Corporate Social Responsibility

1. Skills capacity development

The program aims to host accredited skills training programmes for unemployed individuals that lead to permanent job placement in the agricultural industry or other sectors.

2. In-house training programmes

• Production training and skills transfer are provided in the following fields: planting, water, sanitation, pest control, weeds control, pruning, picking and harvesting.
• We host interns from recognized institutions like Lowveld Agricultural College for the acquisition of practical skills on an operational farm.

3. Peace table grape project (Empowerment project)

This community project commenced in 2007 on 10 hectares of table grapes situated in the village of Mokganyaka on the outskirts of Leeufontein, Groblersdal. A large number of Schoonbee Landgoed employees are from this village, which inspired Schoonbee Landgoed to become involved in this project in 2015 to assist with the upliftment and development of the community.

We believe that with this project people are given opportunities to nurture their inborn talents, develop leadership qualities and learn key skills including ownership, responsibility and farming operations and procedures.

The project is currently owned by a cooperative of 7 members.

Schoonbee Landgoed committed support and expertise to the project, assisting the stakeholders in growing production from 3 288 cartons in the year 2015 – 2016 to 15 000 cartons in the year 2016 – 2017.

The members are committed to following Schoonbee Landgoed’s vision, business goals and values and adhering to our international farming standards.

4. ABET (Adult Basic Education Training)

The aim of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) is to promote lifelong learning and personal development to enable adults to adapt successfully in the changing economic, social and political climate in South Africa. Abet provides access to nationally recognized certificates.

The farm offers ABET programmes for adults on basic and advanced reading and writing skills.

Our employees are the visible heart and hands of the farm, providing a personal presence in the surrounding communities. The available programmes provide opportunities for individuals with an outlet for sharing their talents and to purpose these talents to make a positive impact on the community. It also encourages our employees to become champions of causes and to stay inspired to make our nation great. Past programs included Loskop Marathon, Caracara Outdoor Event etc.

Schoonbee Landgoed recognizes the fact that developing local initiatives is vital to create jobs, alleviate poverty and contributes to these businesses to allow them to prosper as active members in our growing economy. The aim is the improvement of our local communities by focusing on the development of small, medium and micro-enterprises [SMMEs].

This is achieved through Schoonbee Landgoed’s commitment to use their procurement power to support the resident businesses, stimulating the development and economic growth of these local businesses. As 95% of the farm’s workforce comes from neighbourhoods in and around Groblersdal, the farm is passionate to keep it local.

Schoonbee Landgoed is within the Loskop Valley, renowned for its unique elements of biodiversity. The passionate team at the farm aims to harmonize farming operations and nature by continuously striving to achieve synergy between their agricultural activities and the indigenous environment. This is accomplished by meticulous management of the natural resources in a sustainable and responsible manner.

South Africa is the 30^th driest country in the world [according to the SA’s Department of Environmental Affairs], so with limited water resources the quantity and quality of fresh water is imperative for a healthy harvest and the overall wellbeing of our surrounding environment.

Schoonbee Landgoed applies the following precautions to ensure protection of the environment:

• Limited harsh chemicals are present in the production of our crops.
• Implementation of computerized drip irrigation to ensure effective water uptake consequently ensuring 30% less water usage
• Conservation areas – where the natural habitat is left in certain parts of the farm for the natural movement of fauna and flora.
• Extensive foreign vegetation removal to preserve water and biodiversity.
• Prohibition of unlicensed hunting.
• Implementation of measures to prevent the grazing of game in ecologically sensitive areas.
• Detailed environmental impact assessments done on a regular basis.
• The installation of solar powered water geysers in staff accommodation.

1. Health & wellbeing

• HalleluYah Primary Health Care Clinic where primary health care services are delivered; injuries on duty managed and referred; and the health of current and prospective employees monitored.
• Full-time nursing sister.
• Health workers: Trained in collaboration with the Department of Health.
• First aid training for workers.
• Annual Momentum health assessments to monitor each personnel member’s wellbeing.

2. Community

• Schoonbee Landgoed funds the annual Amazing Graces training camp hosted in Groblersdal. During the camp, community leaders are equipped with a solid moral foundation and relevant life-skills. Through the uniquely designed Curriculum and projects they address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of young South Africans. Subjects presented include the following:
  – Biblical foundations
  – Democracy education
  – Reading clubs
  – Vegetable gardening
  – Financial management
  – Leadership
• The farm continuously also supports various community institutions in the Loskop Valley including local schools, nursing homes etc.