Launched in 1983 as Project Grow, Sappi Khulisa (meaning “to nurture, grow, or raise” in isiZulu/isiXhosa) has evolved into a cornerstone of Sappi’s supply chain and a beacon of shared value in forestry. The programme equips rural small-scale growers with skills, financing, quality seedlings and market access, while embedding sustainability through forest certification. Over four decades, Khulisa has expanded from individual plots in southern Zululand to include community forestry projects and land-reform beneficiaries across three provinces. It also promotes agroforestry practices that integrate timber production with food crops, helping households diversify livelihoods while maintaining productive and resilient landscapes.

Khulisa engages more than 4 400 individual growers and over 1 000 small, medium, and micro enterprises across silviculture, harvesting, and logistics. Beneficiaries include subsistence farmers, youth, and community property associations, who gain access to training, extension services, and fair market opportunities. Dedicated foresters provide ongoing technical support, ensuring small-scale growers benefit from the same expertise as Sappi’s own operations.

The programme supports 39 121 hectares of planted area and has delivered over 5.9 million tons of timber since inception, valued at more than ZAR4 billion. In 2025 alone, Khulisa growers supplied 374 943 tons of timber worth ZAR398 million. Beyond economic contribution, Khulisa strengthens rural livelihoods, reduces poverty, and builds industry capacity through skills centres and forestry training courses.

Growers are supported in aligning with internationally recognised forest certification standards such as those of FSC and PEFC, enhancing responsible forest management, traceability, and market access. By promoting agroforestry and integrated land use, Khulisa enables households to improve food security, climate resilience and diversified income streams. Through these efforts, the programme contributes to broader global sustainability objectives, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on inclusive economic growth, responsible production and climate action.

“I was young when my father joined Khulisa, but the forestry bug got me early in life as I would accompany him to work on the plots. The soil is a powerful natural resource and working in forestry has benefited our family in a huge way. The future looks bright for our family!” – Velemseni Mpangela, KwaMbonambi, Zululand South District.