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BOYCOTT SA WINE - MADNESS?
by STAFF REPORTER
AS Cosatu threatens further Western Cape farm strikes this week, a call by some unions and charities for a British boycott of South African wines has been called ‘unfair’and ‘damaging’. Since November, a wave of strikes has spread, with workers demanding a minimum wage of the equivalent of £10.65 a day. Last week unions including the Black Workers’ Agricultural Sector Union (Bawusa) put out a general call for a boycott of South African wine and fruit to put pressure on this largely export-led industry, in which around 500,000 agricultural workers work for R69 (under £5) a day. According to Workers Liberty, the strikers are also fighting the multinational retailers that have benefited massively from the poor wages in the Western Cape to maximise profits on wine and fruit. “The government should be forcing the farmers to the table but it is not. Our only weapon left is for foreign buyers to pledge that unless conditions are addressed, they will no longer import South African products,’’ said Nosey Pieterse, secretary general of Bawusa. According to the Guardian, “Unions and charities supporting the farm workers say pay and working conditions are so bad that South African wines, table grapes
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and granny smith apples should be as unacceptable to responsible British consumers as they were under apartheid.” However, an online poll, in which 59% of Guardian readers said they would boycott South African wine, has been condemned by Wines of South Africa as ‘unfair’and ‘damaging’. It appealed for an end to calls for a wine boycott, as that could only lead to further job losses. In an open letter to The Guardian, Su Birch, CEO of Wines of South Africa, wrote, “The coverage unfairly targets the South African wine industry and has the potential to do unimaginable damage to an industry that is working hard, through its support of the Wine and Agricultural Industry Ethical Association (WIETA), and also Fairtrade, to ensure the ethical treatment of workers. “While we acknowledge that work is still to be done, South Africa is the largest producer of Fair Trade wines in the world and the initiatives by WIETA are making real, tangible progress that puts South Africa at the forefront of ethical, social sustainability.” Many of The South African’s readers thought the boycott was “biting the hand that feeds you”. According to Annelize du Toit, “I will not boycott SA products. If they do this where do they think any money will come from to pay their workers never mind increase their wages!” Sandi Bruce-Jones said, “SA
INSIDE:
Johnny Clegg at London’s Royal Albert Hall – 1 night only | p7 His highly acclaimed A South African Story begins at the Royal Albert Hall on March 27.
From Robben Island to the mainland – floating by helium balloons| p5 See page 7 to win VIP ticket pack to Goldfish, live in London for one night only wines are the best, and same with fruit, will continue to buy.” Laura-Lee Burford said, “Would most certainly not boycott SA products. There are many people who would do those jobs for that pay. I am so sick of the greed and lack of work ethic in this country. The unions don’t care. They get more money when there is trouble and are part of the whole corrupt system.” Gavin Almeida added, “Makes
total sense, let the farmers earn less so that they can pay more. Brilliant logic that.” However Ziyanda Gysman pointed out, “To all those who think that boycotting these SA products abroad is stupid, what do you think played a huge part in the fall of apartheid? And instead of criticising, please suggest better strategies.” Let us know what you think on www.thesouthafrican.com/news
A UK-based South African will brave winds and sharkinfected waters to make a crazy airborne journey – all in the name of charity
SA Power 100: Geoff Johnson | p13 We talk to struggle-era ANC member turned successful businessman and advocate for making the ‘greatest dent in the greatest need’ .
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