Who says an agricultural show can’t have a bit of va-va-voom? At Food For Mzansi’s special Agricultural Workers Day, held at Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp, we proved that you can mix hip-hop with responsible pesticide management, and it’s all about celebrating our agri-heroes.
We kicked things off with a masterclass on responsible pesticide management led by Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager at CropLife South Africa. His no-holds-barred session covered essential safety practices that every agricultural worker needs to know.
Verdoorn highlighted the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to shield against pesticide exposure.
Using the complimentary BASF safety kits that workers received, he demonstrated the proper use of gloves, masks, and protective clothing. Lebo Mokoena from Caledon said, “The safety kit is a nice touch. It’s great to see our safety being taken seriously.”
The BASF safety kit is a comprehensive solution designed to enhance the safety of agricultural workers. Besides featuring gloves and masks, it also features informative materials on proper use and disposal techniques. By providing these kits, BASF aims to promote responsible pesticide management and safeguard both the health of workers and the environment.
Verdoorn also introduced the triple rinse method, a crucial technique for ensuring that pesticide containers are thoroughly cleaned before disposal.
He explained that this method – rinsing the container three times and adding the rinse water to the spray tank – helps remove any residual chemicals, reducing the risk of contamination and environmental harm.
In addition to these practices, Verdoorn discussed the proper disposal of empty pesticide containers. He outlined the legal and safe disposal options available, stressing the importance of following regulations to prevent environmental pollution and protect public health.
Money matters with Old Mutual
Next up, Old Mutual delivered an impactful workshop focused on financial wellness as part of their On the Money Programme – a comprehensive financial education initiative designed to empower South Africans with essential money management skills.
Dylan Deane, senior learning facilitator at Old Mutual, took the lead in this session, providing invaluable insights on how agricultural workers can take control of their finances and plan for the future.
He covered a range of topics, from creating effective budgets to understanding the basics of savings and planning for the future. He highlighted the importance of setting financial goals and offered practical advice on how to achieve them. The session also included tips on managing debt, building an emergency fund, and making informed decisions about financial products and services.
Johnny Galant, an apple picker from the Overberg, found the Food For Mzansi event incredibly useful. “I always thought my earnings were too small to worry about budgeting,” he said.
“But now, I’ve learned how to budget and save better. Understanding how to handle debt and set financial goals will really help me improve my financial situation and feel more secure.”
Labour rights made simple
The department of rural development then took the stage with a session on labour rights and responsibilities.
This session also covered essential topics related to safety on farms. Speakers emphasised the importance of adhering to safety protocols to protect against as well as exciting opportunities for further training and personal growth.
Various programmes are available for agri-workers to enhance their skills and advance their careers. This included potential opportunities like Agri’s Got Talent, a platform that allows farmworkers to showcase their diverse talents beyond their daily work.
The session encouraged workers to embrace and utilise all their skills, whether on the job or in their personal pursuits. By taking advantage of these opportunities, workers can not only improve their professional skills but also gain recognition and open doors to new possibilities.
Hip-hop groove
Food For Mzansi’s Agricultural Workers Day at Nampo Cape wrapped up with a bang as Jason Baartman, Agri’s Got Talent star and apple nursery worker from Laastedrif Farm in Ceres, rocked the stage with his electrifying hip-hop performance. His set brought a vibrant and energetic vibe to the event, turning the spotlight on the cultural richness within the agricultural community.
Baartman’s performance wasn’t just about entertainment; it also served as a powerful commentary on the real issues facing farmworkers. Through his music, he highlighted critical topics such as farm attacks and safety concerns, which are pressing issues in the agricultural sector.
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