Today, thousands of farmworkers are celebrating International Workers’ Day which is also commemorated in South Africa to recognise the efforts and strides made in the workplace.
While there is a lot to appreciate, organisations in the agricultural sector said not much is being done for workers in the country. They are calling for a more proactive response to challenges in farming communities.
Farmworkers play a crucial role in the country’s agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of its economy. These workers are primarily responsible for various tasks such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops, as well as tending to livestock.
Farmworkers’ concerns
However, farmworkers face numerous challenges, including low wages, poor living conditions, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education.
Madeleine Herwil from Women on Farms (WOF) said without collaboration between watchdogs of the farmworkers and the government, there is little to celebrate as the day is just like an ordinary day with less meaning to the workers.
“The country and everyone need to remember that farmworkers play a very crucial role in the economy of South Africa, however, many do not see their role as important because still their rights are violated.
‘Workers must claim their rights’
“I think it’s time that farmworkers stand up and claim their rights because no one will do [that] for them. They are the ones who understand their frustrations at workplaces,” she said.
Herwil added that there is no need to reinvent the wheel as WOF has done a lot of work in campaigning and raising awareness on the concerns of farmworkers.
‘For example, now is time for the minimum wage. Farmers are not increasing [for] rent, water usage and electricity which leads to more deductions which comes back to the same money they were earning.”
Herwil said the country needs to take a step back and evaluate how farmworkers are being treated in some areas where their rights are violated daily with no help from anyone.
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What can be done
Meanwhile, communications officer at Fairtrade Sandra Ndlovu said since the dawn of democracy the country has made significant progress in advancing democracy and human rights.
“The agricultural sector continues to face various challenges, including exploitation, poor working conditions, and inadequate wages for farmworkers. Fairtrade certification has emerged as a beacon of hope, ensuring that producers receive fair prices for their products, adhere to strict labour standards, and promote sustainable farming practices.
“Additionally, Fairtrade interventions have focused on empowering workers through training programmes, capacity building, and community development initiatives. By investing in education and skills development, farmworkers have been able to improve their livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty,” she explained.
Ndlovu said Fairtrade has also prioritised gender equality and the empowerment of women in the agricultural sector. “Through Fairtrade certification, women have gained access to leadership roles, education, and resources, enabling them to have a voice in decision-making processes and improve their socio-economic status.”
Join forces to empower workers
According to Ndlovu, public partnerships play a crucial role in advancing the well-being of farmworkers and improving the state of agriculture.
“By joining forces with governments, non-profit organisations, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders, we can collectively address complex challenges and create holistic solutions that benefit the entire value chain.
“Public partnerships help to amplify our collective voice and advocacy efforts. By uniting with like-minded organisations and government agencies, we can advocate for policies and practices that prioritise the rights of farmworkers, promote sustainable agriculture, and foster inclusive economic development,” she said.
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