SIZA

In the agricultural sector, on-farm housing remains a common and often essential arrangement. However, providing accommodation to employees without a clear, written housing agreement exposes both the employer and the occupant to unnecessary legal and operational risk. From a SIZA perspective, formal housing agreements are not merely administrative documents but a key document that ensures… Continue reading Housing Agreements: What is important when looking at a housing agreement?

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

An effective environmental management system is the foundation for complying with the SIZA Environmental Standard. This standard is built on four pillars—soil, water, biodiversity and energy, materials and waste —all of which are addressed holistically across your business or farming enterprise through risk identification, prevention and mitigation measures, and legal compliance A common misconception is… Continue reading Why Full-Scope Audits Matter

Completing a SIZA audit is more than just ticking a box — it’s a way of doing business and a visible commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. For many farms and packhouses, this achievement reflects the collective effort of an entire team dedicated to ethical labour practices and environmental stewardship. Naturally, some businesses wish to… Continue reading Proud to have a SIZA Audit completion Letter:  Guideline for Using the SIZA Logo Responsibly

The Importance of Formally Cancelling Your SIZA Profile Since SIZA incurs ongoing costs for data storage and third-party licensing—including a profile-based fee to its platform host, Salesforce—it cannot indefinitely retain expired or inactive accounts. By officially cancelling your account, you help maintain transparency, avoid unnecessary charges, and protect your professional standing. Taking this step also… Continue reading Ending Your SIZA Subscription? Here’s What You Need to Know

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.

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).