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The Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA) The Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA) The Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA)
  • About
    • Managing SIZA
  • Why SIZA
    • Subscription Levels & Costs
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Standards
    • Reviewing Standards
    • Audit Process Methodology
  • Audit Process
    • Completing the SAQ
    • Choosing An Audit Firm
    • Audit Execution
    • Audit Frequency & Between Audit Monitoring
    • Audit Disputes Process
  • SIZATrack360
    • SIZATrack360 Resources
    • SIZATrack360 FAQs
    • Tracking Impact Data – M&E Reports
  • Training & Support
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Social Audits

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Auditing Newsletter April 10, 2025

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 on the labour force. One of the key components of a successful social audit is the process of interviewing employees. According to guidelines from the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA) and the SIZA Audit Process and Methodology, how auditors conduct interviews can have a lasting impact on workers and employers. The key lies in conducting interviews effectively without damaging the trust and relationship between workers and their employers.

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Auditing Newsletter April 10, 2025

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 aim for best practice. It is valuable for the industry and the entire community to ensure continuous improvement.

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Auditing Newsletter April 10, 2025

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 rule or requirement for adequate rest and eating spaces.

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Auditing Newsletter September 26, 2024

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 the finding will be based on the root cause of the problem and certain risk factors observed on the day.

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Auditing Newsletter September 26, 2024

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 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.

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Auditing Newsletter September 26, 2024

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 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).

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Auditing Newsletter September 26, 2024

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 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.

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SIZA Sustainability Newsletter September 2, 2024

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 Environmental standards. The MySIZA platform stands out as a cutting-edge, globally competitive solution for the South African agricultural industry. 

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Auditing Newsletter May 17, 2024

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 conducted throughout various seasons and included a wide variety of agricultural crops and commodities.

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Auditing Newsletter May 17, 2024

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 but a requirement to ensure a third-party certification body has evaluated specific requirements of a standard required by the farm’s clients/buyers.

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