Raisins South Africa is leading the way with its focus on
transformation projects within the industry. Many growers
are working with processors to fund BEE (Black Economic
Empowerment) projects, which promotes skills
development, ownership, management and socio-economic
development amongst the black community.
There is also an increased emphasis within the industry on
providing workers with additional support within the
workplace. This has included a range of incentives such as
laundry facilities for protective clothing and food schemes in
schools and local communities. These schemes have been
funded by some of the country's packers and growers,
showing the nationwide push towards socio-economic
development and equal opportunity.
The Blocuso Trust is one of the many projects set up within
the industry. It was first established to manage 216ha of
grapes on behalf of farm residents. It aims to encourage job
creation and improve the lives of the Blocuso beneficiaries.
The project employs permanent and temporary workers
from the three local Blocuso communities, who farm various
raisin and wine grape cultivars. All income generated is then
reinvested back into the community and used for
infrastructure such as water drainage systems, community
halls and mechanical equipment.