Social Sustainability
The principle of sustainable agricultural practices incorporates both natural and human resources. Consideration must therefore also be given to human resources such as working and living conditions of farm workers, the needs of the local community as well as their health and safety when integrating a sustainable systems approach to agriculture.
Social Responsibility
Social sustainability is a core philosophy in our business and can be witnessed through our support of the Pebbles Project, the Owethu Clinic, the Early Childhood Development Centre and the After-School Club.
These, together with other programmes, have earned us WIETA and BBBEE (Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment) Accreditation.
The Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association, established in November 2002 was instrumental in bringing together stake holders in the Western Cape wine and broader agricultural industries to promote ethical trade in the agricultural sector. The WIETA Code of Conduct prohibits the use of child labour, excessive working hours and unfair discrimination, while ensuring a healthy and safe working environment and the right to a living wage.
The Pebbles Project
Villiera Wines is home to the Pebbles Project which enriches the lives of thousands of children in the Winelands of the Western Cape by focusing on 5 key areas: Education, Health, Nutrition, Community and Protection. Villiera is also home to The Owethu Clinic.
After-School Club
The Villiera Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre and After-school club are operated under the supervision of the Pebbles Project. Early childhood development is provided to +30 children of Villiera farm workers and the fully equipped after-school club provides a safe environment where children can complete homework assignments under supervision while their parents are still at work.