On KZN’s north coast, the Sappi Tugela and Stanger mills play a central role in daily life. At Tugela in Mandeni, fluting and linerboard essential for citrus packaging are produced. In KwaDukuza, Stanger Mill manufactures household tissue and Typek office paper, using not only wood fibre, but also bagasse — a sugarcane residue that illustrates circular innovation in action.

These maintenance shuts are carefully planned windows for technical upgrades and community impact. This year, nearly 370 general and semi-skilled workers were sourced through local Integrated Community Forums (ICFs), reinforcing employment and inclusivity.

“We used this window not only to enhance operations, but to extend real value to our surrounding communities,” said Mthokozisi Jali, General Manager at Stanger Mill.

Enterprise support stood alongside employment creation. Through the Enterprise and Supplier Development programme, Sappi invested over R4.2-million in local SMEs.

One standout was Bonito Cleaning, a woman-led company in Mandeni. Founder Nomvelo Ngidi grew her team to 44 permanent staff and added 110 jobseekers during shutdown — 45% of them women.

“Sappi’s mentorship helped us grow dramatically,” she shared.

Isizwe Samalanga in KwaDukuza also employed 50 people, including 10 women.

Owner Mziwakhe Dlamini described the experience as a clear gesture of giving back.

“Shutdowns are about more than machinery,” added Tugela Mill General Manager Philani Gumede. “They’re about enabling progress for people and communities.”

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Asibambisane—let’s build together.