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Sakha Ubuntu Soccer & Netball Tournament Celebrates Youth, Community and Ubuntu

July 18, 2026

18–19 July 2026 | Iswepe

Youth. Community. Ubuntu. Together, we grow stronger.

The Sakha Ubuntu Soccer & Netball Tournament, held on 18 and 19 July 2026, was an outstanding celebration of youth, sport and community spirit.

Hosted through a partnership between Eucaforest (Pty) Ltd, Mondi, NTE and Uzwelo, the tournament brought together young players, coaches, families, supporters and community members from villages surrounding Panbult and adjacent areas.

The first day of the tournament took place on Mandela Day, 18 July, providing a meaningful opportunity to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy of compassion, service and upliftment. By supporting young people and creating opportunities for them to participate in organised sport, the tournament reflected Madiba’s belief in the power of communities working together to create positive change.

Throughout the weekend, the soccer and netball teams demonstrated exceptional talent, determination and teamwork. The enthusiastic support from spectators created an energetic and welcoming atmosphere, with every match highlighting the values of sportsmanship, mutual respect and Ubuntu.

The tournament attracted excellent attendance from communities in the surrounding areas. Beyond the excitement of the competition, it a safe and enjoyable setting for healthy competition by the young people participating.

It was inspiring to see so many people come together under the shared belief of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” The event demonstrated what can be achieved when businesses, organisations and communities unite behind a common purpose.

Tournament Results

Soccer

1st Place: Iswepe Soccer Team
2nd Place: Bushmansbend Soccer Team

Netball

1st Place: Bushmansbend Netball Team
2nd Place: Springvalley Netball Team

Eucaforest and its partners extend their sincere appreciation to every player, coach, referee, volunteer, sponsor and spectator whose contribution made the tournament such a memorable success.

The overwhelming participation, positive energy and strong community support have created an excellent foundation for the Sakha Ubuntu Soccer & Netball Tournament to grow into an even bigger and more impactful event in the years ahead.

Together, we honour Madiba’s legacy. Together, we support our youth. Together, through Ubuntu, we grow stronger.

Eucaforest Welcomes the Regional Leadership of Contralesa to Panbult Farm

March 6, 2026

On Friday, 6 March, Eucaforest had the honour of hosting the Regional Leadership of Contralesa for their Annual Induction Meeting at the Panbult Farm—an inspiring day of connection, collaboration, and shared vision.

The gathering began with tea on the lawn at the Eucaforest offices, where guests enjoyed a welcome break under clear skies—a welcome contrast to the recent rains in the area. From there, the group travelled to the new Guest Housing Plot, where the formal induction and leadership discussions took place, followed by a delicious lunch prepared by the Eucaforest team.

Eucaforest owner, Catherine Crowley, warmly welcomed Inkosi Sisitwayo Dlamini II, alongside a distinguished delegation of leaders. Among those addressing the meeting was Mr V.W. Ngema, Regional Coordinator of Contralesa, who spoke on key priorities and regional collaboration.

The event was further honoured by the presence of Ndabezitha Siphosezwe Mahlangu (Nyamayengwe), Provincial Chairperson of Contralesa and Member of the Legislature in Mpumalanga, as well as Ndunankulu Falendoda Charles Malinga, Treasurer General of Contralesa. Traditional leadership was also represented by Prince Mahlangu of the Mahlangu Traditional Council (Bethal) and Induna Umlilo of the Esadleni Traditional Council.

Discussions throughout the day focused on shared priorities, including job creation, strengthening food security in rural communities through the development of agri-entrepreneurs, and expanding village vegetable gardens using innovative approaches.

The day concluded with an engaging session exploring Eucaforest’s essential oil hydrosols, where guests sampled products and shared insights on their potential medicinal benefits.

This meaningful gathering laid the foundation for future collaboration and reinforced a shared commitment to sustainable rural development and community upliftment.

A New Year of Growth and Impact: Eucaforest in 2026

January 14, 2026

2026 … we embrace you and warmly welcome you into our midst!  Since returning back to South Africa from the Christmas holidays abroad  – I have said to a couple of people I know well:  I believe the message for this year is “Hang on for the Ride”!  This year is already demonstrating that it will be fast, extremely productive, heartwarming (new projects that benefit villagers) and very exciting. 
 
Eucaforest over the last 18 months has expanded significantly in the areas I always hoped we would.  New projects cover areas of silviculture, increased production efficiencies and our highly valued impact work.  The company has changed.  The areas that reflect this most include:
 

  • Internal Staff Development:  I get to watch people absolutely flourish before my eyes.  Over the years, we have developed our own approach & systems for development of staff at different levels.  We know that this work has to be well planned out in advance, it always has to be interactive, and that we are consistently learning even better ways to do this!  
  • Unity of how we work as a Company:  we are an amazing melting pot of Skills – Experience – Culture – Personalities.  When we combine these all together – something very special is produced. There are occasions it feels magical.
  • How we plan & launch new projects, including impact projects: a team of people come together, normally from different divisions of the company. to imagine each of the steps that will happen to launch the project.  There will be great collaboration, and the results reflect the synergy and passion of those working on the team!  It almost always feels miraculous. It’s especially exciting to see how our upliftment projects are increasingly impactful on peoples’ lives.
     
    For 2026 – I want us as Eucaforest to keep telling our story on larger platforms and helping each other flourish and grow along the way.  The ongoing growth of the company and our expanding impact projects – will be a natural result of how we work together.
    2026 … we embrace you and warmly welcome you into our midst!  Since returning back to South Africa from the Christmas holidays abroad  – I have said to a couple of people I know well:  I believe the message for this year is “Hang on for the Ride”!  This year is already demonstrating that it will be fast, extremely productive, heartwarming (new projects that benefit villagers) and very exciting. 
     
    Eucaforest over the last 18 months has expanded significantly in the areas I always hoped we would.  New projects cover areas of silviculture, increased production efficiencies and our highly valued impact work.  The company has changed.  The areas that reflect this most include:
     
  • Internal Staff Development:  I get to watch people absolutely flourish before my eyes.  Over the years, we have developed our own approach & systems for development of staff at different levels.  We know that this work has to be well planned out in advance, it always has to be interactive, and that we are consistently learning even better ways to do this!  
  • Unity of how we work as a Company:  we are an amazing melting pot of Skills – Experience – Culture – Personalities.  When we combine these all together – something very special is produced. There are occasions it feels magical.
  • How we plan & launch new projects, including impact projects: a team of people come together, normally from different divisions of the company. to imagine each of the steps that will happen to launch the project.  There will be great collaboration, and the results reflect the synergy and passion of those working on the team!  It almost always feels miraculous. It’s especially exciting to see how our upliftment projects are increasingly impactful on peoples’ lives.
     
    For 2026 – I want us as Eucaforest to keep telling our story on larger platforms and helping each other flourish and grow along the way.  The ongoing growth of the company and our expanding impact projects – will be a natural result of how we work together.

SISONKE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE GRADUATION CELEBRATION

November 14, 2025

On 14 November 2025, the Sisonke Early Learning Centre hosted its annual Graduation Ceremony, celebrating an important milestone in the lives of 17 young learners.

The event was vibrant and heartwarming, filled with proud and joyful moments as the children, dressed in their miniature caps and gowns, received their certificates. This special occasion marked their transition to the next stage of their educational journey.

The ceremony was a true reflection of the dedication and commitment shown throughout the year by the teachers, learners, and their families. It highlighted the importance of early childhood development and the strong support system that surrounds each child.

Eucaforest is proud to be part of initiatives that celebrate education and community growth, and we congratulate all the graduates as they take this exciting next step forward.

EUCAFOREST ANNUAL FUN RUN FOR UNITY: BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

October 11, 2025

In October 2025, Eucaforest proudly hosted its Annual Fun Run for Unity at Panbult, creating a vibrant and inclusive space for employees, families, and members of surrounding communities to come together in the spirit of health, wellness, and connection.

Held on 11 October 2025, the event welcomed participants of all ages, from enthusiastic young runners to community members enjoying a relaxed walk through the scenic forestry landscape. The route, carefully mapped out across the Panbult forestry area, provided a safe and refreshing environment that highlighted the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The day was marked by energy, positivity, and a strong sense of togetherness. Participants demonstrated great sportsmanship and enthusiasm, embodying the values of unity and mutual support that are central to Eucaforest’s community initiatives.

To support the well-being of everyone involved, water stations were strategically placed along the route, ensuring that participants remained hydrated and comfortable throughout the event. This attention to safety and care reflects Eucaforest’s ongoing commitment to hosting responsible and inclusive community engagements.

We were also proud to partner with Uzwelo Homes, who contributed to the success of the day by providing fruit packages for participants. This thoughtful addition reinforced the focus on health and nutrition, complementing the physical activity of the run.

The Annual Fun Run for Unity forms part of Eucaforest’s broader commitment to positive social development in the region. By creating opportunities for community participation and promoting active lifestyles, we aim to strengthen relationships and contribute to a healthier, more connected society.

The success of this event is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose. We extend our gratitude to everyone who took part and helped make the day memorable. Eucaforest looks forward to continuing initiatives like this that bring people together and make a lasting impact in our communities.

EUCAFOREST HOSTS THE GO-GROUP FOUNDATION TRUST

August 8, 2025

Eucaforest had the privilege of hosting The Go-Group Foundation Trust on 8 August 2025, welcoming a group of 26 learners for an engaging and hands-on educational experience.

The visit focused on practical learning, with learners getting their “hands dirty” as they were introduced to seed-to-seedling methods. This interactive session provided valuable insight into the early stages of plant growth and the importance of sustainable practices.

As part of the experience, the group was also given a sneak peek into Eucaforest’s vermicomposting project, showcasing innovative and environmentally responsible approaches to soil health and waste management.

The visit formed part of Eucaforest’s ongoing commitment to education, sustainability, and community development—creating opportunities for young learners to connect with nature and gain meaningful, real-world knowledge.