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What has SIZA been up to since April 1st 2026?

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SIZA Spotlight

From Compliance to Competitiveness:
Key Insights and Reflections from the
SIZA Conference 2026

Staff Awards - June 2026

At the end of each period, SIZA hosts a staff meeting to reflect on recent achievements and recognise team members who have gone above and beyond in various areas.
20260623_113543

SAQ Superhero

Ashley Robinson
Master of reviewing SAQs
WhatsApp Image 2025-11-21 at 12.56.21

Social Butterfly

Matthew Wessels
Spreading good vibes with the top social media post
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Crowd Commander

Ger-Mari Tesselaar
Leading SIZA training with confidence
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Follow-Up Phenom

Wian van Niekerk
Following up, never falling behind
WhatsApp Image 2025-11-21 at 12.56.21

Road Warrior

Matthew Wessels
Going the distance (literally), and then some!

Read Our Newsletter

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Strengthening Occupational Health and Safety on Farms

Strengthening Occupational Health and Safety on Farms

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) remains a key focus area within the agricultural sector, reflecting the industry’s commitment to creating safe, healthy, and productive working environments. Insights gathered through SIZA…

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Balancing Environmental Risks and Benefits in IAP Clearing Decisions

Balancing Environmental Risks and Benefits in IAP Clearing Decisions

Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) are non-native plant species introduced, intentionally or unintentionally, outside their natural range in South Africa. These species often outcompete indigenous vegetation and can significantly alter or…

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Acting Fast, Staying Compliant: Why NEMA Section 30A matters for Agricultural Emergencies

Acting Fast, Staying Compliant: Why NEMA Section 30A matters for Agricultural Emergencies

South African agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, wildfires and severe storms. Climate change has significantly increased the frequency and magnitude of these events, placing…

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Our Latest Posts

siza_programme

Enabling South African Agriculture to be a global leader. Ensuring sustainable, ethical trade and environmental stewardship.

At the 2026 SIZA Conference on 19 August, one mes At the 2026 SIZA Conference on 19 August,  one message stood out above all others:  Compliance is no longer just about market access; it's about building resilient businesses, trusted supply chains, and a competitive agricultural sector.

Under the theme "The Reality of Compliance: Building Resilient Agriculture Through Collaboration," industry leaders, producers, retailers, auditors, government representatives, and other stakeholders explored a critical question:

What is the cost of non-compliance?

The discussions highlighted that compliance is not simply an audit requirement. It is a strategic investment in trust, sustainability, workforce wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and long-term business success.

Attached is a three-minute video showcasing the key insights and perspectives shared by delegates and speakers during the conference. 

View the video at: https://youtu.be/hkCSxGY8nCs
SIZA hosted its annual training for recognised thi SIZA hosted its annual training for recognised third-party auditors on 8 and 9 September 2026, bringing together more than 70 auditors each day.

 The annual training forms an important part of SIZA’s auditor competency and calibration process. This year’s programme covered a range of important topics, including reputational risk and auditor accountability, confidentiality and information management, handling inconsistent or incomplete evidence, understanding and classifying audit findings, supply chain due diligence and expectations, sustainability and legal compliance, climate change and conducting effective closing meetings. The programme concluded with practical calibration and auditor assessments to support consistency and continued competency across the SIZA auditing community.

SIZA would like to sincerely thank all the auditors and audit firms who participated. We recognise the commitment, professionalism and hard work that auditors contribute throughout the year to support credible, consistent and meaningful sustainability practices across the industry.

@LRQA 
@African Certification and Testing 
@BSI Group SA 
@Control Union SA 
@NSF Africa 
SGS
The Social Compliance webinar is designed to equip The Social Compliance webinar is designed to equip suppliers with the knowledge to successfully implement the SIZA Standard requirements.  It is a fantastic opportunity to expand or refresh your expertise, where you can ask relevant questions and actively contribute to constructive engagement with other producers.

During the webinar, you will gain valuable insights into legal requirements and how to prepare for your upcoming audit. 

We look forward to your participation!
Don’t miss our upcoming SIZA training sessions! Don’t miss our upcoming SIZA training sessions! 

Strengthen your knowledge, build your skills and stay up to date with the latest developments in SIZA’s Social and Environmental Compliance Programmes.

Register today and secure your spot!

For more information on our upcoming trainings, visit our website: www.siza.co.za

To register, please contact Kara du Toit at kara@siza.co.za.

We look forward to having you join us online!
The SIZA Voice for All Programme aims to create a The SIZA Voice for All Programme aims to create a transparent and credible grievance mechanism for South African suppliers. Although it does not replace your company’s internal disciplinary and grievance processes, it supports remediation to resolve issues.

The Voice for All initiative is an accessible programme for all so that everyone in the agricultural value chain can use and benefit from it.

We hope you join us for this informative webinar to create a more accountable, inclusive, and sustainable supply chain. 

To register, please contact Kara du Toit at kara@siza.co.za. 

See you online!
Great to see SIZA engaging at the CRI Symposium an Great to see SIZA engaging at the CRI Symposium and connecting with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. 

Thank you to Wayne Mansfield from Fruitfield Farming and Sam Louw from the Citrus Academy for the valuable conversations and shared insights. Collaboration and open dialogue are key to finding practical solutions and driving meaningful change across our industry.
Wian van Niekerk and Matthew Wessels are proud to Wian van Niekerk and Matthew Wessels are proud to engage with citrus growers, researchers, and industry partners this week at the CRI Symposium in the Drakensberg,  as we discuss the latest science, innovation, and sustainable practices shaping the future of South Africa's citrus industry. 

Come say hello if you spot the SIZA team!
A decade of memories, milestones, impact, partners A decade of memories, milestones, impact, partnerships and incredible stories, all captured in one special publication.

Join us as we launch the SIZA 10-Year Celebration Review and take a journey through the moments that shaped an unforgettable decade.  Our sincere thanks to all stakeholders whose support, trust and collaboration have made this journey possible.

Looking forward to the next 10 years of excellence, growth and shared successes.

Access the 10-Year Book online: https://siza.co.za/siza-10-year-celebration-book

View the 10-Year Booklet Video: https://youtu.be/yvaPnA8qFJU
The SIZA Conference 2026 concluded with Georgina H The SIZA Conference 2026 concluded with Georgina Hewitt providing a powerful presentation on the entire value chain's responsibilities to ensure we all work together in collaboration and make South African agriculture the front runner it already is. 

We all have responsibilities, from growers, retailers, auditors, exporters etc.
Are Grievance Programmes Actually Contributing to Are Grievance Programmes Actually Contributing to a More Effective and Sustainable Value Chain?

What an insightful panel discussion from industry experts on effective grievance systems. We heard from Rowen Markie, Fhumulani Ratshitanga, Marietjie Bezuidenhout, and Evan Cupido on why data on grievances is important, why effective feedback is required, and ultimately how creating better communication and building trust between workers and management is necessary.
A roaring round of applause to our four incredible A roaring round of applause to our four incredible panellists — Mecia Petersen, Mariette Kotze, Alana Snyman and Henko Vlok — for sharing such informative insights during our panel discussion, “From Policy to Practice: Compliance Beyond the File on the Shelf.”

Thank you for bringing real-world perspectives, unpacking the challenges and opportunities, and reminding us that meaningful compliance is about what happens on the ground — not simply what is written on paper.
A big thank you to our four incredible speakers — A big thank you to our four incredible speakers — Paul Hardman, Ian Spaulding, Calla du Toit and Francois Brink — for sharing such valuable, informative and thought-provoking insights on the reality of compliance.

Your perspectives during our first panel discussion provided an important foundation for the day, bringing practical realities, challenges and opportunities to the conversation.

Thank you for helping us look beyond compliance on paper and focus on what is really happening on the ground. Your insights truly set the platform for a meaningful day of discussion, learning and collaboration.
Thank you Dr Mogale for emphasising the importance Thank you Dr Mogale for emphasising the importance of Compliance. 

Compliance Managers should be valued for the key roles they play within companies.
The wait is finally over! We look forward to welc The wait is finally over!

We look forward to welcoming you today at Ashanti Estate, Paarl for the 2026 SIZA Conference.
Speaker Announcement | SIZA Conference We are del Speaker Announcement | SIZA Conference

We are delighted to welcome Georgina Hewitt from Verdun Estates to the SIZA Conference, where she will share her insights on the journey from compliance to competitive advantage.

Join us by securing your seat as she dives deeper into the reality of compliance at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/380161-siza-conference-2026/#/
Speaker Announcement | SIZA Conference We are ove Speaker Announcement | SIZA Conference

We are overjoyed to welcome Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, Head of Department Western Cape Department of Agriculture, to deliver the Keynote Address at the SIZA Conference. Dr Sebopetsa is passionate about the story of Agriculture and believes Agriculturalist, farmers and agri-workers have a duty to tell the story of Agriculture

Join us by securing your seat as he dives deeper into building resilient agriculture through collaboration at: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/380161-siza-conference-2026/#/

@doagov_za @Westerncape
Incorrect overtime calculations and incomplete pay Incorrect overtime calculations and incomplete payslips remain some of the most common non-conformances in the agricultural sector.

Join us for a practical training webinar covering:
• Overtime calculations made simple
• Compressed work weeks – when and how they apply
• Rain days, load-shedding and work stoppages
• Public holiday pay
• Leave for seasonal employees
• What your contracts and payslips must contain

If you would like to attend this webinar, send an email to kara@siza.co.za.

We look forward to seeing you online!
Speaker Announcement | SIZA Conference We are del Speaker Announcement | SIZA Conference

We are delighted to welcome Alexandre Garcia-Devis, agricultural engineer and Senior Sustainability Expert from Eurogroup - REWE Group to the SIZA Conference, where he will provide his insights on moving from risk identification to problem-solving.

Join us by securing your seat as he dives deeper into shifting the mindset for the creation of business values at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/380161-siza-conference-2026/#/
Join Our Interactive SIZA Environmental Legislatio Join Our Interactive SIZA Environmental Legislation Webinar

Environmental legislation can often seem complex, especially within the agricultural sector. But understanding your legal responsibilities doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Join our interactive online webinar where we will unpack the environmental regulations applicable to farms, packhouses, and processing facilities in South Africa, providing practical guidance on how to interpret and apply them with confidence.

During this session, you will:
- Gain a better understanding of key environmental legislation
- Learn how the regulations apply to your operation
- Receive practical guidance to support compliance
- Have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with our experts

For more information on our training events, visit www.siza.co.za. oremail Kara du Toit at kara@siza.co.za.

We look forward to welcoming you online!
Today, the amazing women of SIZA were celebrated a Today, the amazing women of SIZA were celebrated ahead of Women's Day with a truly special morning together. 

We were treated to a delicious breakfast, thoughtful pampering gifts, and, most importantly, the opportunity to share our stories, dreams, and aspirations with one another. It was a morning filled with laughter and meaningful conversations that reminded us of the strength and value of women supporting women.

A heartfelt thank you to Retha for creating such a memorable occasion and for making each of us feel appreciated, valued, and celebrated. Moments like these remind us that empowering women starts with recognising and celebrating one another.  We would also like to say thank you to Werner and Leam, who manage the office, so that we could have time off.

Happy Women's Day to all the incredible women who make a difference every day.
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