Q & A: TRANSFORMATION & LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE INDUSTRY
The South African wine industry currently produces 4.0% of the world’s wine and we are the tenth largest producer of wine globally. The industry contributes R36 billion to our GDP, creating employment for 290 000 people throughout the wine value chain. The wine industry has also made South Africa an attractive wine tourism destination.
The South African wine industry has made significant economic and social progress since joining global markets and has committed itself to achieving transformation and social development targets.
THE WINE ENTHUSIAST: RESPONSIBLE SOUTH AFRICA
There are an array of important issues being examined around the world right now. Conversations surrounding sustainability, labor, community development, equal opportunity and equitable representation are becoming more prominent in nearly every country, culture and profession, and the wine industry is not immune. These discourses can encourage a shared sense of cognisance and ethical duty to positive long-term effect.
While South Africa’s social policies and citizen treatment were stained by apartheid, many within the country’s wine industry have been committed to social responsibility and development of their communities.