BLACK EMPOWERMENT IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE INDUSTRY

For obvious reasons in recent weeks we have seen much activity across the world in relation to the #blacklivesmatter movement. Originally founded in 2013, their focus has, until now, largely been on Afro-American relations.

Personally, I am rather uneasy about it. Whilst I see the reasoning behind it, I believe that ALL lives matter, and there is much that each of us as individuals can do to support true integration and equal opportunity. Unless we continue to bury our heads in the sand, the vast majority of us will see this as a worldwide problem, not one restricted to the USA or other affluent westernised nations.

I also believe that we cannot airbrush out our history; what we can, and must, do is to acknowledge the mistakes we have made, the atrocities we have committed, and learn from them to enable us to take positive actions to change for the benefit of all.

When it comes to industry there is no doubt that certain sectors of the population have suffered unduly at the hands of ruthless organisations and employers, but we should remember when lambasting them that each of these is owned and run by individuals who are ultimately responsible and have the power to change the way they operate, if they so choose. As consumers, we have the power in our own hands to bring these people down from their pedestals by voting with our feet and our wallets. Violence is not the answer.

When it comes to the wine industry I have been particularly interested in developments in South Africa and, Covid-19 notwithstanding, had planned a trip there later this year.

The South African wine industry produces 4% of the world’s wine and is the tenth largest wine producer globally, creating employment for 290,000 people. Since entering the global market, it has made significant economic and social progress and is committed to achieving transformation and social development.

The South African wine industry wants to re-assure consumers that agri-workers are paid a decent wage, their children are supported, and that the wines they enjoy have contributed to a better life for agri-workers. Part of this has been brought about through the Black Economic Empowerment initiative. About 67 wine brands are black owned, which out of a total of over 3,000 is not a great deal, but it is a start, although black ownership is not the magic solution to the many socio-economic problems that exist.

One aspect that surprised me, and that has benefited from the change, is the prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome where, quite illegally, workers were paid in wine.

For our part, I was please to discover that programmes such as www.stronger2gether.org, which aims to fight modern slavery, has received funding from our Home Office to contribute towards education and training.

As a wine drinker, I and other like-minded people can actively play our part in changing the world around us, buy buying wines that can make a difference. Fairtrade is one example of this, championed by the Co-op, and the #wineforgood campaign, launched in South Africa in 2016, has also done much to raise awareness.

We can help to make the world a better, fairer place. When choosing what to drink with the Sunday roast this week, why not do your bit and select one of these South African wines that, when I last checked, were available to buy in the UK, and at prices to suit most budgets.

Du Toitskloof Wines was one of the first Fairtrade producers in South Africa. Farm workers are stakeholders in the success of what is produced and have the chance to gain new skills and create opportunities for their children. More than 2,500 people have directly benefited from their initiative which includes day-care centres, a clinic, a primary school, a library, a bus-service and bursaries for education and adult literacy projects.

Oldenburg Vineyards produce award-winning wines and launched their hip Aitsa!, a local aftercare centre that supports local people by providing a safe and stimulating after school environment for children in the community. They have 230 learners in their programme, which includes lunch, chess, dancing, art, reading and computer assisted learning.

Balance wine, easily recognisable by the Hank the Elephant mascot, provides funds for the  Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA) PEACE project, an educational programme promoting the peaceful cohabitation of local communities with desert elephants in South Africa.

Van Loveren Family Vineyards has two wine ranges dedicated to wildlife conservation; Their Five's Reserve Range benefits the South African Wildlife College, an initiative of the WWF and Peace Parks Foundation. Their Employees Trust owns 25% of the brand, giving employees access to the range of activities and skills within the marketplace, and also a bursary scheme for their children.

I have also long been familiar with, and a fan of, Painted Wolf Wines, set up in 2007. They donate 4% of their turnover to raise funds and promote the conservation of the endangered African Wild Dog. 

We can all do our bit to make life more equal for others…. we just have to be more conscious of our own thoughts, words and deeds, and the impact they have on others.