A GLOBAL leader in sustainable packaging and paper, Mondi, has announced the historic transfer of ownership of the Ihluku timber farm to Imsebe Enterprises. The transaction was achieved through Mondi Zimele, its enterprise and supplier development company, in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and other key stakeholders. The handover took place on 14 August 2025 near Harding, KwaZulu-Natal.
Inclusion in the forestry sector
Thomas Mthethwa, director of Imsebe Enterprises, becomes one of South Africa’s first black commercial timber farmers, marking an inclusion milestone in the forestry sector. “This is a dream come true. It is an honour to be entrusted with this responsibility and to pave the way for other black farmers in the sector,” said Mthethwa.
According to Mondi, under the leadership of Mthethwa and his business partner Matt Stegen, Imsebe Enterprises brings proven expertise in forestry management, silviculture and community development. The company’s mission is to manage sustainable, environmentally responsible plantations that create jobs, build skills and supply quality fibre to the market at competitive prices.
With structured support from Mondi Zimele and IDC, Imsebe Enterprises is set to become a leading, black-owned and managed timber grower and a model for transformation in the forestry sector, Mondi said.
Empowering inclusive growth
“The handover is a powerful example when ambition meets opportunity, representing the convergence of Mondi’s decision to sell the farm with Imsebe’s determination to enter the commercial forestry sector. This alignment, supported by Mondi and government partners, reflects Mondi’s vision of excellence –where innovation, sustainability and inclusion go hand in hand,” saidThemba Vilane, managing director of Mondi South Africa Forests.
“We hope that the success of Imsebe will inspire similar initiatives across the country, fostering shared value and broad-based economic inclusion,” Vilane added.
The Ihluku plantation, covering more than 1,000 hectares, is strategically located near major timber markets. It will provide both permanent and contract employment opportunities, strengthening the local economy. Timber farming, also known as commercial forestry, is the cultivation and management of forests to sustainably produce timber for construction, packaging, pulp and paper and other products.
“This partnership demonstrates that economic transformation and inclusive growth, when executed with vision and collaboration, can deliver powerful outcomes,” said Nelly Ndlovu, CEO of Mondi Zimele. “Our ambition goes beyond leading the industry but also to contribute to a better South Africa, where enterprises like Imsebe can inspire, uplift, and create lasting impact,” Ndlovu added.
Imsebe Enterprises was selected following Mondi Zimele’s rigorous Project Transform Timber process, which included a public call for applications, submission of detailed business plans and independent panel presentations.
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) is a framework of laws and policies designed to drive economic transformation and inclusion in South Africa. One of its goals is to achieve a substantial change in the racial composition of ownership of enterprises operating in South Africa, hence reducing inequality and building a fairer economy and society. Mondi has a Level 1 BBBEE contributor status and has operations in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
