded that lack of resources and skills retarded the
successful implementation of socio-economic development projects in the
Vhembe community.
It was recommended that capacity building and monitoring processes be
strengthened to improve SAFCOL’s contribution to sustainable
development in the Vhembe area.