The Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA)
The Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA) was developed in years 2008-2016 as a non-profit organization with the aim of promoting sustainable practices in the agricultural industry. SIZA’s focus is to create a sustainable future for all by setting standards and auditing the supply chain to ensure compliance.
Membership of SIZA
SIZA membership is open to all stakeholders in the South African agricultural industry, including growers, packers, processors, and retailers. Members must commit to implementing sustainable practices that align with SIZA’s standards. This includes adhering to ethical labor practices, promoting biodiversity, reducing water usage, and minimizing the environmental impact of their operations. By becoming a member of SIZA, stakeholders signal their commitment to sustainability and demonstrate their dedication to creating a sustainable future for all. The pricing plan of SIZA varies depending on which SIZA modules you intend to use and where you want to be seen in the market. SIZA membership comprises two modules, namely the Social (Ethical) Module and the Environmental module. When registering, you have the option of registering for one or both of these modules. Additionally, you can choose to be visible through GlobalG.A.P. (GRASP/Environmental) and/or Sedex.
SIZA’s Standards
SIZA’s standards are developed through a collaborative process that involves stakeholders from across the supply chain, including growers, processors, retailers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). SIZA has two main standards: the SIZA Environmental Standard and the SIZA Social Standard. The SIZA Environmental Standard focuses on environmental stewardship and includes a self-assessment questionnaire covering four main topics: water, soil, energy/materials/waste, and farm ecosystems & biodiversity. The SIZA Social Standard aims to ensure ethical trade compliance and includes eight principles, such as no forced and bonded labor, no child labor, and health and safety. Both standards can be downloaded from the MySIZA platform, and audits are available for verification purposes.
Audits
SIZA, the Sustainability Initiative of South Africa, manages the audit process for its members through the MySIZA online platform. Members must have an approved Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) before scheduling a third-party audit. SIZA also allows its Environmental 3rd-party audit to be combined with the GLOBALG.A.P Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) audit for a cost- and time-effective approach. Both standards will be covered during one audit, and the outputs of the combined solution audit will be two separate audit reports. The validity period of the audit completion letter is based on the amount and severity of non-conformances identified during the audit, and the member’s SIZA profile must be active, and the Environmental SAQ must be completed annually.
Importance of the Sustainability Initiative of South Africa
SIZA’s sustainability initiative is essential for promoting sustainable practices in the South African agricultural industry. By establishing standards and conducting audits, SIZA helps to ensure that stakeholders are held accountable for their sustainability commitments. This not only benefits the environment and local communities but also supports the long-term viability of the agricultural industry in South Africa. Additionally, SIZA’s sustainability initiative promotes transparency and trust across the supply chain, which can help to enhance the reputation of the industry and attract investment.
In summary
SIZA’s sustainability initiative is a crucial aspect of promoting sustainable practices in the South African agricultural industry. By becoming a member of SIZA and adhering to its standards, stakeholders demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and support the creation of a sustainable future for all. SIZA’s audits help to ensure that these commitments are met, while promoting transparency and accountability across the supply chain.
Find out more: SIZA.co.za
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