• About
    • Managing SIZA
  • Why SIZA
    • Subscription Levels & Costs
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Standards
    • Reviewing Standards
    • Audit Process Methodology
  • Audit Process
    • Completing the SAQ
    • Choosing An Audit Firm
    • Audit Execution
    • Audit Frequency & Between Audit Monitoring
    • Audit Disputes Process
  • SIZATrack360
    • SIZATrack360 Resources
    • SIZATrack360 FAQs
    • Tracking Impact Data – M&E Reports
  • Training & Support
    • Upcoming Training
    • Resources
  • Grievances
  • SIZA Connect
    • Newsletters
    • Logo Usage
  • Contact
  • info@siza.co.za
  • Helpline: 086 111 1568
  • WhatsApp Line: 079 469 1753
  • MySIZA Platform
The Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA) The Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA) The Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA)
  • About
    • Managing SIZA
  • Why SIZA
    • Subscription Levels & Costs
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Standards
    • Reviewing Standards
    • Audit Process Methodology
  • Audit Process
    • Completing the SAQ
    • Choosing An Audit Firm
    • Audit Execution
    • Audit Frequency & Between Audit Monitoring
    • Audit Disputes Process
  • SIZATrack360
    • SIZATrack360 Resources
    • SIZATrack360 FAQs
    • Tracking Impact Data – M&E Reports
  • Training & Support
    • Upcoming Training
    • Resources
  • Grievances
  • SIZA Connect
    • Newsletters
    • Logo Usage
  • Contact

Are the SIZA Standards higher than or solely based on South African legislation?

  • Home
  • SIZA Connect Newsletter
  • Are the SIZA Standards higher than or solely based on South African legislation?

Both the SIZA Social and Environmental Standards were developed in line with local legislation, however seeing that the SIZA primary members (South African suppliers) do business across country borders, the standards are measured against global requirements such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) principles, European Union Green Deal, etc.

Although the minimum requirements for each code requirement remain based on South African legislation, it remains a control point and measure to determine risk within the business. In many cases, legislation only provides for the minimum interpretation. Yet, businesses operate in vastly different ways from one another, which results in the practicality of a specific legal rule not necessarily being applicable in the same way. Auditors are therefore trained to evaluate using a risk-based approach in all practices, as each practice and minimum legal requirement must be implemented.

For example, there are clear legal requirements on what should be included in an employment contract and that employees should receive a copy of their contract. Even if a business meets this requirement, it does not necessarily mean the contracts are updated between audit periods when changes occur, or that every employee understands the content of their contract. This results in a risk factor that must be reported during the audit if the business does not have any records to prove that it has mitigated the risk to the best of its ability.

It is also important to remember that sometimes legal interpretations differ or depend on specific business practices or reality. It is not always the same for businesses in different provinces or with particular business practices. Auditors are calibrated regularly through internal calibration training and regulatory body examinations on competency, set by the firm they audit for, APSCA, and SIZA every year. These examinations ensure that auditors understand the practicalities of agriculture in South Africa and how to interpret specific legal regulations. Although the SIZA Standards have not been changed significantly over the last ten years since audits were implemented, we are proud to say that the recognised auditors who audit on our behalf are much more knowledgeable and competent after years of training and calibration.

SIZA audits are not intended to be a harsh and unfair process; producers and auditors should use the process to understand their risks and drive improvement within the confines of the methodology. Auditors cannot act unethically and must report on all practices on the day of the audit. Producers can use any finding raised as an opportunity to review their practices and improve on them going forward. The audit is a way of evaluating possible risks in the business and, therefore, a valuable tool for a business to understand the risks better. The aim of the SIZA programme is to drive continuous improvement by showing the producers which risks are in a business, after which the expectation is that these areas of risk must be corrected before an Audit Completion Letter can be issued.

If you would like to access the applicable SIZA Standards, feel free to view them here:

  • SIZA Environmental Standard: https://siza.co.za/wp-content/uploads/SIZA-Enviro-Standard-V1.2_Apr-2020.pdf
  • SIZA Social Standard: https://siza.co.za/wp-content/uploads/SIZA_Social_Standard_February_2020_V6.0.pdf
Tags: Code requirements, Legislation, Standard requirements

How to manage and implement a compressed working week
Previous Post

How to manage and implement a compressed working week

SIZA Accommodation Requirements
Next Post

SIZA Accommodation Requirements

Related Posts

SIZA Connect Newsletter June 20, 2025

Arranging a SIZA Social or Environmental Audit: Who to Contact and How to Choose

SIZA Connect Newsletter June 20, 2025

Understanding Risk Allocation in Audits: What It Means and How It Works

SIZA Connect Newsletter June 20, 2025

Don’t Miss Out: Why Staying Connected with SIZA Matters

Company

  • About Us
  • Why SIZA
  • Grievances
  • Newsletters
Logo
Navigating sustainability and compliance within South Africa's dynamic agricultural sector.

Contact Information

10 Niblick Way,
Section 5, The Beachhead,
Somerset West 7130 | South Africa
+27(0) 21 852 8184
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Logo Usage
  • MySIZA Platform