In 2018, while serving as the head of Idube Forestry Services, our founder, Dwayne Marx, recognised a powerful opportunity to enhance the forestry industry with an emerging technology: drones. What began as a vision to improve safety, efficiency, and data quality quickly evolved into a long, complex journey toward obtaining a dedicated Remote Operator Certificate (now known as a UASOC).

After three years of development, regulatory engagement and operational groundwork, Forestry Drones was officially awarded its own ROC in March 2021, under the holding company Idube Forestry 2 cc. By then, drone technology had advanced so rapidly that it was clear its value extended far beyond forestry. Forestry Drones began expanding its focus to include applications in renewable energy, such as wind turbine and solar farm inspections as well as pioneering a new concept in South Africa: drone‑based crop spraying.

Since then, Forestry Drones has grown to serve multiple sectors and industries across Sub‑Saharan Africa. Today, we continue to innovate, operate responsibly and partner with clients as a trusted contributor to the South African drone industry.