Volume 4 Issue 2 | September 2024

In this issue: Ensure You Receive the Right Information at All Times UN Sustainable Development Goals Alien Plant Clearing Understanding Effective Soil Management Electricity at Agri Worker Accommodation Employees and Valid Work Permits Asbestos on the farm How do auditors allocate risk ratings? Frequently Asked Questions

Foreword

The recent annual SIZA auditor’s training brought together key voices from the auditing industry, buyer networks, and agricultural sectors, highlighting auditors’ vital role in driving compliance and improvement within the value chain. Attendees benefited from insights shared by experts such as NSF’s Audit Director for Africa and Europe, who emphasised the importance of auditors maintaining their well-being to deliver the highest quality audits.

In addition to discussions on social standards, the training also delved into technical topics. LEAF Marque from the UK provided valuable perspectives on how market programmes are structured to foster a results-driven approach. A collaborative session on evaluation bonus systems in agriculture reinforced the need for compliance with South Africa’s wage regulations. At the same time, legal experts offered guidance on monitoring working hours and the legal framework surrounding them. Health and safety specialists underscored the importance of asbestos management and effective safety protocols on farms and packhouses.

Environmental auditors participated in a full day dedicated to soil management, alien invasive species control, and compliance with environmental standards. The training fostered productive engagement between auditors and industry experts, emphasising the importance of environmental sustainability for the agricultural sector.

This year’s training was an invaluable opportunity for auditors to calibrate their approaches and ensure alignment with market and legislative requirements, further reinforcing SIZA’s commitment to continuous improvement in social and environmental standards.

This newsletter addresses focus areas and questions asked during the training.
 

Ensure You Receive the Right Information at All Times

It’s crucial to ensure your contact information on the SIZA platform is accurate and current to keep you fully informed and updated on important developments. Here are some guidelines to help you maintain your SIZA Subscription:The primary contact should be a key decision-maker within your company.The secondary contact could be your business’s compliance officer or the person responsible for your compliance.Avoid using general email addresses (e.g., “office@…“, “admin@…“, or “info@…“), as they may be flagged by our digital platform and miss important updates. Read more about who the right person to list as your primary contact is here.

South Africa’s Agriculture Sector and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

South Africa’s agricultural sector is at the heart of the country’s efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of global objectives established in 2015 to promote prosperity and sustainability by 2030. However, with growing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and land degradation, meeting these goals will require more than just policy reforms…  Read more >

Essential Methods, Training, and Planning for Effective Management of Alien Plant Clearing

Invasive Alien Plant (IAP) species can result in the overuse of local water resources, indigenous biodiversity loss, reduced ecosystem services, and lower land values due to infestation. It is a legal requirement for all landowners to manage, and it can be daunting.   Read more >

Understanding Effective Soil Management

Effective soil management is essential for boosting farming productivity, supporting crop health, enhancing water retention, and maintaining ecosystem balance. Preparation for a SIZA Environmental Standard audit requires thorough documentation and practice records. Read more to find out what, in addition to policies and plans, a farm should have in place.

Electricity at Agri Worker Housing or Accommodation

When infrastructure allows, employers should provide electricity at agri-worker accommodation where housing deductions are made. For more details on electricity deductions, read the full article here.

Legal Right to Work—Employees and Valid Work Permits

The legal right to work needs to be clarified for producers and auditors, particularly when employing foreign nationals. Businesses must comply with legal requirements when employing young workers and ensure proper working conditions are met as specified by law.  For further information on the employment of foreign nationals or refugees, please read more.

Asbestos on the farm – what must be done?

South Africa has several laws regarding asbestos, specifically on managing it when it is present on a site. The regulations give employers a clear duty to identify asbestos in place and manage it properly. This duty is also extended to employees to take care of their health and safety and also look after others who may be affected. Read more >

How do auditors allocate risk ratings?

During a SIZA audit, when a SIZA auditor makes a finding, the auditor must allocate a risk rating to each finding. The risk rating of the finding will be based on the root cause of the problem and certain risk factors observed on the day. If you want to find out more about how auditors determine their risk rating, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click here to view our frequently asked questions to find out more about worker accommodation, buyer’s visibility on your audit results and how your business is protected through triangulation during audits.