Blog Masonry

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. The Asbestos Abatement Regulations, as promulgated in November 2020, set out the requirements for the disposal of asbestos under Section 21.

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.

Compliance is no longer just about meeting legal requirements; it’s a foundation for identifying risks and ensuring sustainability in the modern supply chain. As consumers and retailers demand greater transparency and ethical practices, compliance has become an essential tool for building trust and managing risks. Learn how SIZA and South African agriculture are aligning with global standards to balance effective compliance with continuous improvement.

SIZA’s Audit Oversight Programme goes beyond checking boxes, offering a comprehensive system to support producers in continuous improvement. From monitoring non-conformances to reviewing audit quality and providing hands-on assistance, this programme helps suppliers improve operations while maintaining global compliance standards. Discover how SIZA is fostering sustainability through collaboration and proactive solutions.

Navigating compliance and sustainability tools can be confusing, but knowing their purpose is vital. While SIZA focuses on ethical and environmental compliance verified through audits, Sherpa serves as a strategic tool for tracking and improving sustainability. By leveraging both, producers can meet compliance demands and enhance long-term sustainability. Explore their key differences and how they complement each other.

The SIZA Remedy Programme is designed to help producers address non-conformances and improve their compliance efforts with expert guidance. By connecting suppliers to approved professionals, the programme fosters tailored solutions that meet SIZA standards. Learn how the Remedy Programme promotes continuous improvement and operational excellence in South Africa’s agricultural sector.

South Africa’s upcoming G20 leadership in 2025 will focus on promoting environmentally friendly farming through the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land (PDAL) Act. At the World Economic Forum 2025, Agricultural Minister John Steenhuisen announced that the PDAL Bill had been finalised and was awaiting President Ramaphosa’s approval. The Bill was passed on January 29th, 2025, and applies to all agricultural land in South Africa.

Establishing environmental standards that align with South African laws is essential in the pursuit of sustainable farming practices. One notable practice that has garnered significant attention is cover cropping. This traditional agricultural technique has been utilised for centuries, originating from ancient farming methods where farmers planted specific crops during the off-season to protect and enrich the soil. Cover cropping was employed to prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and maintain the health of the land between main crop cycles.

In line with legislation and environmental best practice, it’s crucial to prevent chemicals from entering non-target areas of a farm to protect the environment, public health, and biodiversity. Harmful chemicals can contaminate soil, water, and air, impacting crops and nearby ecosystems, and the effects are compounded when these chemicals enter non-target areas. Prevention is better than cure, and measures to prevent harmful chemicals from entering non-target areas will ensure continued sustainable farming practices.