Blog Masonry

As SIZA is a multi-sector agricultural solution for South African suppliers, the MySIZA platform allows for a diverse subscription base and a detailed breakdown of commodities. Over the last 10 years, the following can be mentioned according to continuous improvement and growth.

South Africa is no different as the global expectation grows to ensure ethically and environmentally sustainable value chains. In line with the value-chain due diligence requirements, all processing facilities and packhouses must comply with the businesses for which they process or pack products. The expectation is that all facilities, no matter how big or small, must have a valid social and/or environmental audit to allow for transparency and credibility of the supply chain.

Suppliers can apply to SIZA for a bridging letter following a newly conducted audit, i.e. after the auditor’s onsite visit so that the risk of the site can be determined. This allows suppliers to continue supplying markets while they work on their corrective actions. The bridging letter serves as a temporary solution, ensuring operations can proceed smoothly while outstanding compliance measures are addressed during the peak seasonal period.

There has been some confusion regarding their classification under labour regulations, particularly in certain packhouses and processing facilities. The key question is whether a business falls under agricultural regulations, specifically Sectoral Determination 13 (SD13), or is governed solely by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). Understanding this distinction is crucial.

South African suppliers have demonstrated that commitment and active participation in the Stronger Together programme can substantially improve responsible recruitment practices and prevent forced and bonded labour. Since the programme’s implementation in 2017, the industry has seen a remarkable 75% decrease in related findings by the end of 2024. This highlights the programme’s positive and successful role in raising awareness and creating trust in working closely with SIZA within the broader value chain.

In the agricultural industry, many businesses own and operate several production units or operations as part of their company structure. During an audit, the audit team will include all these business sections as part of the legal entity managed under one management system. It is important to ensure that all of your audited PUCs/PHCs are included on your account and SAQs to ensure that visibility is correct for markets. Multisites must ensure that all the PUCs/PHCs for all their sites are included on the multisite account and in the audit.

On the day of a SIZA audit, the auditor will follow a structured approach in line with the SIZA Social Audit Process and Methodology and Environmental Audit Process and Methodology. This structured approach allows the auditors to triangulate information by evaluating the business’s management system overall. The structure will consist of:

One of the Principle Codes speaks to preventing and remedying child labour when conducting SIZA social audits. One of the most critical elements to verify is the age of workers, especially to ensure compliance with laws on child labour and young workers and to ensure that businesses do not knowingly or unknowingly employ employees who are not allowed to work. South Africa governs this by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and international standards such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. Businesses must implement effective systems to ensure they do not break the law. 

Transportation in South Africa is governed by various legislation and frameworks, including the National Road Traffic Act, Sectoral Determination 13, Occupational Health and Safety Act and more. When businesses employ Temporary Employment Services (TES) and transport is provided, one must look at some critical components in ensuring their safety, well-being, and compliance with labour standards. The SIZA Transport Guide, developed to provide clear guidance for employers and auditors, outlines the importance of safe transportation for all workers, particularly those employed under TES arrangements.