War on Want:
The living conditions of farm workers in the Western Cape are dire. After a protracted struggle led by Sikhula Sonke's members, farm management agreed to temporarily relocate workers to enable improvement on the houses to take place this year.
War on Want:
Some workers live in dilapidated houses, prone to damp, with running water only provided for the toilet and with a basic electric stove for cooking.
War on Want:
Work on the farm typically starts at 7am until 6pm. Sometimes workers are required to work throughout the night on watering duty and expected to carry on with their day shift.
War on Want:
Workers on this farm are paid below the minimum wage. Since the workers have joined Sikhula Sonke, both living and working conditions are improving.
War on Want:
Joining Sikhula Sonke has enabled workers to know about their rights and seek redress through negotiation with the employer.
War on Want:
In Somerbosch, thanks to the support from Sikhula Sonke, farm workers gained the ownership of part of the farm land to make wine. A new company called PokerHill was created. Farm workers have a 70% share, whilst the farm management has 30%.
War on Want:
Resources, such as wine tanks and tractor, are shared with the farm owners to harvest the grapes.
War on Want:
An elected trustee of PokerHill board and her family.
War on Want:
Farm workers own the land where they live and are able to keep a home garden to cater for daily food needs.