Compliance

SIZA celebrates ten years as an independent organisation at a celebration event on 19 August 2026. However, the real story behind the milestone is not simply the growth of an organisation. It is the story of a South African agricultural industry that recognised, long before many of today’s sustainability requirements became mainstream, that it needed to take responsibility for its practices.

One of the strongest messages to emerge from the recent SIZA Conference in South Africa was that compliance can no longer be viewed simply as a requirement for market access. In an increasingly complex global agricultural environment, compliance is becoming a critical tool for building resilient businesses, trusted supply chains, and sustainable agricultural systems.

What is important when we talk about responsibilities toward seasonal and foreign labour in South African agriculture? For the majority of agricultural suppliers, the peak season typically occurs during harvests, when packhouses and processing facilities are operating at full capacity. For many South African farms and suppliers, seasonal workers are utilised during this time, and… Continue reading Ethical Employment Practices during Peak Season: Make SIZA a Lifestyle, Not Just a Compliance Initiative.

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

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

During a SIZA audit, when a SIZA auditor makes a finding, the auditor must allocate a risk rating to each finding. The risk rating of the finding will be based on the root cause of the problem and certain risk factors observed on the day.

South Africa has several laws regarding asbestos, specifically on managing it when it is present on a site. The regulations give employers a clear duty to identify asbestos in place and manage it properly. This duty is also extended to employees to take care of their health and safety and also look after others who may be affected. The Asbestos Abatement Regulations, as promulgated in November 2020, set out the requirements for the disposal of asbestos under Section 21.

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 business, all foreign workers in South Africa must possess a valid passport or ID and the necessary work permits. Employing foreign nationals without a valid work permit and passport is illegal under the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 (as amended).

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 accommodation, additional electricity charges can only be made if an adequate prepaid meter is installed. This allows the occupant’s usage to be measured, with the cost deducted accordingly—only if both parties agree in writing beforehand.

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 management is key in ensuring farm sustainability and audit compliance. While soil enhancement practices can be adapted based on specific conditions, common techniques such as soil health assessments, erosion control, nutrient management, and minimising compaction are widely used to promote soil health and prevent degradation.