It is no secret that right here in Mzansi, every meal or beverage we enjoy is somehow connected to an agricultural worker.
These are the men and women who keep the wheels of industry turning and according to key role players in the sector, their invaluable contribution must be recognised and celebrated.
Today, the country enjoys a public holiday thanks to yesterday’s Worker’s Day (1 May 2022), which celebrates workers’ rights and reminds us of the critical role South Africa’s working people play in the economy.
On this special day, leaders in the agricultural sector share their thoughts on what this day symbolises and means for South Africa’s farming community.
Secure a better future for farmworkers
According to Agri SA executive director Christo van der Rheede, the organisation extends its sincerest appreciation to all farmworkers as their immense contribution has helped to establish a world-class agricultural sector in South Africa.
“For that we not only thank them, but commit ourselves to ongoing investment in training and the upskilling of farmworkers, as the future of farm work continues to become more and more technologically orientated.
“A long-term plan – aimed at creating sustainable and self-reliant modern and smart rural settlements for farmworkers and their families that will continuously improve their living standards and provide greater social security through new opportunities – is of critical importance to overcome growing poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.”
Van der Rheede says Agri SA has committed itself to working with government and other stakeholders to draft a plan to secure a better future for farmworkers, their families and rural communities.
Everything is connected to agricultural workers
Wanda Augustyn, Vinpro’s media and communications manager, tells Food For Mzansi that on Workers’ Day they feel especially connected to all agricultural workers in the wine industry and celebrate them and their achievements.
“Those who wake up early and work until dawn. Every glass of wine we enjoy is connected to an agricultural worker.
“You are the backbone of our wine industry supply chain. We see you. We appreciate you. We thank you and salute you for your contribution today and every day.”
Covid-19 accentuated their importance
Western Cape minister of agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer wishes to emphasise the importance of agricultural workers and to celebrate them for their invaluable contribution to the agricultural sector within the Western Cape and the country at large.
“The past [two] years have accentuated the importance of their work when many people worked from home or lost their jobs, or had no employment.
“They continued with their daily activities as part of the essential services, ensuring food security and supply, thus contributing to the economy at a very challenging time for our nation.”
Critical role from yield to port
According to Lebogang Sethusha, Agri SA’s labour and employment law specialist, the continuous success and sustainability of the agricultural sector now and in the future depends on all players in the sector setting a table with all key stakeholders.
“Growth exists when the value chain [partners] find essence in each other,” she says.
“The incredible stewardship shown by workers in this sector has firmly ensured South Africa’s well-being through the work they wake up to do each day, each season, and in each commodity.”
Sethusha points out that this day should be a testament to the value agricultural workers put forward from yield to port.
Keeping the wheels of the industry turning
Citrus Growers’ Association CEO Justin Chadwick says that on Workers’ Day the citrus industry would like to thank all workers who keep the wheels of industry turning.
“[From] the pickers [to the] packers and others on the farms and other links in the supply chain, we celebrate with you this recognition of your service to the South African economy.
“Do not be side-tracked by those who have alternate agendas. Join hands with industry so that we can ensure a vibrant, inclusive citrus sector in our beautiful country.”
Humanity without agriculture cannot exist
For Emerentia Patientia, senior project officer at Fairtrade Africa, it is simple – humanity cannot exist without agriculture and farming.
“Today, in particular, we wish to celebrate and salute all our workers and role players in farming who work long hours, endure sometimes harsh weather conditions, work with dangerous machinery, etc. to ensure that we are nourished.”
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