NC farmworkers empowered: Skills, safety & dreams ignited

The air was buzzing with pride and purpose at Food For Mzansi’s Northern Cape Agricultural Workers’ Day this week, where farmworkers weren’t just celebrated – they were empowered to rise, shine, and own their greatness.

Held in Upington in partnership with GP Viljoen Farms, Naturesmart, and CropLife South Africa, the annual event encouraged farmworkers to grab opportunities, upskill themselves and lead the future of farming.

Naturesmart CEO, Nico van der Merwe, shared why he is excited about the role that farmworkers play today and in the future of agriculture in South Africa.

He said at Naturesmart, a fresh produce retail supplier and exporter, they believe that when someone – whether it’s a farmworker or a colleague working in administration, or management – gets an opportunity, they must think about their responsibility to make that role a success.

“There’s a big difference between someone who climbs the ladder quickly and someone who doesn’t. Both have the ability to do so, but the difference lies in the one who seizes the opportunity 100% and makes something of it,” he says.

Van der Merwe highlighted that the agricultural sector is full of new opportunities, especially with the rise of technology.

“Look at the range of new skills you can learn – like becoming a drone operator, which is a course you can take to upskill yourself. There are also opportunities as data capturers or analysts. These roles are becoming increasingly important for decision-making on farms,” he shared, encouraging farmworkers to develop their skills and seize new opportunities.

Responsible pesticide awareness

Meanwhile, the more than 220 farmworkers in attendance gained vital, hands-on training in responsible pesticide management and the critical role of wearing PPE kits to protect their health and ensure on-farm safety.

Quade Sing Jam, compliance specialist at CropLife South Africa, led the training session to great acclaim. He passionately highlighted why farmworkers’ active involvement is essential to the future of the agricultural sector.

Sing Jam was quick to credit farmers for the incredible work they’re doing to keep agriculture moving forward, often under tough conditions.

However, when asked about common mistakes made by both farmers and labourers, he noted that some farmers, in an effort to cut costs, choose the cheapest PPE available – a move that can be risky.

“It was humbling to witness the enthusiasm and eagerness of the farmworkers to understand more about the environment and the pesticide industry, and the pitfalls that exist in the normal handling of pesticides during daily activities,” he said.

“Going for the cheapest PPE products is not always feasible because you need materials or products that are durable and long-lasting,” he cautioned.

He also pointed out that in regions where the summer heat can be intense, workers sometimes remove their PPE or use it incorrectly. “Unfortunately, that is detrimental to their health. The other issue is the use of PPE for purposes it’s not intended for,” he said.

Sing Jam also encouraged members of the agricultural community, including both farmers and workers, to participate in events dedicated to agricultural worker education.

“We don’t always know everything. Within these sessions, you’ll take something home to implement, and it can improve or enhance your safety in your work environment,” he said.

Dream big, start now

During the popular Food For Mzansi event, Cecilia Riekert – better known as aunty Poppie – shared her inspiring journey from farmworker to grape and bee farmer in the Northern Cape. After years of working the land for others, she now proudly runs her own enterprise.

She reminded farmworkers to dream bigger and not hold themselves back. “When I lost my husband, I still put all my children through matric. God helped me, but I didn’t sit back. Don’t sit back and wait for better days,” she said.

Riekert emphasised that everyone has the potential to achieve more.

“Maybe you’re meant to be the next farm manager, but you’re holding back. When you go back to the farm, look at your work with different eyes,” Riekert said.

Empowerment and well-being

And while chasing your dreams is vital, taking care of your health is just as important.

With fiery energy, Bennie van Schalkwyk, a health promotion officer from the Northern Cape department of health, delivered a passionate reminder to the crowd about the importance of prioritising their well-being. He unpacked several key pillars of a healthy lifestyle, explaining why it is essential for farmworkers to take charge of their health.

“Being sick or suffering from chronic illnesses makes life in the workplace very difficult,” Van Schalkwyk noted.

“When it’s time for you to work, you might have to be at the clinic for check-ups or collecting pills. Instead of earning a salary, you end up needing to be taken care of. Your health is a commodity, and you need to look after it.”

The day concluded on a high note with a dynamic performance by Jason Baartman, a talented rapper and former Agri’s Got Talent winner.

Baartman travelled all the way from Ceres in the Western Cape to uplift and inspire the crowd with his heartfelt Afrikaans songs. Beyond his musical talent, he is also a dedicated production assistant at Laastedrift in Ceres.