About SAUPA

South African Utility Pole Association (SAUPA)

The South African Utility Pole Association (SAUPA) is a united body of certified eucalyptus utility pole treating plants and key industry stakeholders committed to excellence in pole production, treatment, and international promotion.

Founded to represent SANS mark holders, SAUPA serves as a central voice for the South African eucalyptus pole industry—working collaboratively to raise quality standards, support sustainable forestry, and advance global market opportunities.

Our Mission

To promote the South African Utility pole for the local and export market.

To continuously consult with all stakeholders of utility poles in order to provide a reliable cost effective utility pole.

To help develop the South African specification to be in line with all international specifications.

To continuously carry out research on South African eucalyptus poles in order to provide all stake holder with up to date information on eucalyptus utility poles.

To assist marketing personal in the interpretation of different international specifications and the adaption of the SANS 754 specification.

What We Do

Promote

Promote the use of South African eucalyptus poles treated with creosote and CCA, both locally and for export.

Collaborate

Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure reliable, cost-effective products tailored to infrastructure needs.

Align

Align specifications (such as SANS) with international standards, helping local producers compete globally.

Conduct

Conduct research to provide the latest data on pole durability, performance, and treatment effectiveness.

Our Vision

Liaise with the government organizations to ensure that all members comply with the legislative requirements. Liaise with treating plants any changes to any laws, acts and regulations.

Organizing of events, fact-finding missions, forums and meetings relevant to the promotion and marketing of eucalyptus utility poles both local and export.

Initiate, manage and conduct research and development in order to promote eucalyptus utility poles.

Promoting a positive attitude and perception towards eucalyptus utility poles.

Facilitating training opportunities, which will include industry training across public and private stakeholders to ensure full understanding of the eucalyptus utility pole.

Direct local and export market requirements to the various stakeholders.

Liaise with chemical suppliers to ensure that chemical used enhance longevity of treated utility poles.

To promote and ensure equal quality throughout all treating plants, chemical suppliers and inspection authorities

Who We Represent

SAUPA membership includes:

Pole treating plants certified to SANS
Exporters and manufacturers
Utility providers and infrastructure developers
Technical experts and industry consultants

We act as a bridge between producers, regulators, and end users, ensuring transparency, quality, and innovation across the value chain.