Arrikum, Joan Patricia2015-03-202015-03-202015-03-20http://hdl.handle.net/10539/17309Thesis (M.M. (Public Policy))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, School of Governance, 2014.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.enThesis