Vuthisa Technologies cc was founded in 2005 to promote the use of energy efficient charcoal burning stoves in areas where other sources of fuel are too expensive or not readily available. South Africa is not a user of charcoal for domestic cooking, but ironically is in the best position to convert exotic invading timber species such as Acacia mearnsii or Black Wattle as well as commercial plantation waste into charcoal. More than 250 million people cook with charcoal around the world, but in Africa especially ruthless operators are destroying their natural and protected habitats in order to supply families with charcoal for their domestic cooking. Partnerships are being actively seeked to start a pilot project in South Africa.