Industrial hemp processing · Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal

Turning KwaZulu-Natal hemp into natural fibre and hurd

Sisebenza nabalimi bakwaZulu-Natal.

KwaZulu Hemp (KZH) buys industrial hemp stalks from permitted growers and processes them into bast fibre, hurd and microfibre for building, animal bedding and manufacturing.

2027 season: our first large processing run starts in January 2027. We are taking grower and buyer enquiries now.
About KZH

A local market for KwaZulu-Natal hemp growers

Hemp is a farm crop with real industrial uses: its outer fibre and woody core go into building materials, bedding, textiles and composites. KZH gives growers in KwaZulu-Natal a buyer for their stalks and turns them into products that local and export customers can use.

We are committed to empowering previously disadvantaged communities through hemp processing, creating rural income and jobs around Empangeni and the King Cetshwayo District.

SustainabilityCommunity empowermentInnovationIntegrityQualityCollaboration

Our mission

To empower previously disadvantaged communities through hemp processing, giving local growers a reliable market and fair, quality-based prices.

Our vision

A thriving hemp economy in South Africa, with KwaZulu-Natal leading in fibre and hurd processing.

We buy stalks

We purchase industrial hemp stalks from growers who hold a valid Department of Agriculture hemp permit.

We process

Decortication separates each stalk into bast fibre and hurd, then we clean, grade and pack it.

We check quality

Farm inspections and genetics checks before harvest, and graded quality on every lot we sell.

We support growers

Help with hemp permit applications, harvest timing, baling and storage, in isiZulu or English.

Products

Graded hemp fibre, hurd and microfibre

Every product is graded against a written specification. Bulk products are packed in 1 m³ bulk bags (about 100 kg); microfibre in 20 kg bags.

SP002A-Grade

Raw hemp fibre

  • Impurities< 1%
  • Length50–100 mm
  • Fineness< 5 denier
  • Tensile strength500–900 MPa
  • Moisture10–12%
  • ColourLight cream to golden

Typical uses: For technical textiles, composites and premium non-wovens.

SP003B-Grade

Raw hemp fibre

  • Impurities3–5%
  • Length30–80 mm
  • Fineness5–10 denier
  • Tensile strength300–600 MPa
  • Moisture10–15%
  • ColourLight cream to golden

Typical uses: For insulation, non-wovens and fibre-reinforced products.

SP004C-Grade

Raw hemp fibre

  • Impurities5–15%
  • Length10–50 mm
  • Fineness10+ denier
  • Tensile strength< 300 MPa
  • Moisture12–18%
  • ColourDark yellow, brown or grey

Typical uses: For pulp, paper, mulch mats and filler applications.

SP005A-Grade

Hemp hurd

  • Purity≥ 95% hurd
  • Particle size2–25 mm
  • Density100–160 kg/m³
  • Dust & fines≤ 5%
  • Moisture10–14%
  • ColourLight beige to golden brown

Typical uses: For hempcrete and building blocks, premium bedding.

SP006B-Grade

Hemp hurd

  • Purity85–95% hurd
  • Particle size2–30 mm
  • Density90–150 kg/m³
  • Dust & fines5–10%
  • Moisture12–18%
  • ColourBeige to light brown

Typical uses: For animal bedding, garden mulch and fibreboard.

SP007C-Grade

Hemp hurd

  • Purity70–85% hurd
  • Particle size2–40 mm
  • Density80–140 kg/m³
  • Dust & fines10–20%
  • Moisture15–22%
  • ColourDark beige to brown

Typical uses: For mulch, compost, biomass and absorbents.

SP001Unseparated

Crushed fibre and hurd

  • FormFibre and hurd mixed
  • Main useAnimal bedding
  • Packing1 m³ bulk bag, ~100 kg

Typical uses: Absorbent, low-dust bedding for horses, poultry and small animals.

SP008Microfibre

Hemp microfibre particles (MFP)

  • Purity≥ 95% microfibre
  • Particle size10–500 µm
  • Density250–500 kg/m³
  • Moisture≤ 8%
  • Aspect ratio10:1 to 50:1
  • Packing20 kg bags

Typical uses: For bioplastics, coatings and composite fillers.

Buyers

Request a quote

Tell us the product, grade, volume and delivery point. We will reply with pricing and availability for the 2027 season.

Email admin@kwazuluhemp.com

Specifications are KZH's target grades. Each delivery is tested and supplied with its own grading results.

For growers · Abalimi

Grow hemp for KZH

KZH gives permitted growers a buyer for their hemp stalks. No permit yet? We can help you prepare your application to the Department of Agriculture.

Get a permit

You need a valid hemp permit from the Department of Agriculture. We help with the paperwork.

Register with us

Send us your name, farm location, hectares and permit details by WhatsApp or email.

Farm inspection

Our quality team visits, checks the seed variety and confirms your site matches your permit.

Sign an offtake

We agree volumes, grades and prices in a written offtake agreement before harvest.

Harvest & deliver

Cut, dry and bale your stalks, then deliver. You are paid by grade.

Ready to grow with KZH?

WhatsApp or call us. Siyasikhuluma isiZulu.

Leadership

Management and Board

KZH is run by an executive director and overseen by a board guided by the King V Code on Corporate Governance.

Management
Mvunge Zulu

Mvunge Zulu

Founder & Executive Director

Leads KZH's strategy, finance and operations. Holds a BCom in Finance, Economics and Supply Chain Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Banking and Investment Management from UKZN, and previously worked in Standard Bank's Wealth and Investment division.

Board
Mpumzi Swana

Mpumzi Swana

Chairperson, Independent Non-Executive Director

Chemical engineer (BSc Hons, UKZN) with a manufacturing-focused MBA from GIBS. He is Head of Energy at Prop5 Corporation, where he leads its solar generation subsidiary Traverna Solar, and COO of SAMAC Engineering Solutions, which develops thermal energy storage products for buildings. He began his career as a process engineer at Toyota SA and holds several engineering patents. His ventures have won SAB Kickstart’s Most Innovative Business, Top 5 Youth Innovators in Africa (Africa Energy Indaba) and Standard Bank KZN Business of the Year 2024.

Bright Ntobeko Nzuza

Bright Ntobeko Nzuza

Company Secretary

Procurement and supply chain leader with over 10 years in strategic sourcing and category management. He is Global Procurement Category Manager at PepsiCo, following senior procurement roles at Diageo Africa, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and Tongaat Hulett. He holds an MCom in Management from UKZN.

Nontuthuko Adams

Nontuthuko Adams CA(SA)

Treasurer

Chartered Accountant and Financial Manager at Sanlam Group Risk, where she provides board-level financial reporting and supports risk governance in a regulated financial services group. She was previously a Financial Accountant at Alexander Forbes and an audit executive with Grant Thornton in South Africa and the United Kingdom. She holds a BCom in Accounting from UKZN and postgraduate diplomas in accounting from UNISA.

Contact

Talk to KZH

WhatsApp