Founded in Johannesburg 1984, Highveld Thatchers continues to grow and expand. Following the launch of a new branch in the Western Cape, the name changed to Highveld Cape Thatchers.
What started as a small home-run business has now grown into one of the largest thatching companies in South Africa, with a multi-million rand annual turnover. Under the competent management of a small team of professionals who rely on a highly experienced and skillful workforce, the company has a large stake in the development of the industry and expanding markets abroad.
Thatching projects - some quite spectacular in scale - have been successfully undertaken not only in the Western Cape but as far as the Northern Province and beyond borders - from Livingston, Zambia to West Palm Beach in Florida, USA.
Highveld Cape Thatchers has developed African thatching into a refined craft, constructing thatched roofs of exceptional quality for residential, commercial and hospitality properties across the Western Cape and beyond.
With more than two decades of experience in the industry, our team specialises in designing and building durable thatched roofs that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern structural standards. Every project is approached with attention to detail, ensuring the roof is both visually striking and built to last.
In addition to thatch roof construction, we supply a range of professional thatching materials to the industry locally and internationally. Our value-added services include treatment of thatching materials, fire-retardant treatment of thatch roofs, long-term roof maintenance and access to an insurance programme designed specifically for thatched properties.
We also partner with our affiliate company, That Pole Place, which supplies high-quality poles and structural materials used in a variety of thatching and timber construction projects.
The success of Highveld Cape Thatchers is built on the expertise of our craftsmen. Many of our carpenters and master thatchers have been part of the company for over 25 years, bringing decades of hands-on experience to every roof we construct.
Our approach to training is central to maintaining the high standards we are known for. Through a structured apprenticeship programme, new craftsmen are trained by experienced thatchers to ensure they develop the specialised skills required in the thatching industry.
Rather than hiring inexperienced labour, Highveld Cape Thatchers prioritises internal training to ensure every member of the team understands the precision and care required when building or maintaining a thatched roof. This commitment to training allows us to consistently deliver roofs that meet the company’s strict quality standards.
Our thatch roofing services extend to a wide range of property types, including:
We construct new thatched roofs using traditional roof trusses and carefully selected pole types, as well as modern roof construction systems that may include roof ceilings and insulation.
Each roof is designed to suit the structure of the building while preserving the natural character and aesthetic appeal that makes thatched roofing so distinctive.
Highveld Cape Thatchers provides a full range of thatch roofing services, including:
Our experienced team can manage projects from design through to completion, ensuring that every thatched roof is built with the craftsmanship and structural integrity required for long-term performance.
A professionally constructed thatched roof offers several advantages for property owners.
When installed and maintained by experienced thatchers, a thatched roof can remain durable and beautiful for decades.
Thatched roofs are admired for their natural beauty and insulation properties, but fire safety is one of the most common concerns for property owners. Modern fire-retardant treatments make thatch significantly safer by slowing the spread of flames and reducing the risk of ignition.
At Highveld Cape Thatchers, we offer professional fire-retardant treatment solutions that help homeowners and commercial properties improve safety while maintaining the traditional character of their thatched roofs.
These treatments are especially important for thatched homes, lodges, restaurants and guesthouses across the Western Cape, where building regulations and insurance requirements often require enhanced fire protection.
While properly installed thatch is durable and weather resistant, it remains a natural organic material. Fire-retardant treatment dramatically reduces the ability of flames to spread across the roof surface.
Benefits include:
Many insurance companies strongly recommend or require thatch roofs to be treated with certified fire-retardant solutions.
Highveld Cape Thatchers applies industry-approved fire-retardant treatments that penetrate deep into the thatch structure rather than simply coating the surface.
These treatments are designed to:
Because the treatment is absorbed into the material, it becomes part of the roof structure rather than sitting on top of it.
Some properties rely on sprinkler systems as a fire protection measure. While these systems can provide protection, they rely on water supply, electricity and mechanical components that must be maintained regularly.
Fire-retardant treatment provides a passive layer of protection that remains active within the roof itself. When combined with good roof maintenance and safe property practices, it offers a practical and reliable solution for reducing fire risk in thatched buildings.
Fire-retardant treatment can be applied in several situations:
Our team can assess the condition of your roof and recommend the most appropriate treatment solution.
Trusses are one of the most important structural and visual elements in a thatched roof building. In homes, lodges, and public spaces, exposed timber trusses create the distinctive interior character that makes thatched architecture so appealing.
At the same time, the strength and quality of the truss system play a critical role in supporting the weight and durability of the entire thatched roof structure.
Highveld Cape Thatchers designs and installs custom timber roof trusses that provide both structural stability and architectural beauty. Each truss is carefully built to complement the design of the building while ensuring the roof remains secure and long-lasting.
A properly designed truss system is essential for the long-term performance of any thatched roof. Our timber trusses are built using carefully selected structural timber poles, beams and fittings to create a strong and reliable framework.
These trusses support the full weight of the thatched roof while maintaining the correct roof pitch required for effective water runoff and long-term durability. A well-designed truss structure also distributes loads evenly across the building, helping the roof remain stable and secure even in harsh weather conditions.
By combining traditional building techniques with modern structural principles, Highveld Cape Thatchers ensures every roof structure is built for strength, stability and longevity.
Every building has its own architectural style, and the roof structure should complement that design. Highveld Cape Thatchers offers a variety of truss styles that can be tailored to suit each project.
Our timber truss options can be designed for:
From rustic lodge-style beams to more refined architectural trusses, we work closely with clients, architects, and builders to achieve the desired look and structural performance.
The longevity of a roof truss system depends heavily on the quality of the materials used. Highveld Cape Thatchers selects durable structural timber poles and beams suited for long-term roof construction. These materials are chosen not only for their strength but also for their natural aesthetic appeal, which enhances the interior character of thatched buildings.
We also work closely with our affiliate company, That Pole Place, which supplies high-quality poles and structural materials used throughout the thatching and timber construction industry.
In addition to truss construction, Highveld Cape Thatchers provides a complete range of structural roofing services to support thatch roof installations.
Our team can assist with:
By managing both the structural framework and the thatching process, we ensure every roof is built as a fully integrated system.
While many homeowners love the character of a traditional thatched roof, others eventually decide to replace it with a more modern roofing system. One of the most popular alternatives is a Chromadek roof, which offers durability, low maintenance and improved fire resistance.
Highveld Cape Thatchers now offers professional services for converting existing thatch roofs to Chromadek roofing systems.
This option is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and property managers looking for a long-term roofing solution that requires less ongoing maintenance.
There are several reasons why homeowners consider converting from thatch to Chromadek roofing.
Common reasons include:
For some properties, especially older homes or lodges, a roof conversion can be a practical long-term investment.
Chromadek is a high-quality colour-coated steel roofing material designed for durability and corrosion resistance. It is widely used across South Africa for residential, commercial and agricultural buildings.
Chromadek roofs offer several advantages:
When properly installed, a Chromadek roof can provide decades of reliable protection.
Converting a thatch roof to Chromadek requires careful planning and experienced workmanship. Our team manages the entire process from start to finish.
Typical steps include:
Our goal is to ensure the new roof integrates properly with the building structure while delivering long-term performance.
Not every thatch roof requires full replacement, but in some cases conversion may be the best option.
Factors we consider include:
Our team can assess your property and advise whether re-thatching or roof conversion is the best solution.
Highveld Cape Thatchers' clients include:
• Building Contractors
• Architects
• Private Game Reserves
• Other Companies
• Government Departments
• Private Owners
Alternatively contact us for more information.
We adhere strictly to minimum specifications for thatched roofs as per Sans 10407-2015 Edition 2 and “The Guide To Thatch Construction In South Africa 2016” Edition 1.
Materials most Often used:
Cca treated SA pine poles
Boron treated SA pine poles,
Cca treated gum poles (Eucalyptus)
Boron treated gum poles
Flambor treated gum poles (treated with a fire retardant)
Poplar poles
Winter cut Cape Reed (Thamnochortus lsgnis)
Hyparrhenia Hirta (Common Thatching Grass)
Hyperthelia Dissolutu (Yellow Thatching Grass)
Hyparrhenia Filipendula (Fine Thatching Grass)
Water Reed Phragmites Communis/Australis
Highveld Cape Thatchers are one of the founding members of the Thatchers Association of South Africa
(TASA) with both national and international members. TASA is highly recommended by the Council for
Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
Regarded as one of the top thatching companies in SA, our company was selected in 2001 as the best
subcontractor of two hotel projects for Sun International in Zambia.
Highveld Cape Thatchers has thatched for many iconic destinations in Southern Africa, such as the Lower
Sabie Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, UShaka Marine World and Sibaya Casino in Durban.
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ADDRESS P.O. Box 3992 Somerset West South Africa 7129 |
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TELEPHONE +27 (0)21 881 3812 |
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CELLPHONE +27 (0)82 559 2122 |
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