Newsletters

The Value of Combined Audits – Sustainable Auditing

In agriculture, auditing is key to evaluating an organisation’s compliance with environmental, social, and governance standards and identifying areas for improvement. Thanks to SIZA’s risk...

How Climate Change Impacts Agricultural Communities

South African agriculture remains an essential part of the country’s economy and the livelihoods of thousands of people. While the sector continues to feed millions...

Rethinking Waste Management in Rural South Africa

Effective waste management presents a valuable opportunity for agricultural producers to enhance sustainability directly on site. By recycling organic waste, such as orchard and vineyard...

FAQs – Environmental Compliance, Biodiversity, and Data Transparency in Agriculture

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: How can buyers verify the risk of a supplier’s status if they have a SIZA audit? A: The MySIZA platform...

Integrated Farm Management: When the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Integrated Farm Management (IFM) is a holistic approach to agriculture that boosts productivity, enhances environmental sustainability, and supports social wellbeing. By viewing the farm as...

Data-driven farming: Putting the “value” in the agricultural value chain.

Despite the promise of data, the Global and South African agricultural sectors face an industry-wide challenge of data fragmentation. At this industry scale, data value...

What do we need to know when it comes to auditing Soil Practices?

One of the main focuses of sustainability is to preserve key resources. Agriculture faces various challenges related to soil degradation through overplanting, overgrazing, clearing of...

When Remote areas propose challenges to Waste Management

Waste management in line with good practices and legislation is necessary and a crucial part of any business in agriculture because the irresponsible disposal and...

What are the Pest Control Operator regulations, and why are they important?

South African agriculture is undergoing significant regulatory changes concerning the use of agricultural remedies, particularly those classified as "restricted agricultural remedies". These changes underscore the...

The Importance of Environmental Stewardship

Environmental stewardship in agriculture involves incorporating good and best practices into the management systems that oversee agricultural activities. The need for these practices arises from...

Balancing Effective Communication and Employer-Employee Relations

Social audits are critical for ensuring compliance with ethical and labour standards in the workplace, particularly in sectors like agriculture, because of their high dependence...

When workers are housed between farms and ownership is unclear or disputed?

Auditors must adequately highlight the risks related to the business they are auditing and ensure management commitment to drive improvement, meet the Standard requirements and...

What is sufficient and compliant for worker breaks and meals when auditing farms?

Agriculture provides an abundance of circumstances, landscapes, and situations where employees work, live, and rest. This complexity can be a problem when considering a standardised...

Considerations and Best Practices for the transportation of workers

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...

How can one practically verify the age of workers physically present and working on-site?

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...

What will happen on the day of 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...

Why is it important to have the correct PUCs on your account and during an audit?

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...

SIZA Sees Significant Improvements after partnering with the Stronger Together Programme since 2017

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...

Does Our Business Fall Under Sectoral Determination 13 or Basic Conditions of Employment?

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...

Bridging Letters – What Is It, How, and When Can You Apply to SIZA?

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...

Should the businesses I pack for be audited?

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...

Monitoring & Evaluation

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...

The Why and How of Alternatives To French Drains/Soak-Away Systems

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...

The Power of Cover Cropping in South African Agriculture

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...

New Law to Promote Sustainable Farming in South Africa

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 SIZA Remedy Programme: Expert Support for Continuous Improvement

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,...

Understanding the Difference: SIZA vs Sherpa

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,...

The SIZA Audit Oversight Programme: Ensuring a Credible and Objective Compliance Programme

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...

Why is there such a strong drive towards Compliance?

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...

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...

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...

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. Before being employed by a South African...

Electricity at Agri Worker Housing or Accommodation

When infrastructure allows, employers should provide electricity at agri-worker accommodation where housing deductions are made. If 10% of the farm employee's wages are deducted for...

Understanding Effective Soil Management: Key Practices and Metrics for a Successful Audit.

Effective soil management is essential for boosting farming productivity, supporting crop health, enhancing water retention, and maintaining ecosystem balance. Within the SIZA Environmental Standard, soil...

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

Alien plant species are introduced, intentionally or unintentionally, to an area where they do not naturally occur. Once these species begin to spread and establish...

South Africa’s Agriculture Sector and the UN Sustainable Development Goals: The Important Role of Environmental Auditing

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...

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....

Unlock World-Class Visibility for Your Brand with SIZA’s Platform, Designed to Elevate Stakeholder Impact

In today’s compliance-driven marketplace, having real-time visibility into suppliers' compliance information is essential for buyers aiming to mitigate risks and ensure adherence to Social and...

The Vital Role of Communication in Achieving Environmental Sustainability in Business

Communication is one of the key elements when a business wants to think more sustainably and implement environmental stewardship practices. In the realm of environmental...

Introducing the ‘Voice for All’ Programme – SIZA’s New Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue

From producers and agri-workers on the farm to global buyers and beyond, every stakeholder's voice is more important than ever in today's diverse and complex...

Understanding Heat Waves: Climate Change Averages and Strategies for Managing Extreme Hot Weather

Over the last year, parts of South Africa experienced persistent heat, and some areas had more lengthy periods of warmer temperatures. Climate change is making...

Fighting Fire with Fire – Building Resilience Through Effective Fire Management in Preparation for the Coming Summer Fruit Season

As we approach the upcoming summer season in South Africa, focusing on fire prevention and safety within our farming communities is crucial. Fire safety should...

Empowering Sustainability: Tackling Rising Electricity Costs and Load Shedding in South African Agriculture

South Africa's agricultural sector increasingly feels the pressure of rising electricity costs and the recurring threat of load shedding. These challenges increase operational expenses and...

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

Let’s look at how SIZA can help ensure that everyone in the supply chain, including producers, workers, auditors, buyers, civil society, labour providers, and others,...

Staff News

Welcome to Henrico Harris and Michaela Schirnig, SIZA's two newest staff members!

SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme & Confronting Climate Change Partnership

This collaboration between the two platforms allows members to capture their monthly inputs and outputs using the SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme, and for the annualised...

SIZA/WIETA Agreement

In a collaborative effort initiated in 2017, the SIZA Social and WIETA standards, recognising their shared objectives, have synergised their approaches to offer South African...

Farming with Nature: Why is environmental sustainability essential to farming?

Farming with nature, rather than against it, helps maintain soil fertility, conserve water, and reduce the need for chemical inputs, which can harm both the...

Embracing Digitalisation: Transforming modern farming for compliance, efficiency, and sustainability

By offering data-driven insights, digital records help farmers anticipate challenges like climate change and pest outbreaks, enabling them to take proactive measures to minimise risks...

SIZA is presenting a new training course on Worker Committees in Agriculture and how to implement them

Sometimes, forming or structuring a worker committee can be challenging. With this training, SIZA will provide guidelines on compiling and implementing an influential worker committee....

SIZA Negotiated Fees vs Sedex Fees

Despite recent increases in Sedex's audit upload fees, the negotiated rates for SIZA members remain substantially lower than global rates. This includes a steady membership...

An Update on Audit Statistics

From 01 April 2023 until 31 March 2024, 713 SIZA Social (ethical) Audits were conducted in South Africa on farms and packhouses. These audits were...

Guidance on South African Environmental Legislation

When it comes to understanding or preparing for an environmental audit, it can be a daunting task to think about all the different types of...

Waste Management in Agriculture

Managing waste on the farm involves handling, reducing, and finding new uses for the various types of waste produced during farming and processing. This includes...

Temporary Employment Services (TES)

Several producers in South Africa use TES's services to supply labour during peak seasons. It is important to remember that the employment relationship between the...

What does it mean when we talk about ‘Responsible Recruitment’?

When we look at recruitment, certain aspects must be met, not only to ensure one complies with SIZA but also with the law in South...

Third-party Audit Cost

The cost of compliance has always been a sensitive and uncomfortable subject. The aim of compliance is not to create financial strain on the business...

Exploring the Narrative: Food Safety vs. SIZA Social and/or Environmental Audits

Many agricultural businesses have to undergo at least three types of audits, depending on the market they supply to: a food safety audit, a social...

Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Agriculture: A Path to Sustainability

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions play a pivotal role in the global discourse on climate change, prompting organisations to scrutinise their environmental impact.

Upcoming SIZA Training May & June 2024

Training and awareness-raising remain a very important aspect of a business's daily commitment to responsible management practices. SIZA offers a variety of training to its...

SIZA and LEAF Marque Agreement – Cost and Time-Saving Solution for Producers

Over the last several years, SIZA and the LEAF Marque programme have aligned their efforts in providing South African producers with a time and cost-effective...

Frequently Asked Questions

Housing – is the producer responsible for unmade beds, dirty dishes, or other hygiene matters inside an occupant’s house? If a business offers accommodation to...

What is the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)?

“Expanded Public Works Programme,” also referred to as EPWP, refers to a programme that provides public or community services through various government programmes.

Sick Leave and Public Holidays

What happens when a person is sick the day before a public holiday or even unable to come to work the day before or after...

What does ‘peak season’ really mean for Audits?

A SIZA audit can take place at any time just before or after the peak period, for example, pruning, harvesting, etc. It does not have...

Why is the recruitment process so important?

The recruitment of workers resonates under the Forced and Bonded Labour principle in the SIZA Code Requirements. It is not just an everyday practice in...

SIZA’s Farmer Support Programme Contributes to a Reduction in Non-Compliance

In 2023, SIZA launched a written guideline, along with in-person and online training, on all legislative requirements pertaining to labour requirements related to wage calculations,...

SIZA FAQs

Housing – is the producer responsible for unmade beds, dirty dishes, or other hygiene matters inside an occupant’s house? If a business offers accommodation to...

Empowering Compliance: SIZA’s Journey to Sustainable Agriculture in South Africa

Since SIZA was formalised in 2016 as a free-standing membership-based NPC, we have seen exponential growth within SIZA and our primary members’ journey to compliance.

Regular Checkup: Ensuring Your Business Thrives with Continuous Ethical and Sustainability Compliance Practices

Do you need to service your bakkie every year? If your answer is yes, then you will understand that you need to do the same...

SIZA Digital Recordkeeping: Effective Data Management and Market Advantage

As the agricultural landscape transitions towards sustainability and global markets demand ethical and sustainable compliance, the integration of effective monitoring and traceability mechanisms becomes a...

Frequently asked Questions for Social and Environmental Compliance

Why did my audit risk rating change from Platinum to Gold? As part of the Terms & Conditions of SIZA, when registering with the programme,...

Revised SAQ Deadline and Expedited Updates for Enhanced Transparency in the Supply Chain

Please note that the deadline for Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) has changed due to the new updated Sedex SAQ. The new information is required to ensure...

SIZA CARES: Nurturing Sustainable Agriculture

In a world increasingly conscious of environmental issues, SIZA and the agricultural industry are stepping up to the challenge of implementing sustainable practices through a...

SIZA Membership Fees

Your chosen membership level determines both the associated membership fee you will have to pay each year as well as the scope of your third-party...

Recognition of Third-party Audit Firms

Many buyers only recognise certain audit firms for each respective scheme. These decisions occur when buyers consolidate the number of recognised firms, or due to...

South African Suppliers and Compliance

Since 2015, a total of 4498 third-party audits have been conducted. Out of the total third-party audits conducted from 2015 until 2023, 46 023 findings were raised during...

Improvement through knowing your Carbon Footprint

In our commitment to environmental stewardship, we are excited to delve into the intricacies of a topic that resonates with the core values of SIZA...

Cultivating success: The importance of comprehensive farming practice data to market access

Farm data plays a crucial role in enhancing market access for agricultural producers. Market Access requires compliance with specific quality standards and certifications. Farm data,...

Balancing the scales: Developing Net Zero strategies for packhouses

In a world increasingly concerned with climate change and environmental sustainability, you might have heard about the phrase Net Zero.

The significance of Animal Ecology within the SIZA Environmental Standard

At SIZA, our unwavering commitment to assist the South African Agricultural Industry with their sustainability and continuous improvement drives our actions to ensure it meets...

SIZA’s Compliance Programme for Emerging Growers

The SIZA Emerging Grower Programme is an initiative aimed at supporting and empowering new and aspiring growers within the agricultural industry as part of transformation...

Solar Energy Sprouts Success in South African Farming

Although loadshedding is a burden and has an economic impact on agriculture, the opposite is also true that the South African agricultural landscape is undergoing...

SIZA Publishes New Social (Ethical) and Environmental Standards following Comprehensive Review Process

According to SIZA's audit process and methodology, the SIZA Social and Environmental Standards undergo a comprehensive review every three years.

Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility and Traceability with the SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme

SIZA has heard and recognised retailers’ and buyers’ need for a cost-effective and streamlined monitoring programme to evaluate and monitor their supply chains and, therefore...

A focus on the Compliance Status of Producers

The spotlight is on those who are not content with minimum compliance but are embracing a proactive approach, championing a best practice mindset.

SIZA CARES: Preparing South African Suppliers for 3rd Party Environmental Audits to ensure a Sustainable Value Chain

SIZA CARES (the Creating Awareness and Resilience in Environmental Sustainability programme) is a voluntary environmental sustainability programme that focuses on creating awareness and resilience among...

The SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme Empowers Buyers to Monitor their Supply Chains

Agribusinesses operate in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and recordkeeping and traceability of production inputs and outputs are arguably the most critical factors for driving...

A focus on the compliance status of producers

In a world where accountability and ethical practices are gaining priority, it is heartening to witness producers not merely settling for the status quo. The...

Payment on Public Holidays

There has been some confusion from some businesses on whether seasonal workers must be paid for public holidays, even if they do not work on...

An updated SIZA Accommodation Guideline

A request was made to review the current SIZA Accommodation Guideline for Agriculture. SIZA engaged an impartial consultant to facilitate an equitable, unbiased, and dependable...

SIZA Standard Review – 2023: Changes to SIZA Social and Environmental Standards

As per SIZA’s audit process and methodology, the SIZA Social and Environmental Standard are reviewed every 3-year cycle. This regular review-cycle is also required by...

Using an Adequate System for Recording Hours

Many businesses might consider keeping log of working hours to be time-consuming and a waste of time. However, this practice should rather be embraced, as...

Rest Breaks – After 5 Hours of Work

Work is deemed continuous unless it is interrupted by a meal interval.

What does Continuous Improvement mean?

What does it mean to have a South African standard that is built on the principles of continuous improvement?

The importance of language during third-party audits

During the last several months, various producers indicated that the language used on the audit day between the auditor, producer and employees caused frustration and...

Booking a Third-party Audit

Many producers request information on how they schedule their SIZA third-party audits. The first step is to ensure you plan when your next audit needs...

Temporary Employment Services and requirements

A Temporary Employment Service is a contractor who supplies workers to farms and packhouses, normally during peak season as seasonal labour. Temporary Employment Services are...

The SIZA Environmental Pillar of Sustainability: A Step-by-Step Journey

With a growing awareness and mounting pressure for the agricultural sector to address the numerous environmental challenges facing our planet, the industry has embarked on...

Plan your season with the Digital Recordkeeping Programme

As a producer in South Africa, staying ahead in the highly competitive agricultural sector requires more than just a green thumb. It demands a deep...

Diet direction – where are consumers heading?

Generally speaking, there is a strong correlation between a country’s economy and the components of its populations diet.

Keeping it green – consumer demand shapes market dynamics

The production of meat, particularly from intensive farming systems, has been identified as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution.

Kom Ons “Braai” Biodiversiteit

Met n sterk fokus op omgewingspraktyke en die beskerming van ons planeet duik die woord biodiversiteit gereeld en oral op.

Let’s “Braai” Biodiversity

With a strong focus on environmental practices and the protection of our planet, the word biodiversity pops up frequently and everywhere.

Video or Voice recordings during audits

In various circumstances, auditors may find it necessary to document specific information during audits with a video or voice recording, which can subsequently be incorporated...

A birds-eye view on consumer behavior

The concept of consumers paying more to save time on food can be related to the growing demand for convenience in today's fast-paced world, but...

Good management practices always start with a written policy or plan – SIZA Templates Available for Producers

SIZA has developed numerous environmental document templates which SIZA members can make use of once they have signed up for the SIZA Environmental Standard.

Why should the audit take place during the peak season?

While it is understandable that businesses are highly occupied and face various challenges during this time, it is essential for audits to be conducted when...

Why is there such a significant emphasis on corrective actions?

The completion of corrective actions following an audit holds immense importance as it serves as evidence that the site is actively implementing improvements.

Begin altyd met ‘n geskrewe beleid of plan – SIZA-template beskikbaar

SIZA het verskeie template en voorbeelde rondom omgewingsvolhoubaarheid ontwikkel waarvan SIZA-lede gebruik kan maak sou hulle dit benodig.

Waarom moet die oudit gedurende piek-seisoen plaasvind?

‘n Plaas of pakhuis se piek-seisoen periode, is ook hulle oudit-periode waar ‘n verskeidenheid van tipes oudits, soos byvoorbeeld voedselveiligheid-, etiese- en omgewingsoudits gedoen moet...

Hoekom is die voltooiing van Ouditregstellings so belangrik?

Om regstellings te voltooi nadat 'n oudit plaasgevind het, is belangrik aangesien dit as bewys dien dat die plaas of pakhuis gemotiveerd is om verbetering...

Pesticides: Err On The Side Of Caution

In modern agriculture, agrochemical applications are a common practice used to manage crop nutrient requirements and control damaging pest and disease outbreaks. The usage of...

Stopping agriculture from wasting away

In a world driven by green movements trying to curb the production of waste and greenhouse gases (GHG), the sight of a landfill on agricultural...

Don’t Let Opportunities Go to Waste

Waste separation and recordkeeping are two important practices that can help agribusinesses and their related organizations better manage their waste and reduce their environmental impact.

Avoiding “Dam”age

South Africa is considered a semi-arid country that relies on dams for water supply. In addition to having half the global average annual rainfall, the...

“Tap”ping into water registrations and recordkeeping

Water being the finite resource that it is, it is strictly overseen by the South African government through the National Water Act (NWA 36 OF...

People are always asking: why should I do both SIZA compliance and use the SHERPA tool?

Within the agricultural space, it’s important to understand how different tools and programmes relate to one another. The SHERPA online management system, developed by Blue...

SIZA Standard Review Process

As SIZA’s methodology requires the Standards to be reviewed every 3 years, the time has come for another review of the SIZA Social and Environmental...

EU Green Deal & GHS influence on Agrochemical Usage

In line with the EU Green Deal (specifically the Farm to Fork Strategy), the EU Commission announced on 22 June 2022 of its intention to...

Accommodation in Agriculture

Over the years there has been a lot of talk about accommodation on farms and somehow it is seen as the problem child of social...

What does Work Stoppage mean in your business?

There are times during the course of a year where work cannot continue due to various reasons such as heatwaves, rain days, and even loadshedding....

Reminder for Packhouses and Processing Facilities – 01 April 2023

In the agricultural industry, there are many instances where a business entity owns and operates several production units or operations as part of the company...

The Importance of an Approved SAQ for Scheduling Audits

Audit schedulers are essential in the audit process and are often the ones we turn to when we urgently need to book an audit on...

SIZA’s Digitale Rekordhouding program is ń ongelooflike hulpmiddel wat vir almal kan werk

“As jy nie meet nie, sal jy nie weet nie”, is ‘n frase waarmee baie produsente bekend is. Om te meet en aan te teken...

SIZA’s Digital Recordkeeping: An Incredibly Easy Recordkeeping Tool That Works for All

“If you do not measure, you cannot manage”, is a phrase that many farmers are familiar with. To measure and record what is measured is...

Die Belangrikheid van die buffersone

Binne ‘n landboulandskap is daar natuurlike gebiede wat belangrike funksies in die agro-ekosisteem dien, terwyl dit ‘n veilige toevlugsoord vir inheemse plant- en dierspesies bied....

The importance of buffer zones

Within an agricultural landscape, there are natural areas that serve important functions in the agroecosystem whilst providing a safe refuge for indigenous plant and animal...

Wees bewus van afval se impak

Die produksie van afval in enige industrie is onvermydelik, selfs in landbou, daarom is dit belangrik om bewus te wees van die impak van afval....

Be mindful of your waste.

Waste production in any industry is inevitable, even in agriculture. Therefore it has never been more important to be mindful of your waste. Adopting practices...

Staking van Volbloed Cholinesterase Assay

PathCare Laboratoriums het ‘n kennisgewing uitgestuur wat verduidelik dat as gevolg van ‘n wêreldwye staking van die Whole Blood Cholinesterase Assay (CHE), PathCare ongelukkig nie...

Discontinuation of Whole Blood Cholinesterase Assay

PathCare Laboratories have sent out a notice explaining that due to a worldwide discontinuation of the Whole Blood Cholinesterase Assay (CHE), PathCare can unfortunately not...

Which commodities can be audited and are members of the SIZA programme?

As the SIZA programme has positioned itself as a multisector global leader in the drive towards continuous improvement as well as managing risks for producers...

Watter kommoditeite word geoudit en is lede van die SIZA-program?

Aangesien die SIZA-program homself geposisioneer het as ‘n wêreldleier in die strewe na volhoubare verbetering sowel as die bestuur van risiko’s vir produsente en kopers...

Watter faktore bepaal die koste van ‘n oudit?

Ons verstaan dat koste ‘n belangrike faktor is wanneer SIZA-oudits oorweeg word. Terwyl ouditkoste verskil na gelang van jou arbeidsmag grootte, die grootte en ligging...

What factors determines the cost of an audit?

We understand that cost is an important factor when considering SIZA audits. While audit costs vary depending on your workforce size, the size and location...

What is the value of auditors to the South African Agricultural export industry?

Due to a multitude of risks within each business, it is crucial that we understand how important it becomes for a buyer, based locally or...

Wat is die waarde van ouditeure vir die landou uitvoerbedryf in Suid-Afrika?

As gevolg van ‘n verskeidenheid risiko’s binne ons besighede, is dit van kardinale belang dat ons verstaan hoe belangrik dit vir ‘n koper word, of...

Wat om te doen as u koper / invoerder / uitvoerder vra of jou besigheid voldoen aan sosiale (etiese) of omgewingsvereistes?

As ‘n produsent moet u ‘n besluit neem rondom watter ouditprogram jou besigheid moet ondergaan en uiteindelik implementeer. Daar is ‘n paar aspekte om te...

What to do when your buyer / importer/ exporter asks you for a social or environmental Audit Completion Letter?

Producers are ultimately responsible for the implementation and selection of the audit programme to be undertaken, there are a few aspects to consider and take...

SIZA nakomingsprogram vir opkomende produsente

Die SIZA Opkomende Produsente Nakomings-program wat daarop toegespits is om opkomende produsente te ontwikkel, is ‘n noodsaaklike deel van SIZA se betrokkenheid om te verseker...

SIZA compliance program for developing producers

The Emerging Grower Compliance programme is an essential part of SIZA’s involvement in ensuring that producers are encouraged and guided to embark on their journey...

SIZA se ‘Best Practice’ Program

Oudits is al etlike jare ‘n katalisator om volhoubare verbetering te verseker in die wêreldwye verskaffings-ketting. Die aantal bevindinge in die werkplek is verminder deur...

SIZA Best Practice Programme

The audit process has been a catalyst for driving sustainable change in the global supply chain for a number of years as the number of...

What is the value of auditors to the South African Agricultural export industry?

Due to a multitude of risks within each business, it is crucial that we understand how important it becomes for a buyer, based locally or...

Wat is die waarde van ouditeure vir die landou uitvoerbedryf in Suid-Afrika?

As gevolg van ‘n verskeidenheid risiko’s binne ons besighede, is dit van kardinale belang dat ons verstaan hoe belangrik dit vir ‘n koper word, of...

Vra u koper / uitvoerder / invoerder vir ‘n ouditbrief / sertifikaat om te sien of u besigheid voldoen aan die sosiale (etiese) of omgewingsvereistes?

Indien u ‘n uitvoer produsent is, is die antwoord op hierdie vraag ‘n beklemtoonde ‘JA’. As ‘n produsent is u uiteindelik verantwoordelik vir die implementering...

Is your buyer / exporter/ importer asking you for a social or environmental audit compliance letter / certificate?

For most producers in South Africa involved in the export trade, the answer to this question is a resounding ‘YES’. With producers being ultimately responsible...

Going Green with your Business… Because There Is No PLANet B

Many South African farmers agree that our planet is under stress and that we need to invest in alternative systems to reduce our negative impact...

What happens if an interested party/stakeholder/agri-worker wants to launch a complaint?

The SIZA programme supports the foundation for an effective grievance process and has a complaints process available for any interested party (agri-worker, manager, supervisor or...

Improving Soil Organic Carbon year-by-year

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the key indicators of healthy soil life, as it reflects the amount of organic matter present in the...

Making every last drop count

The precise measurement of water is crucial in developing efficient, sustainable, and highly productive farming practices.

Tread carefully when using fire for IAP control

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) can have numerous impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems and society in South Africa.

Bon voyage to French drain systems at chemical filling points

During the recent Lead Auditor training conducted by SIZA (7 – 8 September 2022), it came to our attention that there is still confusion lingering...

Calculating a carbon footprint – why, when and how?

Recordkeeping of energy usage will assist members with calculating their Carbon Footprint, as a year’s worth of data is needed, and further assists members with...

Responsible recruitment

The recruitment process must be adequate, transparent, effective and implemented with responsibility by adequately trained/experienced staff.

What happens when an auditor is mistreated during the audit process?

Audit firms and auditors are core stakeholders of the SIZA programme and valuable partners in compliance for all parties involved in the audit process.

How does the SIZA Audit Dispute Procedure work?

The SIZA Audit Dispute procedure was implemented with the sole purpose of ensuring that producers can raise a concern in a safe space if they...

Grouping of findings

Findings should be raised per code requirement as contained in the SIZA Standard, and it should not include multiple findings under one requirement.

What happens if more than one commodity cannot be in production simultaneously?

If a business operates multiple crops and commodities which fall into different harvest/peak production cycles, e.g., a winter commodity and a summer commodity, and the...

The Cost Benefit of SIZA

The example below looks at a hypothetical producer with a farm and a packhouse growing and packing table grapes and citrus for export to North...

Implications of the postponement of the Carbon Tax in South Africa – effective 31 December 2025

The 2022 Budget proposal announced early in 2022 resulted in a proposal for Phase 2 of the Carbon Tax roll-out in South Africa to be...

Applicable legislation is available on the SIZA website

Producers can freely access all the relevant legislation promulgated by government, along with the applicable international legislation that applies to their compliance, on the SIZA...

SIZA Accommodation Requirements

The provision of accommodation for permanent and seasonal employees is a common phenomenon within the South African agricultural industry, even though there is no legal...

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...

How to manage and implement a compressed working week

A compressed work week allows an employer to proactively have employees work longer hours than the regular agreed-upon hours in a situation where this is...

Invasive Alien Plants – look to the mountains

Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) have invaded large areas of South Africa, resulting in numerous negative impacts on indigenous biodiversity and local ecosystems.

Meet the SIZA Environmental Technical team

Alistair Galloway has long been passionate about environmental sustainability and has secured an MSc in Conservation Ecology from Stellenbosch University. His MSc project was his...

Statistics on the SIZA Environmental audits conducted

Looking at the 92 SIZA members that have already completed their 3rd party audit, the following non-conformances per category dominated the non-compliances that were raised...

Going Green, Breathing Clean: How to Minimise your Emissions

Commercial agriculture has grown and developed over the past few decades to meet the ever-growing demand for food worldwide. The increase in demand has led...

Do Your Part, Become Climate-Smart

With the agricultural industry being a significant contributor to climate change, the SIZA Environmental Standard goes beyond the management of associated risks through the implementation...

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

With the widespread usage of chemicals worldwide, a Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) has been created to standardise the hazard...

How to manage the use of chemicals correctly

Chemicals are some of the most widely used substances in agriculture and pose a significant risk if not managed correctly.

Hoe om die gebruik van chemiese middels reg te bestuur

Chemiese middels is produkte wat die meeste in die landboubedryf gebruik word en hou 'n aansienlike hoë risiko in as dit nie reg bestuur word...

How should Asbestos be handled?

The Asbestos Abatement Regulations require employers to provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a safe working environment which is without risks to...

Hoe moet ons Asbes hanteer?

Die Asbes-vermindering regulasies vereis van werkgewers om sover dit redelik moontlik is, ‘n veilige werksomgewing te voorsien en in stand te hou wat sonder risiko’s...

Supervisors/recruiters are not allowed to charge recruitment fees

It is crucial to remember that no employee may be required to make any payment associated with the recruitment process or commencement of work.

Werwingsfooie mag nie deur toesighouers/werwers gehef word nie

Dit is van kardinale belang om te onthou dat daar van geen werknemer vereis mag word om enige betaling te maak wat verband hou met...

Employees should receive the legally required rest periods daily and between shifts

In line with Sectoral Determination 13 (SD13), Section 19(1)(a), employees must receive a daily rest period of not less than 12 consecutive hours between ending...

Werknemers moet daagliks en tussen skofte die korrekte rusperiodes ontvang

In ooreenstemming met Sektorale Vasstelling 13 (SD13), Artikel 19(1)(a), moet werknemers 'n daaglikse rustydperk van ten minste 12 opeenvolgende ure ontvang tussen die beëindiging van...

Die bestuur en monitering van Tydelike Arbeidsdienste-verskaffers

Baie SIZA-lede (plase en pakhuise) maak gebruik van die dienste van TES, en dit is dus noodsaaklik om te onthou dat die diensverhouding tussen die...

Management & monitoring of Temporary Employment Services

Many SIZA members (farms and packhouses) make use of the services of TES, and it is, therefore, essential to remember that the employment relationship between...

Why are work permits important for foreign nationals?

Employees who are foreign nationals must be in possession of a valid passport/ID, and the necessary work permits required in South Africa before they may...

Hoekom is werkspermitte belangrik vir buitelandse burgers?

Werknemers wat buitelandse burgers is moet in besit wees van 'n geldige paspoort/ID en die nodige werkspermitte wat in Suid-Afrika vereis word, voordat hulle vir...

Wage should be calculated PER HOUR — and not in any other way

Recent SIZA audit findings across all provinces have established that some businesses still miscalculate wages per hour, specifically when using the historically known 'piece-rate system'...

Lone moet PER UUR bereken word — en nie op enige ander manier nie

Onlangse SIZA ouditbevindinge vanuit alle provinsies het vasgestel dat sommige besighede steeds lone per uur verkeerd bereken, veral wanneer hulle die histories bekende 'stuk-tariefstelsel' of...

Hoekom is indiensnemingskontrakte so belangrik?

Die indiensnemingskontrak dien as 'n formele erkenning van die werksverhouding en dit beskerm beide die werkgewer en die werknemer rakende hul pligte en verantwoordelikhede. Kontrakte...

Why are employment contracts so important?

Any person deemed to be an employee and who fits the definition of an employee according to Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) Chapter 11...

Why is it essential to evaluate employees’ accommodation during audits?

Although there is not much legislation for housing within agriculture specifically in South Africa, the requirements and drive to best practice are driven and based...

Waarom is dit noodsaaklik om werknemers se verblyf tydens oudits te evalueer?

Alhoewel daar nie baie wetgewing vir behuising binne die landbou-sektor spesifiek in Suid-Afrika is nie, word die vereistes en strewe na beste praktyk gedryf en...

Dit is belangrik om vir werkers ‘n stem te gee tydens etiese oudits

Een van die belangrikste fokuspunte van 'n etiese oudit is om werkers 'n stem te gee en vas te stel of bestuur 'n veilige werksomgewing...

It is important to give workers a voice during social (ethical) audits

One of the major focus points of a social audit is to give workers a voice and establish whether management is ensuring a safe working...

Why is a well-written audit report so important?

The SIZA third-party audits aim to measure the risk for producers' compliance against the SIZA Environmental & Ethical (Social) Standards and identify areas of non-compliance...

Soil that houses the golden root

Soil houses not only the roots that provide life to crops, but it also houses the needed nutrients, soil structure to prevent erosion, ensures proper...

Water – A Source of Life

WUE refers to the amount of water that is used to produce one unit of crop. In agricultural terms, it is usually calculated as the...

Time is precious: Waste it wisely

If time is money, agriculture would be considered poor. This is because it always seems that there is never enough time.

Regenerative Agriculture – Farm with Nature Rather than Against

Regenerative agriculture is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems that, among other benefits, reverse climate change by building soil organic matter...

A goal without a plan is simply a wish

Sustainability within the Agri industry, and most other industries globally, has become the flavour of the day. Ever mounting pressure on the environment has forced...

Break the cycle of illegal windbreaks

Invasive alien plant species (IAPs) are species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural distribution threaten biological diversity.

Do Your Part, Become Climate-Smart

Climate-smart agriculture can be defined as an approach to transforming and reorienting agricultural development under the new realities of climate change.

Newly protected trees in South Africa

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has added four new species to their annual list of trees that are protected under Section 12...

Looking beyond the farm gate

Engaging and supporting one's local surrounding community forms an integral part of a business's commitment to social responsibility.

Are you a custodian of the environment or a destructive force?

A healthy functioning ecosystem and biodiversity depend on the interconnected nature of all forms of life, from the smallest single-cell organisms to the largest trees...

The importance of the soil beneath our feet

The health of natural ecosystems, including agricultural ecosystems, depends mainly on the way the land is used and the health of the soil. Soil health,...

Water Sustainability – Securing a sustainable future

Water is a finite resource, meaning that it cannot be readily replaced by natural means at a pace quick enough to keep up with consumption.

The SIZA Environmental programme is taking a stand against the effects of climate change

Over the last three years, 1 303 SIZA members decided to closely monitor and manage their water practices. Two hundred and thirty-three of these members...

Community Engagement: Looking after your neighbour

Engaging and supporting one's local surrounding community forms an integral part of a business's commitment to social responsibility. Community involvement can take many forms, and...

SIZA and Rainforest Alliance combined audits — The principles that should be adhered to during the combined process

With the SIZA Social and SIZA Environmental standards enjoying areas of synergy with the Rainforest Alliance 2020 standard, the two programmes have aligned efforts in...

Market requirements for flower producers

As a market-driven initiative that brings together members of the international floriculture sector, the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) has implemented a basket of standards to...

Policies should be signed and approved by senior management

The SIZA Standards make clear reference to the requirement that senior management in the business should document and oversee the implementation of the business’s policies...

Status update on Ethical and Environmental Audits

SIZA audits occur throughout the agricultural sector, and the programme represents 42 different commodities. These commodities include various fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, flower, spices, wool...

Ensuring that credible audit data is provided to buyers

SIZA strives to ensure continuous improvement within agri-businesses, allowing for economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship throughout the supply chain.

Coercion or collusion between relevant parties during the scheduling of audits

It is important to note that when an audit is scheduled, it cannot be done through coercion or colluding between parties to achieve a mutually...

Why is overtime still one of the biggest non-compliances?

Some businesses only calculate overtime after filling up a week's agreed-upon hours instead of the hours that exceed the ordinary hours per day. Please note...

New Legislation: Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace

The Minister of Employment and Labour has published the new Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace in...

TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

SIZA Environmental – Tackling greenhouse gas emissions

Food is a basic human need, and a healthy diet is crucial for our health and wellbeing.

Improving resilience against climate change

Over the past few decades, knowledge surrounding the rise in temperatures and the subsequent effects on the climate has become the main driving force behind...

Ensuring water for the future

Water is a finite resource, meaning that it cannot be readily replaced by natural means at a pace quick enough to keep up with consumption.

SIZA status update

Currently, there are 2 110 primary members registered for the SIZA Social module, whereas 1 304 primary members are also registered for SIZA Environmental, and...

Social (Ethical) auditing, a growing profession

The SIZA programme has continued to strive toward providing a risk-assured system for both buyers and producers across the value chain.

When grievance becomes a good practice, it will put smiles back in the workplace

Grievances occur within any business and, if not resolved, may result in conflict, have a detrimental effect on production efficiencies, raise scandals on social media,...

Hoekom is SIZA etiese oudits so duur?

Produsente word versoek om enige en elkeen van die sewe goedgekeurde ouditfirmas te kontak om kwotasies aan te vra voordat ‘n oudit plaasvind.

Waarom moet my oudit gedurende my besigste seisoen/tydperk van die jaar plaasvind?

Oudits moet tydens piek produksie periodes plaasvind aangesien dit 'n minimum vereiste is om te verseker dat markte die ouditverslag se geldigheid aanvaar.

Wat is die verskil tussen SIZA en ‘n GLOBALG.A.P. oudit?

Alhoewel SIZA daarop gefokus is om duplisering in oudits vir Suid-Afrikaanse produsente te vermy, benodig produsente steeds drie pilare vir volhoubaarheidsoudits wat insluit: etiese-, omgewings-,...

Wanneer moet ‘n werknemer ‘n siekbrief/mediese sertifikaat verskaf?

Tydens elke siekteverlofsiklus is die werknemer geregtig op betaalde siekteverlof gelykstaande aan die aantal dae wat die agri-werker normaalweg gedurende 'n tydperk van ses weke...

Watter tarief moet betaal word wanneer ‘n werknemer op ‘n openbare vakansiedag werk?

Daar word nie van werknemers vereis om op 'n openbare vakansiedag te werk nie, tensy 'n ooreenkoms met die werkgewer bereik is om op daardie...

Hoe moet oortyd bestuur word volgens wetgewing?

Dit is 'n algemene verskynsel dat werkgewers slegs toelaat dat oortyd betaal word sodra 'n hele week se ure voltooi is, ongeag of die gewone...

Wat word bedoel met “groepskontrakte”?

In gevalle waar seisoenale werkers vir dieselfde tyd en onder dieselfde diensvoorwaardes in diens geneem word, word ‘groepskontrakte’ soms in die landbou aangegaan.

Hoe word daar bepaal watter werkers mediese assesserings moet ondergaan?

Ingevolge regulasie 7 van die Regulasies vir Gevaarlike Chemiese Stowwe van 1995, moet mediese ondersoeke en toetse op plase, in kelders, en in produksiefasiliteite uitgevoer...

Hoekom moet watertoetse jaarliks gedoen word, en watter toetse word vereis?

Om te verseker dat daar geen gesondheidsrisiko met betrekking tot water is nie, vereis die SIZA Etiese Standaard dat 'n mikrobiese ontleding van die water...

Why are SIZA social (ethical) audits so expensive?

Each audit’s cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the number of employees, the number of farms/facilities, and where the site is located.

Why should my audit take place during my busiest season/period of the year?

Audits must take place during peak production periods as this is a minimum requirement to ensure markets accept the audit report’s validity.

What is the difference between SIZA and a GLOBALG.A.P. audit?

Although SIZA focuses on avoiding duplication in audits for South African producers, producers still require three pillars for sustainability audits which includes: social, environmental, and...

When should an employee provide a sick note/medical certificate?

During every sick leave cycle, the employee is entitled to paid sick leave equal to the number of days the agri-worker would normally work during...

What rate should be paid when an employee works on a public holiday?

Employees are not required to work on a public holiday unless an agreement has been reached with the employer to work on that day.

How should overtime be managed according to legislation?

It is a common occurrence that employers only allow overtime to be paid once an entire week’s hours are completed, regardless of whether the ordinary...

What is meant by “group contracts”?

In cases where seasonal workers are employed for the same length of time and under the same conditions of employment, ‘group contracts’ are sometimes entered...

How does one determine which workers must undergo medical assessments?

In terms of regulation 7 of the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations of 1995, medical examinations and tests must be conducted on farms, in cellars, and...

Why do water tests need to be conducted annually, and which tests are required to be done?

To ensure that there is no health risk relating to water, the SIZA Social Standard requires that a microbial analysis of the water must be...

Management of Biodegradable Industrial Wastewater

The use, storage, and disposal of biodegradable industrial wastewater is classified as a Section 21(e) and/or 21(g) water use activity by the National Water Act...

Registrasie van Watergebruik

Alle watergebruike in Suid-Afrika word deur die Nasionale Waterwet 36 van 1998 (NWA) beheer om die volhoubare bestuur van alle waterbronne te verseker.

Registration of Water Use

All water uses in South Africa are governed by the National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA) to ensure the sustainable management of all water...

Bestuur van bioafbreekbare industriële afvalwater

Die gebruik, berging en wegdoening van bioafbreekbare industriële afvalwater word geklassifiseer as 'n Artikel 21(e) en/of 21(g) watergebruikaktiwiteit deur die Nasionale Waterwet 36 van 1998...

Monitering van afvalproduksie en implementering van herwinningspraktyke

Die onverantwoordelike wegdoening en bestuur van afval kan 'n ernstige impak hê op die omgewing.

Monitoring of waste production and implementation of recycling practices

The irresponsible disposal and management of waste can severely impact the environment.

Konstruksie van vulpunte

Dit is 'n minimum vereiste dat alle praktyke wat met landbouchemikalieë verband hou, aan die SANS 10206:2010 regulasies moet voldoen — insluitend die vul- en...

Construction of filling points

It is a minimum requirement that all practices related to agrochemicals should comply with the SANS 10206:2010 regulations — including the filling and mixing areas.

Hoe kan produsente beter voorbereid wees om hul gekontrakteerde arbeidsdiensverskaffers te evalueer?

Dit is die werkgewer se verantwoordelikheid om te verseker dat diensverskaffers aan wetsvereistes voldoen, aangesien hulle gesamentlik en afsonderlik aanspreeklik is vir enige bevindinge wat...

How can producers be more prepared to evaluate their contracted labour service providers?

It is employers’ responsibility to ensure that service providers comply with legal requirements, as they are jointly and severally liable for any non-compliances raised against...

Verwydering van uitheemse indringerplante (IAP’s)

Indringerplante, of IAP's, is plante wat nie natuurlik voorkom in 'n spesifieke gebied nie en dikwels 'n beduidende negatiewe impak op die omgewing het deur...

Clearing of invasive alien plants (IAPs)

Invasive alien plants, or IAPs, are plants that are not native to a specific area and often have a significant negative impact on the environment...

SIZA Omgewingsnakoming Opleiding en Digitale Rekordhoudingswerkswinkels 2022

As deel van die SIZA kapasiteitsbou toolkit, bied SIZA ‘n verskeidenheid inisiatiewe vir verskaffers om aan deel te neem. Om op hoogte te bly van...

SIZA Environmental Compliance Training and Digital Recordkeeping Workshops 2022

In order to stay up to date with the SIZA Environmental standard, new initiatives, and changes to legislation, it is essential that members attend training...

SIZA Etiese Nakomingsopleiding 2022

Om op hoogte van die SIZA Etiese standaard, nuwe inisiatiewe, en veranderinge aan wetgewing te bly, is dit noodsaaklik dat lede gereeld opleiding bywoon.

SIZA Social Compliance Training 2022

In order to stay up to date with the SIZA Social standard, new initiatives, and changes to legislation, it is essential that members attend training...

Reflecting on 2021

SIZA members are putting in fantastic efforts to remain up to date with their practices and getting their SAQs approved and completed every year. Let’s...

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer your frequently asked questions.

Status update on Ethical and Environmental Audits

A total of 403 Social audits have been conducted for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 October 2021.

Three Options for Conducting Social (Ethical) Audits

Audit firms must ensure that the schedulers have good communication with producers to ensure they understand that a minimum of 66% of the total workforce...

Responsible & Efficient Use of Water

It is important that all aspects relating to the sustainable and efficient utilisation of water is assessed on the day of the audit and addressed...

Assessing Compliance in Terms of Water Usage

With agriculture being one of the major water-using industries, auditors must familiarise themselves with the regulations related to the abstraction and disposal of water.

Digital Recorkeeping as the Foundation for Continous Improvement

As recordkeeping and target-setting are the foundation of continuous improvement, using the digital recordkeeping functionality will assist producers in monitoring their day-to-day activities on their...

Digitale Rekordhouding as die Grondslag vir Voortdurende Verbetering

Met naspeurbaarheid en geloofwaardigheid as ons hoogste prioriteit, maak die MySIZA-platform dit moontlik om belangrike inligting tussen produsente, kopers, nywerhede en ouditeure te deel.

Digital Recordkeeping as The Foundation for Continuous Improvement

With traceability and credibility being top priority, the MySIZA platform enables the sharing of vital information between producers, buyers, industries, and auditors.

Critical Findings – Why Producers Need to Understand High-Risk Areas

It is important for producers to remain aware of all the SIZA requirements, but more particularly some of the more prevalent high-risk areas. This will...

Die Belangrikheid Daarvan om die Wetgewing rondom Dienskontrakte te Verstaan

Artikel 9 van Sektorale Vasstelling 13 is baie duidelik in die vereiste dat werknemers skriftelike besonderhede van indiensneming (kontrak) moet ontvang wanneer hulle begin werk.

The Importance of Understanding the Legislation around Employment Contracts

Section 9 of Sectoral Determination 13 is very clear in its requirement that employees should receive written particulars of employment (contract) when they start work.

Semi-Aangekondigde en Onaangekondigde Oudits

Wat beteken dit as u 'n versoek van u koper ontvang om 'n semi-aangekondigde of onaangekondigde oudit te doen?

Semi-Announced and Unannounced Audits

What does it mean when you receive a request from your buyer to do a semi-announced or unannounced audit?

Options when scheduling SIZA Environmental Audit

SIZA Environmental third-party audits are not a pass/fail exercise but rather a process to measure a suppliers’ compliance against the SIZA Environmental Standard, in order...

The Importance of Recordkeeping as part of Environmental Management

In order to monitor the impacts of your business on the environment and to track progress made towards sustainability, recordkeeping of production inputs should be...

Social (Ethical) and Environmental Audit Statistics January 2021 – July 2021

A total of 438 Social audits have been conducted during the period of 1 January 2021 to 31 July 2021. A total of 15 Environmental...

Laws around Payslips

Did you know that as an employer, you need to keep records of payslips for at least three years? In line with Sectoral Determination 13...

Emergency Plan and Procedure

All businesses should have an adequate Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan or Emergency Action Plans (EAP). This procedure/plan should facilitate the actions that must be...

Deductions for Damaged or Lost PPE or Equipment

The Occupational Health and Safety Act is very clear in its guidelines that not only does the employer have a responsibility to protect the employees’...

National Minimum Wage and Piece-Rate

Due to several findings raised by third-party audit firms recently, it has come under SIZA’s attention that there are still businesses who do not pay...

The Importance of Freedom of Association

As the SIZA Social Standard is built to ensure its alignment with the relevant ILO principles, Section 5 of the SIZA Social Standard directly refers...

Strengthening the Workforce to Enhance Sustainable Social and Ethical Development

One of the crucial cornerstones of a socially responsible business is to raise awareness among both management and employees on socially responsible practices and to...

Ensuring Responsible Wages are Paid in South Africa

The payment of responsible and fair wages is a topic that remains at the forefront of discussions globally.

SIZA Ensuring Competent and Skilled Third-Party Auditors

SIZA strives to ensure continuous improvement within agri-businesses, allowing for economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship throughout the supply chain.

SIZA: A Responsible, Well-Managed and Structured Organisation Representing a Diverse Membership

As the need grew to have an organisation that can monitor and sustain ethical and environmental trade within the South African agricultural sector, SIZA came...

Leave a positive and motivated workforce behind

During the recent SIZA Social Auditor training, a session was held on how auditors influence the employees during an audit and more importantly, the impact...

SIZA Social Auditor Training

SIZA hosted its annual social auditor training from the 21st to the 23rd of April via a live and interactive online webinar. During the webinar...

Responsibilities regarding asbestos

South Africa has now terminated the utilization of asbestos which will greatly improve the environment and lead to fewer health problems related to asbestos.

Environmental management policy vs plan

Sustainability within the agricultural industry, and most other industries in the world, has become the flavour of the day. Ever mounting pressure on the environment...

Omgewingsbestuursbeleid teenoor -plan

Volhoubaarheid binne die landboubedryf, en die meeste ander bedrywe in die wêreld, is deesdae in groot aanvraag. Die toenemende druk op die omgewing het ons...

SIZA offers a choice between five ethical audit firms

One might ask why SIZA recognises five third-party audit firms to conduct SIZA audits. The motivation behind such a wide variety is to ensure producers...

SIZA bied ‘n keuse tussen vyf etiese ouditfirmas

‘n Mens mag dalk wonder waarom SIZA vyf derdeparty-ouditfirmas erken om SIZA oudits te doen. Die motivering agter so n wye verskeidenheid is om te...

SIZA kapasiteitsbou

SIZA bied ‘n verskeidenheid inisiatiewe onder ons kapasiteitsbou afdeling aan. Hierdie opleidingsinisiatiewe word gratis aan lede verskaf as deel van u ledegeld wat u jaarliks...

SIZA capacity building

SIZA offers a variety of initiatives under our capacity building section. These initiatives are offered to members free of charge as part of the membership...

Die belangrikheid daarvan on SIZA kommunikasie te lees

As 'n onderneming nie bewus is van die vereistes en praktyke wat van hulle verwag word nie, kan hulle nie die risiko's en vereistes in...

The importance of reading SIZA communication

If a business is not aware of the requirements and practices that are expected of them, they cannot successfully manage the risks and requirements in...

Tydelike Arbeidsverskaffers

Die gebruik van tydelike arbeidsverskaffers (TES), of beter bekend in Suid-Afrika as labour brokers, is jare lank deel van die landbou-arbeidsmark.

Temporary Employment Services

The use of temporary employment services (TES), or better known in South Africa as labour brokers, has been part of the agricultural labour market for...

Lidmaatskap hernuwing

SIZA lidmaatskap moet jaarliks hernu word. Om die proses vir besighede te vergemaklik, word proforma fakture een maand voor die lidmaatskap hernuwingsdatum aan die lid...

Membership renewal

SIZA members need to renew their membership annually. To ease the process for businesses, proforma invoices are sent to the member one month prior to...

Waarom werk SIZA saam met platforms soos Sedex en GLOBALG.A.P.?

Die SIZA-visie is om 'n koste-effektiewe benadering aan lede te bied, en om dit te bereik is dit nodig vir SIZA om met globale platforms...

Why does SIZA partner with platforms such as Sedex and GLOBALG.A.P.?

The SIZA vision is to supply a cost-effective approach, and to achieve that we need to partner with global platforms.

Advanced training course on evaluating risk and finding root cause

The measurement of risk and evaluation of a non-compliance through online audit reports forms the basis for any buyer to be able to make a...

A training course on grievance procedures

Grievances can occur within any business and if they are not resolved, they may result in detrimental effects, a breakdown in relationships between management and...

Sourcing from a sustainable and well-managed value chain

Companies that are breaking barriers are moving beyond sustainability to social and environmental innovation and often when you think you are at the end of...

Using Key Performance Indicators to monitor risk within your supply chain

KPIs are measurable values that illustrate how effectively a company is achieving its goals and objectives.

Care for the environment with SIZA Environmental, your one-stop solution

With modern-day consumers becoming more and more aware of their individual impacts on the environment, there is growing pressure on buyers and markets to ensure...

Loblaws acceptance of SIZA audits

As SIZA continues to gain market acceptance across the globe, it remains important for members and audit companies to pay attention to specific requirements from...

How to analyse and evaluate nightshift for agri-workers

If an employer requires his/her employees to work at night, the safety and protection of such workers always needs to be guaranteed

SIZA audit update

A total of 674 social audits were conducted in the period 1 January to 31 December 2020. This results in a median of 56 social...

SIZA Audit Process and Methodology Version 5.0

The SIZA Audit Process and Methodology (APM) has been updated to reflect material changes and to combine audit documents which were compiled over the last...

What is the solution when production and pack houses are not fully operational at the same time?

No audit can be completed unless the packhouse and/or processing facility was operational at the time of the audit.

Discrepancies between profile or SAQ information and the audit

When SIZA auditors note any discrepancies between the member’s profile or SAQ information and the information they gathered during an audit, they need to inform...

Wastewater management – What does the law say?

The use, storage, and/or disposal of biodegradable industrial wastewater, that is wastewater which contains predominantly organic waste from industrial/commercial activities, is classified as a Section...

Identifying and assessing legislated water use activities

Where registration or authorisation is required, auditors should evaluate the relevant documentation to assess whether the water-related activities the site engages in are legal.

How do auditors assess compliance in terms of invasive alien plant management?

Auditors should familiarise themselves with the different types of invasive alien plants (IAPs) that are commonly found on farms, and their different categories as defined...

SIZA kapasiteitsbou en opleiding

Dit is belangrik dat lede gereeld opleiding bywoon sodat hulle op die hoogte kan bly van nuwe inisiatiewe en veranderinge aan die SIZA-program en MySIZA-platform.

SIZA capacity building and training

It is important that members attend training regularly so that they can stay up to date with new initiatives and changes to the SIZA programme...

Vervoer van werkers

Voertuie wat gebruik word om werkers te vervoer moet aan wetlike vereistes voldoen.

Transportation of workers

Vehicles used to transport workers must comply with legal requirements.

Skedulering van SIZA-oudits

Die skedulering van derdeparty-oudits is 'n belangrike deel van die ouditproses en dit moet korrek gedoen word.

Scheduling of SIZA audits

The scheduling of third-party audits is an important part of the audit process and it needs to be done correctly.

Hoekom is dit belangrik dat konsultante by SIZA moet registreer as ‘n vlak 8 lid?

SIZA, tesame met sy lede en geregistreerde konsultante, moet te alle tye 'n wettige en eties-verantwoordelike metode verseker vir toegang tot- en die deel van...

Why it is important for consultants to register as level 8 members with SIZA?

SIZA, along with its members and registered consultants, must ensure a legal and ethically responsible method for the access and sharing of data at all...

Kansellering van SIZA-lidmaatskapprofiele

Die profiel het 'n verskeidenheid funksies, soos om 'n verwysingsinstrument vir kopers op te stel en die korrekte besigheidsnaam aan te dui wat vir die...

Cancellation of SIZA membership profiles

The profile serves a multitude of functions such as establishing a reference tool for buyers and indicating the correct business name that is used for...

Die duplisering van lidmaatskapprofile op MySIZA

As deel van die SIZA-bepalings en -voorwaardes moet elke lid sorg dat hy aktief betrokke bly by die oorsig en instandhouding van hul lidmaatskapprofiel.

The duplication of membership profiles on MySIZA

As part of the SIZA terms and conditions, each member must ensure they remain actively involved in the oversight and upkeep of their membership profile.

Om die omgewing te bewaar is nie ‘n keuse nie, dit is ‘n verantwoordelikheid

Die SIZA Omgewingsprogam was ontwikkel om verskaffers in die landbousektor te help om aan Suid-Afrikaanse omgewingswetgewing te voldoen.

Caring for the environment is not a choice, it is a responsibility

The SIZA Environmental programme was developed to assist agricultural suppliers with becoming compliant with South African environmental legislation.

Oudit omvang vir landbou-ondernemings en pakhuise

In die landboubedryf is daar baie gevalle waar 'n sakeonderneming verskeie produksie-eenhede of -besighede besit en bedryf as deel van die ondernemingstruktuur.

Audit scope for agri-businesses and packhouses

In the agricultural industry, there are many instances where a business entity owns and operates several production units or operations as part of the company...

Gesondheids- en Veiligheidstekens

Alle gevare moet duidelik geïdentifiseer word deur toepaslike veiligheidstekens in alle gebiede waar gevare geïdentifiseer is.

Health and Safety Signage

All hazards must be clearly identified through appropriate signage in all areas where hazards have been identified.

Werkstopbeleid (Reëndae Beleid)

Daar is tye deur die loop van 'n jaar wanneer werk vir verskillende redes nie kan voortgaan nie.

Work-Stoppage Policies

There are times during the course of a year where work cannot continue due to various reasons.

Demokratiese Verkiesing van Werknemersverteenwoordigers

Die vryheid om te assosieer word deur die Internasionale Arbeidsorganisasie (ILO) as een van die vier kernarbeidsbeginsels beskou.

Democratic Election of Worker Representatives

The freedom to associate is regarded by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as one of four core labour principles.

Betaling op Openbare Vakansiedae

Betaling op openbare vakansiedae kan moeilik wees as die werk gedoen word op 'n dag wat die werknemer normaalweg sou gewerk het, teenoor 'n dag...

Payment on Public Holidays

Payment on public holidays can be difficult when the work is conducted on a day the employee would normally have worked versus a day the...

Siekteverlof en Mediese Sertifikate/Siekbriewe

Siekteverlof is nie net betaalbaar wanneer 'n siekbrief voorsien word nie.

Sick Leave and the Medical Certificate/Sick Letter

Sick leave is not only exclusively payable upon presentation of a sick note.

Asbes op Plase

Sedert Suid-Afrika die invoer en uitvoer van asbes, sowel as die gebruik en vervaardiging van die mineraal in 2008 verbied het, het baie ondernemings gesukkel...

Asbestos on Farms

Since South Africa banned the importation and exportation of asbestos, as well as the use and manufacturing of the mineral in 2008, many businesses have...

Maaltyd Breuke ná Vyf Uur se Werk

Volgens wetlike veresites, word daar verwag dat besighede 'n maaltyd breuk bied ná vyf uur se werk.

Meal Breaks After Five Hours of Work

The expectation is that businesses provide a meal break after five hours of work, as per legal requirement.

Mediese Toesig

Mediese toesig is 'n beplande mediese program met gereelde ondersoeke, wat kliniese ondersoeke, biologiese monitering en/of mediese toetsing van werknemers kan insluit.

Medical Surveillance

Medical surveillance is a planned medical programme with periodic examinations, which may include clinical examinations, biological monitoring, and/or medical testing of employees.

Oortyd

Dit gebeur gereeld dat werkgewers slegs oortyd betaal nadat 'n hele week se ure voltooi is, ongeag of die gewone ure per dag oorskry word.

Overtime

It is a common occurrence that employers only allow overtime to be paid once an entire week’s hours are completed, regardless if the ordinary hours...

Onwettige Buitelanders

Onder geen omstandighede word besighede toegelaat om iemand in diens te neem sonder die nodige dokumentasie om te werk in plek te hê nie.

Illegal Foreigners

Under no circumstances are businesses allowed to employ any person without the necessary documentation to work in place.

Minimum Loon en Stukwerk

Agri-werkers is tans volgens wet op 'n minimum loon van R18,68 per uur geregtig. Dit verskil van die R20,76 per uur vir ander sektore.

Minimum Wage and Piecework

Agri-workers are currently entitled to a minimum wage of R18.68 per hour by law. This is different to the R20.76 per hour for other sectors.

Verbale Mishandeling

Verskeie bevindings is opgemerk oor verbale mishandeling. Die besonderhede van hierdie bevindings sluit bestuurders wat werkers dreig, skree, vloek, en die gebruik van neerhalende taal...

Verbal Abuse

Several findings on verbal abuse were noted. The specifics of these findings included managers making threats, yelling, cursing, and using harsh derogatory language toward employees...

Omgewings Tweedeparty-Verifïering – Die Eerste Stap tot Omgewingsvolhoubaarheid

SIZA het die omgewings tweede-party verifïeringsprogram geïmplementeer as deel van sy strewe na voortdurende verbetering en om omgewingsrisiko's in die landbousektor te bestuur.

Environmental Second-Party Verification – The Stepping Stone towards Reaching Environmental Sustainability

SIZA implemented the Environmental Second-Party Verification programme as part of its drive towards continuous improvement and to manage environmental risks within the agricultural sector.

SAI GLOBAL

Hiermee lig ons verskaffers en SIZA-lede in dat SAI GLOBAL vanaf 31 Desember 2020 nie meer sigbaar sal wees as 'n erkende ouditmaatskappy op die...

SAI GLOBAL

We hereby inform suppliers and SIZA members that from the 31st of December 2020, SAI GLOBAL will no longer be visible as a recognized audit...

Wat beteken “Gemiddelde Werksure”?

"Gemiddelde werksure" verwys na wanneer werknemers langer ure per dag gedurende 'n sekere tydperk werk, en korter ure gedurende 'n ander, maar hul salaris bly...

Gesondheid en Veiligheidsverteenwoordigers

Die rol en funksies wat gesondheid- en veiligheidsverteenwoordigers speel, is waardevol vir alle werkgewers.

Health and Safety Representatives

The role and functions played by Health and Safety Representatives is valuable to all employers.

Belangrike kennisgewing vir SIZA lede: Verandering aan die ouditmetodologie

Vanaf 1 Desember 2020 is dit 'n SIZA-vereiste dat 'n onderneming wat as een regsentiteit op die MySIZA-platform geregistreer is, alle produksie-eenhede as deel van...

Important Notice to SIZA members: Change to the audit methodology

From the 1st of December 2020, it will be a SIZA requirement for a business registered as one legal entity on the MySIZA Platform to...

Filling Points on Farms: The South African National Standard (SANS) and the Regulations

The SANS 10206:2010 sets out general guidelines for the handling, storage, and disposal of pesticides.

Environmental Second-Party Verifications

Between the period of 1 January 2020 to 31 October 2020, a total of 65 farms that form part of the 2020 Environmental Second-Party Verification...

Fire Equipment in Agri-Worker Accommodation

The SANS 10400 regulation regarding firefighting equipment requires that a number of fire extinguishers are needed depending on the occupancy classification as per the table...

Third-Party Audit Companies

As 2020 brought about many challenges, one of the many aspects of SIZA that remained constant was our dedication to ensure quality and credible third-party...

Audit Disputes

A total of 19 Social audit disputes were logged with SIZA from January to September 2020.

Critical Alert Notifications

Six critical findings were reported for the months of January 2020 to September 2020.

Social (Ethical) Site Visits

SIZA social site visits were implemented as part of SIZA’s between-audit monitoring policy to verify the producer’s approved Social Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and to ensure...

SIZA Audit Update

A total of 560 Social (Ethical) audits have been conducted for the period 1 January to 31 October 2020. This results in a median of...

Why is the Closing Meeting after the Audit Important?

The purpose of the closing meeting is to go through the findings, agree to them and to agree on a corrective action plan which sets...

Scheduling Audits

Once the audit request has been received by the audit company, the audit scheduler must assign an audit team to the audit.

The Importance of Paying the Minimum Wage

The rate for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for each ordinary hour worked is R20.76, however, in terms of agri-workers, the wage payable is R18.68...

SIZA is supporting emerging growers to assist them in becoming ethically and environmentally compliant and market-ready

SIZA, the Sustainability Initiative of South Africa, provides a platform for agricultural stakeholders to ensure ethically and environmentally sustainable trade.

AM FRESH Group water monitoring tool

With improving input efficiency being one of the main objectives of the SIZA Environmental Standard, SIZA has partnered with AMT Fresh by providing a direct...

FruitLook: Effectively managing crops with satellite-based data

As the SIZA Environmental Standard embraces the use of technology as part of effective water management, SIZA has partnered with the FruitLook Programme by including...

The South Carbon Tax and measuring your emissions

Climate change is a pressing global issue. South Africa is within the top twenty largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world and a signatory to...

Complaints

SIZA received nine complaints between 01 January 2020 and 30 September 2020.

SIZA COVID-19 Audit Procedure: Offsite/Onsite Audits

As a control measure, SIZA implemented an option for members who needed to have audits conducted during the COVID-19 national lockdown period.

Critical Alert Notifications

Six critical findings were reported for the months of January 2020 to September 2020.

SIZA Social Third-Party Audits

A total of 511 social audits have been conducted for the period 01 January to 30 September 2020.

What does “Averaging of Working Hours” mean?

“Averaging of working hours” refers to when employees work longer hours per day during a certain period, and shorter hours during another, however, their salary...

Werkerkomitees in die Werksplek

Die vryheid om te assosieer of te disassosieer, word deur die Internasionale Arbeidsorganisasie (IAO) beskou as een van die vier kernarbeidsbeginsels. In werklikheid gaan dit...

Employee Committees in the Workplace

The freedom to associate or disassociate is regarded by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as one of four core labour principles. In fact, it goes...

G&V Komitees

Die Wet op Beroepsgesondheid en Veiligheid (OHSA) kragtens artikel 18 vereis dat 'n werkgewer een of meer komitees vir gesondheid en veiligheid moet instel.

H&S Committees

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) under section 18, requires that an employer must establish one or more Health and Safety committees.

KBVA

Waar groepe mense saamwerk, kan konflik om verskeie redes ontstaan, waaronder interpersoonlike kwessies, hoe werkplekbeleid en -prosedures toegepas word, en ongelukkigheid oor die gedrag van...

CCMA

Where groups of people work together conflict could arise for a number of reasons, including interpersonal issues, how workplace policies and procedures are applied, and...

SIZA lê Boustene vir ‘n Omgewingsbewuste Suid-Afrika

Die water wat ons drink, die kos wat ons eet, die lug wat ons inasem, die grond waarop ons loop, die berge wat ons klim...

Growing Environmental Stewardship for South Africa

The water we drink, the food we eat, the air we breathe, the ground we walk on, the mountains we climb and the sea we...

Moet vervoer aan werknemers wat op die perseel woon en nagwerk verrig voorsien word?

Vervoer moet beskikbaar wees tussen die agri-werker se woonplek en werkplek aan die begin en einde van sy nagskof.

Should transport be provided to employees who live on the premises and conduct night work?

Transportation should be available between the agri-worker’s place of residence and the workplace at the start and end of the agri-worker’s night shift.

Minimumloon in Landbou

Suid-Afrika het amptelik ‘n nasionale minimumloon ingestel om alle werkers teen ‘onredelik lae lone’ te beskerm en ‘n beginsel van billike loonverhoging te bevorder. Die...

Minimum Wage in Agriculture

South Africa officially introduced a national minimum wage to protect all workers from “unreasonably low wages” and promote a principle of fair wage increase.

Self-Assesserings Vraelys (SAQ) Datums

Wat SAQ's betref, is daar drie belangrike datums vir produsente om in ag te neem.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) Dates

When it comes to SAQs, there are three important dates that producers need to keep in mind.

SIZA bied ‘n studie aan oor vroue in die landboubedryf met die fokus op landbou-rolle

'n Ondersoekende Studie Oor Vroue en Geslagsgelykheid in Suid-Afrikaanse Landbou Loopbane

SIZA presents a study on the representation of women in agriculture with a focus on agricultural careers

An Exploratory Study on Women and Gender Equality in South African Agricultural careers

SIZA Gesondheid en Veiligheids gids

Aangesien Gesondheid en Veiligheid een van die top-10 areas is waar daar nie-nakominge tydens etiese oudits bevind word, het SIZA besluit om 'n riglyn met...

SIZA Health & Safety Guide

Because Health & Safety is one of the top 10 areas where non-conformances are raised during social audits, SIZA decided to compile a guideline for...

SIZA Behuisingsgids vir Landbou

Aan die begin van 2020 het SIZA verskeie versoeke ontvang om die Akkommodasiegids vir Landbou vanaf die vorige 2013 weergawe op te dateer.

SIZA Accommodation Guide for Agriculture

At the start of 2020, SIZA received several requests to update the Accommodation Guide for Agriculture from its previous 2013 version.

Sedex Quarterly Report July 2020

Quarterly report: 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020

Environmental Third-Party Audits

With the launch of MySIZA, SIZA members have been able to schedule Environmental Third-Party audits from the 1st of June 2020.

Environmental Second-Party Verifications

After the restrictions of the nationwide lockdown under Alert Level 5 were lifted, Environmental Second-Party Verifications continued in full-swing from the 1st of May 2020.

Children Living on Farms

As the Lockdown period in South Africa resulted in many children not being able to return to school, but parents were set to return, the...

Worker Committees: Ensure an adequate communication model for all employees

In any business, regardless of size, there needs to be a mechanism through which workers or members of lower/middle management can raise their concerns to...

Audit Disputes

A total of ten (10) Social audit disputes were logged with SIZA from January to June 2020.

Critical Findings

Four (4) critical findings were reported for the months of January 2020 to June 2020.

Number of Audits Conducted

The 2020 year confirmed SIZA’s prediction relating to an increase in Social audits.

POPI Act: Implementation 1 July 2020

Section 14 of the South African Constitution provides that everyone has the right to privacy.

POPI-wet: Implementering 1 Julie 2020

Artikel 14 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Grondwet bepaal dat elkeen die reg op privaatheid het.

SIZA-Derdeparty-Ouditprosedures

SIZA het ook aan die begin van die inperking pro-aktiewe maatreëls ingestel om SIZA-lede gedurende die afgelope paar maande by te staan sodat hulle sover...

SIZA Third-Party Audit Processes

Thus far, 2020 has been an eventful and busy year for us all — especially so for SIZA. While the national lockdown has created challenges...

The legal right of employers

In terms of the Disaster Management Act: Regulations: Alert Level 4, during the COVID-19 lockdown, if a person is employed by a company or a...

Sustainability: A Catalyst for Building Resilience

The United Nations Brundtland Commission (1987) defined the term sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to...

Environmental Audits during COVID-19 Lockdown

Due to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, SIZA will be implementing an audit procedure that will allow Environmental Third-Party audits to continue....

SIZA Environmental Third-Party Audits

On the 19th of November 2019, SIZA publicly opened the applications for all independent third-party audit companies to apply to become recognised to conduct SIZA...

SIZA Environmental Second-Party Verification

For the 2019/2020 sample group, a total of 72 farms were verified of which the majority were located in the Western Cape.

Environmental Membership and SAQs

From 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020, 1 188 SIZA members have completed their Environmental Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) on the SIZA platform, of which...

Sedex Visibility

The new Sedex SAQ was released late in February this year. The previous SAQ which is now renamed “Legacy SAQ” is available and visible to...

Social (Ethical) Audit Statistics

During 2019, 627 SIZA Ethical audits were conducted. Out of this total, 94% have been completed in full, and a further 6% are in the...

Social (Ethical) Audits during COVID-19 Lockdown

Amidst the Coronavirus, South Africa promulgated strict lockdown regulations since 27 March 2020. This resulted in limited access to facilities, and audits were not able...

Auditor Communication: Best Practice Guidelines

Verifying hours using manual systems has become an increasing concern for auditors during SIZA audits. In many cases, auditees supply attendance registers that do not adequately...

Frequently Asked Questions: General

For answers to questions such as "How do you distinguish between a Temporary Employment Service and an Independent Contractor?" refer to our FAQs here.

2020 Audit Statistics for Remote Audits

A total of 36 audits have been conducted remotely thus far during the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the SIZA Remote Audit Procedure. A further...

2020 Auditor Training and ARG Meetings

Due to the nature of this pandemic, everyone needs to manage schedules differently. SIZA is therefore cancelling the upcoming Social auditor training that would have...

Audit Procedure During COVID-19

The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has become an increasingly challenging situation, which has impacted all business operations. SIZA recognises that this is a...

SIZA FAQs

The SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme Empowers Buyers to Monitor their Supply Chains

People are always asking: why should I do both SIZA compliance and use the SHERPA tool?

SIZA Standard Review Process

EU Green Deal & GHS influence on Agrochemical Usage

Accommodation in Agriculture

What does Work Stoppage mean in your business?

Reminder for Packhouses and Processing Facilities – 01 April 2023

The Importance of an Approved SAQ for Scheduling Audits

What is the value of auditors to the South African Agricultural export industry?

Wat is die waarde van ouditeure vir die landou uitvoerbedryf in Suid-Afrika?

What to do when your buyer / importer/ exporter asks you for a social or environmental Audit Completion Letter?

Vra u koper / uitvoerder / invoerder vir ‘n ouditbrief / sertifikaat om te sien of u besigheid voldoen aan die sosiale (etiese) of omgewingsvereistes?

Going Green with your Business… Because There Is No PLANet B

Invasive Alien Plants – look to the mountains

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

Soil that houses the golden root

Water – A Source of Life

Time is precious: Waste it wisely

Regenerative Agriculture – Farm with Nature Rather than Against

A goal without a plan is simply a wish

Break the cycle of illegal windbreaks

Do Your Part, Become Climate-Smart

TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Digital Recorkeeping as the Foundation for Continous Improvement

Social (Ethical) and Environmental Audit Statistics January 2021 – July 2021

Growing Environmental Stewardship for South Africa

SIZA Gesondheid en Veiligheids gids

The legal right of employers

Sustainability: A Catalyst for Building Resilience

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