Waitrose Foundation Newsletter - South Africa

Newsletter
September 2012 Issue 21
In this edition:
Foreword – Robert Balicki
Rapiprop ABET facilitators
training
Westfalia Technical Skills
Training
Lushof Squash Development
Katco HIV/Aids Awareness
Think and Sink Remhoogte
Life Skills training
Celebration of Women’s Day
Foundation CEO – Nazlie du
Toit
Meet the Foundation
Accountant
Annual Farm Worker
Conference
Bambanani Celebrates
Heritage Day
Glenavon Community hall
opening
Opening of GFC community
hall
Rethabile opened their doors
Thuthuzela Tots travel
Katco school holiday
programme
African Farms workshop and
Expo
Foreword
One of the pleasures of having been a director of the Foundation for a
number of years has been to see how it has grown and developed but, more
importantly, matured into a really effective organisation that is making a big
difference to the lives of the farm workers. It is hugely satisfying to see how
the projects are developing and the increased appetite on farms for projects
that not only support the beneficiaries but also help develop their
communities.
More importantly I think that the Foundation has a clear idea of the way in
which it can make the biggest difference. The adoption of CAMI is one
indication of the direction we need to take going forward. Education will be
the key to supporting farm workers on all of the Foundation farms and the
earlier that children are introduced to a focused integrated system the better
the learning. That is why I see CAMI as so exciting.
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Capacity building is also extremely important and I am really pleased to see
this being successfully rolled out across the Foundation. Alongside these
initiatives the Foundation wants to develop a youth engagement programme
to ensure that the potential amongst the young on the farms can be realised.
This will be a big challenge for the Foundation but when successful will make
a fundamental difference to the farm communities.
It is a great privilege to be a director of the Foundation and I would like to
pay tribute not only to the team that works for the Foundation but also to the
Worker committees on all the farms. This is where a lot of unseen work takes
place and is undertaken on top of the farm job and family life. However it is
this fundamental approach that sets the Foundation apart from other support
schemes and is integral to its success. Well done to all the worker committees
and a big thank you for all your time and support.
~Robert Balicki, Director Waitrose Foundation~
“The future depends on what we do in the present”.
Mahatma Gandhi
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1

"Learning is about
more than simply
acquiring new
knowledge and
insights; it is also
crucial to unlearn old
knowledge that has
outlived its
relevance. Thus,
forgetting is probably
at least as important
as learning."
Gary Ryan Blair
"Teachers are those
who use themselves
as bridges, over
which they invite
their students to
cross; then having
facilitated their
crossing, joyfully
collapse, encouraging
them to create
bridges of their
own."
Nikos Kazantzakis
Rapiprop ABET Facilitators Training
From 18 – 19 July 2012, it was my privilege to train eight facilitators as ABET
facilitators in an enjoyable interactive session.
As the training material covers a lot of theory, it is necessary to keep the
learners alert and responsive by encouraging them to participate practically
in the training.
The first session is always the toughest as learners tend to feel uncomfortable
with the unfamiliar surroundings and therefore are not very responsive.
Fortunately this situation is normally short lived as the facilitator quickly sets
everyone at ease.
By the end of the first day they were
relaxed and knew what ABET was all
about. This was followed up by a
practical assignment the next morning.
They each had to find an article in a
newspaper/magazine etc. and do an oral
presentation to determine if they would
be able to speak in front of a class full of
learners.
Their creative contribution was
impressive as everyone participated, amidst gnawing nerves.
By the end of the training, the goals had been reached. Every learner will be
able to conduct the ABET training with passion and leaves with a very real
understanding of their role in impacting and empowering every ABET trainee
with knowledge.
.
The content of the training included
The profile of a facilitator
Preparation for training, learning program and the venue
Facilitation methods
Resources
Feedback from learners
Dealing with learner expectations
Assessment: what it is
Role and responsibility of the assessor and the candidate
Steps in assessment
Learner support
~Written by Amanda Erasmus, Excelsa Abet Training Provider for Rapiprop~
It is not true that we have only one life to live; if we can
read, we can live as many more lives and as many kinds of
lives as we wish.
S.I. Hayakawa
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Westfalia Technical Skills Training
There were 6 skills trades offered. Plumbing, Electrical, Automotive
maintenance, Welding, Bricklaying and Carpentry which included basic
business principles in business management. Both temporary and permanent
workers benefitted from the training.
180 workers benefitted from this training.
The training was conducted for 15 days.
Training was done on the farms (Quantock, Belvedere, Westfalia
main site, Evenrond)
The training was done on weekends, Saturday & Sunday
Bricklaying
Plumbing
Carpentry
Welding
Trainees participated in this training programme at Westfalia Main
site and Belvedere.
All trainees were male farm workers.
12 of them were youth under the age of 35.
24 workers participated in this skills trade.
20 learners were male and 4 female.
8 participants were youth under the age of 35.
19 trainees participated in this training.
23 temporary and permanent workers participated in the training.
There were no female workers.
Here were 7 youth under the age of 35.
Automotive Maintenance
Electrical
26 workers participated in this skills trade.25 male and 1 female
trainees. The training took place at Belvedere farm and Westfalia
main site. All trainees were male farm workers.7 trainees were youth
under the age of 35.
The Carpentry trainees put a ceiling in one of the worker’s house.
30 workers were trained at Quantock and Westfalia main site.
26 were male workers and 4 female.
5 of the trainees were youth under the age of 35.
~Written by Dorcus Molomo, Project Coordinator, Westfalia ~
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Nothing great was ever
achieved without
enthusiasm.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The content of your
character is your choice.
Day by day, what you
choose, what you think,
and what you do is who
you become. Your
integrity is your
destiny... it is the light
that guides your way."
Heraclitus
(540-480 B C)
Don't compromise yourself.
You are all you've got."
Janis Joplin
Lushof Squash Development
The squash development programme continues to be very successful.
Between 30-35 children attend classes on a weekly basis and are coached in
the various aspects of squash, the value of sport and keeping a healthy body
are taught. They are taught to win and lose and how to behave in an
acceptable manner on and off the squash court.
During the 1st term (Jan, Feb & March) I was able to offer those with
potential extra coaching to prepare them adequately for the Boland Trials
and tournaments that they had to play in. There was a remarkable
improvement in their play. They took part in the Boland Open Championships
and trial that were held in Stellenbosch and
Paarl.
There were 6 players selected to represent
Boland at the Satellite Games during August in
George: Terence Claassen, Jean- Leonard
Onrust, Vivian Meyer, Wesley Swarts, Jowain
Jantjies and Lionel Maart.
The children did very well at the tournaments
that they attended and learnt some very important life skills! They were also
given the opportunity to experience different places, people & events that
otherwise would have been out of reach for them. The Squash development
project improves the children’s self image and skills.
~Written by Glenda von Buddenbrock, Squash Coach for Lushof~
“Think or Sink” for Remhoogte Adult and Youth
The Think or Sink programme by Ethical Leadership Institute (ELI) was
presented to 30 adults and 18 young people from Remhoogte, followed by 6
mentor sessions for each group. The focus of the programme is that anyone
can change their life by changing their thinking.
Both adults and youth received training in the following:
The Six Pillars of character namely trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. All of these are used in
decision making which forms the basis for good relationships at home,
work and school.
Positive identity and the concept of self esteem were addressed, a
tool needed to identify what are the lies you believe about yourself
and how it happened that you believe it.
Participants reported the following as lessons learnt:
“During the mentorship session I experienced that
some are listening to me and do understand me”.
“I learnt how to communicate with other people”.
“I learnt how to look positively at issues in my life”.
The participants are looking forward to reap the rewards of the training
through applying what they have been trained on in their lives. Thanks to
Remhoogte Boerdery and Waitrose Foundation for this life enriching
opportunity.
~Written by Lea Cupido, Worker Committee Member, Remhoogte~
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Katco creating HIV/AIDS awareness through theatre
On the 25 th of September the staff at Katco was entertained by Africa
Centre for HIV/Aids Management. The group of actors performed
their mini-musical: Lucky, The Hero in our Sewing Room/ Theatre.
Although this is a serious topic, fun was had by all. We laughed
danced, clapped hands and cried with Lucky as we accompanied him
on his journey after he heard that he was HIV positive. The musical
created general awareness, increased knowledge about HIV/Aids,
promoted HIV testing, addressed safer and responsible sexual and
moral behaviour aimed at preventing infection and tackled
discrimination and stigma.
After the show a professional team consisting of nursing staff and
counsellors were available to assist in HIV testing and counselling.
The audience was so inspired by the play that about 25 people
wanted to know their HIV status and had themselves tested.
Thank you to the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management for
travelling all the way to Fort Beaufort and for leaving these positive
footprints in our lives. We look forward to working with you in the
future.
What a positive outreach by this group of talented people!!!
~Written by Heleen Le Roux, Project Coordinator, Katco~
La Colline Women’s Day Breakfast
On Saturday, 18 August, the Women’s Club of La Colline had a women’s
breakfast in celebration of Women’s day. It was definitely one exciting day
for the women on the farm as they were served with breakfast and a fun
session of indoor games such as “Balloon Volleyball” and the “Amazing Pasta
Race”. Everybody received a small present as a token of appreciation and a
whole lot of life lessons were taught.
Miss Erica Witbooi from Worcester was our
guest speaker and could encourage and
empower our lovely ladies on the farm. The
Lord restored and revived a lot of women as
they came for prayer that day. It was a
very inspiring day for most of the women on
the farm as they could walk out with so
much peace and freedom irrespective of
their current circumstances.
Hilda Links from Waitrose Foundation also attended this event. This was a
huge privilege for us to have her in our midst. This was an unforgettable day
for the women on the farm, as they still remember and talk about that
“lekker dag”.
~Written by Moira Daniels, Project Coordinator, La Colline ~
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"I think the key is for
women not to set any
limits."
Martina Navratilova
Naudeshof Women’s’ day Celebration 2012
As part of women’s month this year the Naudeshof women decided to give
back to their local community what they have been receiving the past years
from the Waitrose Foundation. Therefore they visited the “Brave Heart Home
“for abused, neglected and disabled children.
The funds they have raised through the
projects of the Women’s Club were used
to buy food, vegetables, snacks and
clothes for the children and on Saturday
18 September 2012 the women went to
spend the day at the home with the
children and provided these items to
them.
The chairperson of the Women’s Club,
Ruth Dudumashe, also shared a word of
appreciation and thanks to the staff who
worked at the home for their love and
patience towards the children. She also
told them that everything they do will not
be without blessings from God.
Responses of some women : Jane Adams – “ Some of us do not appreciate
what our parents do for us in life but when you meet children like these
whose faces lighten up just from getting a hug from a stranger let my tears
fall “
Maggie George “ –We sometimes do not know what is the meaning of having
family to lean on and these children must put their trust in the hands of
strangers for love and care . What goes through their young minds? “
The Brave Heart Home is situated in De Doorns and their main needs are food,
nappies, milk and juice. Any donation is welcome.
~Written by Jessica Swartz, Project Coordinator, Naudeshof~
Karsten Women’s Day Celebration
On the 4 th of August 80 women from Roepersfontein, Kromhout, Blouputs,
Klein Pella and Raap en Skraap got together in the hall at Raap en Skraap to
celebrate Women’s month. All women were dressed up beautifully, were
welcomed and served on arrival with hot beverages and snacks by Petro.
The program was opened by Kathy Persens with Proverbs 31. Evelynn had the
ladies play various games as ice breakers to make them feel at ease.
The theme for the day was “Make time for your friends” presented by Anelma
Steenkamp. She used smarties to illustrate to the participants how different
each other are in terms of their personalities, character, attitude, etc. The
ladies were given each a smartie and asked to suck it until the colour coding
were off until all of them only had chocolate in their mouth. The message to
the ladies was despite the difference between women all are the same and
equal before our Creator. As women they should make time for each other
within their circle of friendship. Friendship is not cheap; you cannot put a
price to it. The ladies were spoiled with a gift (a handmade, material hart)
from the Blouputs women’s needlework group.
~Written by Veronica van Schalkwyk, Project Coordinator, Karsten~
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"There comes a time when
the mind takes a higher
plane of knowledge but
can never prove how it got
there."
Albert Einstein
Zwartbooisberg celebrates Women’s Day
Mariana Visagie, the crèche manager, and her team arranged a very special
occasion for all female workers of Zwartbooisberg to celebrate Women’s Day.
The function took place on Saturday 11 August 2012 at the crèche. Mariana
was the speaker and she addressed the women on the history of Women’s
Day. The youth and Afterschool children entertained the ladies with poetry,
drama and dancing. Each woman present was given a gift as a token of
appreciation and was served with a light snack.
~Written by Mariana Visagie, Worker Committee Member, Orex~
Introducing the new Chief Executive Officer
Our Chairman is currently away on holiday so it is my great pleasure to
introduce our new CEO to you on behalf of the Board. Nazlie du Toit joined
the Foundation in August having come through several rounds of interviews
and having been finally selected out of over 100 potential candidates!
Nazlie has vast experience in the field of human resources and social
development within South Africa. She has acquired this experience in both
the private sector as well as within government and has thus seen things from
both sides.
For 10 years Nazlie managed Community Investment on
behalf of the Community Chest of the Western Cape and was
responsible for over 850 applications for community funding
per year. Nazlie also gained valuable experience with
Parmalat managing the Corporate Social Investment portfolio
for this multinational company where she was responsible for
developing policy and implementing CSI strategy.
Most recently Nazlie has spent time with the Government
Department of Social Development in the Western Cape where she was
responsible for managing and co coordinating the implementation of
strategies for the poor, needy and those with special needs within the region.
Nazlie thus comes to us with a wealth of experience and also with a passion
for social development and for making a difference to the lives of people –
exactly what we need in the Foundation!
During the past couple of months Nazlie has been frantically busy picking up
the reins at the Foundation, doing several field trips to visit as many of the
Foundation farms as possible. Many of you will already have had the
opportunity to meet her and for those of you who have not yet had that
opportunity, I am sure it will not be long before she arrives on your doorstep!
I am sure with the amazing energy, professionalism, experience and skill set
which Nazlie brings with her, that we are in good hands. It is a huge
responsibility but also a very exciting challenge that Nazlie has taken on. I
know that the board will provide Nazlie with their full support and we wish
her all good fortune for the task at hand.
~Written by Rory Antrobus, Director, Waitrose Foundation~
7

Farm Worker Conference
The 6 th Annual Farm Conference took place on 6 th and 7 th September in Stellenbosch,
Western Cape. A total of 36 farms attended.
The positive and constructive experience at
this year’s farm conference confirmed again
that this event adds value to the lives of farm
workers and should therefore remain on the
Foundation’s calendar.
Farm owners, administrators, project coordinators and the 36 delegates all
contributed to its success and ensured that everybody who attended the
conference at the Kleine Zalze Conference Centre in Stellenbosch, Cape Town
was enriched. Farm owners allowed some of their key workers to attend,
administrators and project coordinators helped with the preparations of the
presentations and ensured that those delegates who travelled from far (and
some by plane for the first time) arrived in Cape Town safely.
The thorough preparation and quality presentations of the workers
contributed to the successful introduction of representatives from new
member farms, to the work of the Foundation.
The new CEO, Nazlie du Toit was also impressed with the quality workers
and projects the Foundation is supporting on farms across South Africa.
Delegates reported in their evaluation at the end of the conference, that it
is indeed an event that should remain in the programme of the Foundation,
that more committee members must be exposed to other workers and their
projects and that it is definitely an experience that broadens the view and
skills of farm workers.
8

This level of cooperation
highlighted the theme of this
year’s conference namely
Teamwork and demonstrated
what can be accomplished by a
group of people who has similar
motivation and willingly work
together towards a common
goal.
Obvious flying for the first time was an unbelievable experience, in
the first 20 minutes from Kruger Nelspruit International Airport I was
a bit nervous, but after that it was like being in a normal car.
Being in a hotel of high magnitude was also something I can’t forget.
The conference itself was marvellous, the settings and everything was
well planned and organised.
All the representatives from the other provinces were very humble as
we interacted with each other like we were from the same farm.
Words can’t describe everything, but obvious in my heart I’m very
excited and many thanks go to Waitrose Foundation for being a caring
and inspirational organisation.
Without a shadow of doubt the Farm Worker Conference is obviously
the highlight of my life so far. It will remain in my heart as long as I
breathe.
(Xolani Nhleko, Golden Frontiers Citrus)
~Written by Raymond Engelbrecht, Field Manager, Waitrose Foundation~
9

Bambanani Celebrates Heritage Day
Workers and their families were honoured with the presence of the councillor
Penny Mphola, Ahanang School principal and teachers and the grannies from
Sinikamehlo in Poortjie, when celebrating Heritage day.
With the theme ‘SA got talent’, the audience were entertained by the kids
and youth with a variety of traditional dances. The desire is that this type of
events celebrating with kids and youth from the community will avoid getting
involved in substance abuse, misconduct and unwanted pregnancies to
contribute to a healthy society.
The Worker Committee would like to thank the workers for their donation,
Bambanani Fruits and Mr Rodger Horak from United Exports, for making this
day a memorable one.
Heritage Day is an important public holiday in South Africa as it recognizes
different aspects of South African culture and encourages South Africans
across the spectrum to celebrate their cultural heritage, the diversity of
their beliefs and different traditions. Heritage not only refers to our
historical inheritance, creative expression and food, but it also embraces
the various languages that have become entrenched in our cultural milieu.
Language is the key ingredient humans require to build bridges of
understanding between cultures and communities. Language is also a key
factor in building democracy and thriving businesses and in an increasingly
interdependent world, the knowledge of a language becomes indispensable.
~Written by Screeninger Solomon, Worker Committee Member, Bambanani
Fruits~
Glenavon Community Hall opening
The atmosphere at Glenavon on the Friday 31 st August was characterised with
excitement and joy when the Community Hall was officially opened. Mr Kevin
Hill officially opened the venue. Various activities were performed, i.e. the
drama group of Denau presented “Letjie was a baba”, and liturgical dances
by the child and adults dancers from Glenavon.
The hall will be used for community meetings, events and running an
Afterschool programme. In total 28 children will benefit from the venue when
attending the Afterschool programme. The Worker Committee members will
be responsible for the day –to – day running of the centre. Programmes over
weekends will also involve the elderly.
~Written by Bridgitta Barends, Projects Coordinator, Glenavon~
10

Golden Frontiers Citrus Community Hall opens
The opening of this historical Hall was held on the 31 st of August at Golden
Frontiers Citrus. This is an achievement in the sense that it is the first
community hall in Onderberg. The building at the old pack house was
renovated for the use of different projects and classes to create a sense of
belonging and community amongst workers.
The children who participates in the projects opened the evening with a
production called “Bosveld Journey”. Other entertainment included children
singing songs, a live band and children performing.
The event was attended by Nazlie and Raymond. The evening was a great
success with Nazlie and Marinus Neethling cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
~Written by Louise Jones, Projects Coordinator, Glenavon~
11

Raaswater opens their crèche doors
The dream to build a crèche where workers’ children are taken care of and
play in a safe environment and most importantly receive good quality
educational stimulation has come true on Monday 3 rd September.
The crèche is located at the Raaswater site and the name “Rethabile”
meaning joy/peace was suggested by one of the workers because this is what
adds value to the lives of the workers and the children attending the crèche.
Parents are at peace while working, knowing their children are in good hands
and fed 2 healthy meals per day.
Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember.
Involve me, and I'll understand.
Author unknown
The Worker Committee and farms workers wants to express their appreciation
to Waitrose Foundation and the owners for this joint venture that ensures the
safety and education of children which are at the heart of the farm
~Written by Lenske Viljoen, Project Coordinator, GP Viljoen~
Thuthuzela Tots are travelling!!!
There is never a dull moment at Thuthuzela Creche at Katco. Our annual
outing was planned for August and we decided to visit the Zoo in East London.
The children were divided into 3 small groups to fit in the Quantum and to
make overseeing them easier for the staff. A lot of the children have never
travelled outside Fort Beaufort so just the trip to East London was exciting for
them. They loved the variety of animals but also found some of them like the
big snakes a bit scary. After their walk through the zoo they had a picnic
lunch on the lawn at the zoo and burned a bit of energy on the Jungle Gym
before their journey home.
When the children finished with
“animals” as their theme at the crèche,
they did pollution.
The staff took them to the river on the
outskirts of Fort Beaufort where they
could see how our litter pollute nature
and the effect this pollution has on the
rest of the environment. Our crèche has
been open now for a year and it is very
rewarding to see the progress the
children make. Thank you to all the staff for their love and patience and for
making this trip possible for our children. Thank you Waitrose Foundation for
making it possible!!!
~Written by Heleen Le Roux, Project Coordinator, Katco~
12

Katco School holiday programme
The Waitrose Foundation Training Centre at Katco once again hosted an
exciting holiday programme in the recent school holidays. The interest from
the high school children was overwhelming and we had to run two
programmes at the same time to accommodate all the children.
Every week, for 3 weeks, we had a different group of 20-30 scholars attending
the programme from Tuesday to
Thursday. While one group of 10
scholars did a computer
programme the rest of the group
(20-30 students) attended a
Basic Management and Career
planning course. Both these
programmes were presented by
the University of Fort Hare
Business Management Post
Graduate Society.
All the scholars also had the opportunity to spend one afternoon in our
training kitchen. There they learnt a little bit about nutrition, first aid in the
kitchen, feeding the sick or elderly and they baked a cake. Of course fun was
had by all!!!
We look forward to next year and already have exciting ideas.
~Written by Heleen Le Roux, Project Coordinator, Katco~
Meet the Foundation Accountant
After matriculating at Robertson High in 1998, Anita was employed at a local
business in Ashton before assuming the post of an articled clerk at Henri
Grove and Partners.
During her 5 years with the company she studied part-time and obtained her
B.Compt degree through UNISA in 2005. Auditing and Taxation was always her
passion which led to her being employed as assistant accountant at Cross
Cape Express and Audit Senior at Jeremy Petersen and Associates (now
Nolands).
During her to time at Nolands Anita was responsible for
the accounting of the Waitrose Foundation and has
assumed a 3 day a week post at the Waitrose
Foundation from 1 July 2012.
Anita tackles her duties as Waitrose Foundation
Accountant with verve. Her sunny disposition aids in
getting the non-compromising message accountants
often have to deliver across.
Anita is married and is the proud mother of 10 month
old Robert.
~Written by Nazlie du Toit, CEO, Waitrose Foundation~
13

Important Notice!!
The Operation Team have
meetings every second
Monday where project
applications for approval
by Directors are
discussed.
Meeting Dates as follow:
8 October 2012
22 October 2012
5 November 2012
19 November 2012
3 December 2012
Please send all
applications with
supporting documents to
Anel
African Farmers workshop and Expo
On the 15 th August 2012 Bambanani Fruits BEE was invited to attend the
African Farmers Workshop and Expo. The event took place over 3 days with
various sectors within the farming community attending.
The expo was a good exposure and the stand was well received by fellow
farmers and various delegates. The event took off with a bang and the team;
Screeninger Solomon, Nicola Swanepoel, Johanna Serite and Sinah Phadi,
were very enthusiastic and engaging. During the first day the stand were
visited by many people. Mrs Suzanne Ackerman (executive of Pick a Pay)
came to view the Bambanani Fruits BEE stand and was most impressed. Later
on in the day the team were pleased to have Mr Manaka’s support as this was
a great boost in terms of support of high profile visitors.
Our stand was a show stopper with hundreds of visitors being impressed to see
such a variety of products that are currently available in their off season. This
proved to be very successful in terms of networking. The team were very
pleased to be part of such an event and would like to thank Johan Swanepoel
for allowing them to attend and for Pick a Pay for extending the invitation to
Bambanani Fruits BEE to attend.
~Case Study share with the Waitrose Foundation, Bambanani Fruits BEE~
Let’s Explore
THE FUTURE FACTORY- for sports and development programs on farms
Contact Anne Siroky 072 916 3331 / Jillian Alexander 083 715 0676
Email– thefuturefactory@yahoo.com
Web page – www.thefuturefactory.co.za
In Closing
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
Thanks to all Foundation farms who contributed to the 21st edition of our
newsletter.
The Foundation Newsletter is issued quarterly - we welcome any news
from Foundation farms. You can send articles with photo’s during the
month in which events are taking place so please do send us your news
to:hilda@waitrosefoundation.org.za
~ Newsletter compiled by Hilda Links
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