A recent wage study focusing on the Cape Winelands, a region known for South Africa’s densest concentration of wine farms, has opened for public comment, igniting discussion among key stakeholders.
Conducted last November, the study brought together government representatives, unions, producers, and farmworkers to create a platform for dialogue ahead of the report’s finalisation.
Commissioned by the Global Living Wage Coalition (GLWC) and funded by Fairtrade International, Fairtrade Africa, and Nordic partners, the research was carried out by the Development Policy Research Unit at the University of Cape Town with oversight from the Anker Research Institute.
“The study is for workers and producers to review the numbers and engage in discussions,” said Zinhle Dlamini, head of region at Fairtrade Africa.
A fair living wage
Koen Voorend from the Anker Research Institute described the study as a potential catalyst for sector-wide change in fair wage practices.
Preliminary findings from the Cape Winelands wage study examine the cost of a basic but decent standard of living for a typical South African household of four, two adults and two children. The research models accounted for:
- Food costs based on a nutritious, low-cost diet developed to align with local preferences.
- Housing standards necessary for a reasonable living environment.
- Other essential needs, such as clothing and transport.
- Provisions for emergencies, including unexpected events like death or house fires.
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The study reveals that the cost of living for a family of four in the Cape Winelands is approximately R12 318 per month. The estimated net living wage stands at R7 604 monthly, while the gross living wage is R7 681 per month.
This comprehensive benchmark offers a technical estimate of what workers need to cover essential costs for a decent standard of living.
While the findings are preliminary, the estimates will be reviewed once the income and expenditure survey (IES 2022/23) is released, with expected adjustments remaining within a 5% range.
Specific to the Cape Winelands, the study also paves the way for similar wage assessments in other regions. Public feedback is welcome until 8 December, allowing stakeholders to contribute to the final report. Written comments can be submitted to the Anker Research Institute at marthaandrichard@ankerinstitute.org.
The study also updates the 2013 living wage study for the Winelands district using the internationally recognised Anker methodology, combining detailed secondary data analysis with primary field data collection.
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