State of Nurseries and Plantations (with Deputy Ministers)

Video The Portfolio Committee met to receive a briefing from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on the status of state nurseries and the transfer of state plantations to communities through Community Forestry Agreements (CFAs). The meeting focused largely on the sustainability of state nurseries, progress in revitalising forestry infrastructure, and concerns regarding the long-term viability of plantations transferred to communities. In her opening remarks, the Chairperson explained that the Committee wanted clarity on how funding allocated to the forestry sector was being used to refurbish nurseries, increase seedling production, revitalise plantations, and support economic development in communities benefiting from plantation transfers. She noted that earlier plantation restructuring models had not delivered sufficient benefits to communities. She stressed the importance of ensuring that current transfer models created sustainable opportunities for small businesses and rural communities. The Committee heard from Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts that the department currently operates seven state nurseries across the country in support of the National Greening Programme. Members were informed that nursery production had increased from 289 167 plants in 2023/24 to 384 291 plants in 2025/26, with the department targeting production of 450 000 trees annually. The Deputy Minister attributed the increase to refurbishment projects, improved seed collection, strengthened security measures, and the implementation of nursery policies and standard operating procedures. She also highlighted that the department had introduced a new management structure and expanded the use of Expanded Public Works Programme workers to improve productivity. During the presentation, the Committee heard that the seven nurseries collectively had the potential to produce approximately 880 000 plants annually, although staffing shortages and ageing infrastructure continued to limit productivity. Members were informed that only 36 permanent posts were filled against an approved structure of 56 positions, leaving 20 vacancies across the nurseries. The department explained that vacancies were being filled incrementally due to financial constraints, with management positions receiving priority. Members raised several concerns regarding the low production levels at some nurseries, especially considering their available production capacity. Questions were also raised about the commercial viability of state nurseries compared to sourcing trees from the private sector, the slow pace of recruitment, and the absence of consequence management for underperforming nurseries. The Committee further questioned whether internal audits had uncovered procurement irregularities or corruption. In response, the department acknowledged weaknesses identified during internal audits, including the absence of standardised operational procedures, inadequate segregation of duties, weak supervision, and insufficient infrastructure safeguards. Officials informed the Committee that corrective measures had since been implemented through peer-review mechanisms, regular inspections, improved operational controls, and standardised procedures across all nurseries. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the transfer of plantations to communities through CFAs. Members questioned whether the current model was financially sustainable and expressed concern that communities remained heavily dependent on state support years after transfers had taken place. Questions were also raised about the role of private-sector strategic partners and whether the department was effectively outsourcing or privatising its responsibilities. The Committee heard that 39 CFAs had been concluded and that the department had achieved its target for 2025. However, officials conceded that none of the transferred plantations was currently operating successfully on a self-sustaining basis. The department explained that it was in the process of identifying strategic partners from industry to support communities with technical expertise, investment, and operational management. Officials stressed that this approach should not be viewed as privatisation, but rather as part of the Forestry Masterplan’s broader transformation agenda aimed at improving productivity and strengthening community participation in the forestry sector. Members also questioned the department on climate resilience, water infrastructure, fire prevention measures, and species selection within nurseries. The department informed the Committee that indigenous and climate-resilient species were being prioritised through partnerships with the Agricultural Research Council and the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Officials added that firebreaks, improved irrigation systems, and cooperation with fire protection associations formed part of broader efforts to protect plantations and improve long-term sustainability. In her closing remarks, the Chairperson reiterated the Committee’s concerns regarding financial constraints, low productivity at certain nurseries, and the sustainability of transferred plantations, stressing the need for measurable improvements in both nursery operations and community forestry programmes.