Ethical Audits

A third-party audit remains a cornerstone of the SIZA Audit process. It provides a credible, objective picture of a supplier’s on-site practices to stakeholders in South Africa and buyers across global markets. In an increasingly transparent, due diligence-driven world, an audit measures compliance and helps to shape perceptions and convey a picture of the grassroots… Continue reading The Role Auditors Can Play to Strengthen Compliance, Transparency and Trust

In any credible compliance programme, the integrity of the third-party audit process is paramount. The primary objective of an audit is to provide an independent, objective, and standardised evaluation of a supplier’s practices. For this reason, it is essential that the audit process remain free from undue influence and be conducted in accordance with fair… Continue reading Protecting the Integrity of the Compliance Process:  Auditors vs Consultants

Audits are often perceived as compliance exercises that take up a lot of time, but they are a necessary part of the value chain to satisfy buying customers. It is, however, important to remember that audits can become a powerful management tool that drives continuous improvement. From a SIZA perspective, the value of an audit… Continue reading How can Auditors Contribute so that audits become a management tool to drive continuous improvement?

The primary role of a SIZA auditor is to assess compliance with the SIZA Standard Requirements and Audit Checklist. On the audit day, this includes identifying non-conformances and highlighting potential risks to enable remediation and drive continuous improvement in agriculture. However, a truly effective audit goes beyond identifying gaps. It also recognises what is working… Continue reading The Strategic Value of Reporting & Celebrating Best Practices

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.

The festive season marks one of the busiest periods in South African agriculture. For many suppliers, this time coincides with harvest peaks, tight packing schedules, logistical challenges, and export deadlines. While much of the country winds down for the holidays, agricultural sectors such as table grapes, stone fruit, and subtropical fruit ramp up for their… Continue reading Worker Wellbeing and Social Responsibility During Festive Operations

The SIZA Standards are developed to encompass various South African laws, which cover topics like worker health and safety, environmental protection, and general labour and environmental management. Key legislation incorporated into the SIZA standards includes the National Environmental Management Act, the Labour Relations Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and the Constitution of South… Continue reading Which legal requirements form part of the SIZA Standards

The rules around cooking, fire safety, and legislation on farms can be complex and different for each farm. One of the main hazards often identified is the use of gas bottles by occupants in agri-worker accommodation. While gas bottles and stoves are common in daily life, their use in housing carries serious risks and strict… Continue reading Gas Bottles in Worker Accommodation – What’s Allowed?

Transporting workers is one of the highest-risk activities in agriculture, and many employers use third-party providers to move staff to and from farms or packhouses. While outsourcing transport can be practical, it is not always possible, and does not remove the producer’s responsibility to ensure that transport is safe, legal, and well-managed. The SIZA Transport Guide reminds… Continue reading Third-Party Worker Transport: Who’s Responsible?

Employment Equity (EE) is becoming an increasingly important topic for South African businesses, particularly with recent amendments to the Employment Equity Act (EEA). While not a direct SIZA audit checklist requirement, suppliers who operate in agriculture and related sectors should be aware of the legal obligations and the practical steps needed to stay compliant. The… Continue reading Employment Equity – What Resources are Out There?