At Partner Africa, we conduct social audits across a variety of standards and industries. One of the certifications we’re accredited to assess is the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) standard, which is significant in the South African wine industry.
This blog post provides a general overview of WIETA audits and their role in promoting ethical practices in wine production. We’ll explore the key aspects of WIETA certification, including the purpose of WIETA, an outline of the WIETA code, the audit process, and the benefits of certification.
What is a WIETA Audit?
A WIETA audit is an independent assessment of a wine farm or cellar’s compliance with the WIETA Standard and Ethical Code of Best Practice. This standard code covers various aspects of ethical practices, including human rights due diligence, fair labour conditions, health and safety, and community engagement. The audit process involves site visits, interviews with management and workers, and document reviews to ensure adherence to ethical standards.
WIETA's Mission and Core Values
WIETA’s mission is to champion human rights and sustainable business practices within the South African wine supply chain. Their core values include:
- Inclusivity: Involving all stakeholders in the ethical trade process.
- Constructive approach: Using audits as a tool for improvement rather than punishment.
- Continuous improvement: Encouraging ongoing enhancement of ethical practices.
- Self-monitoring: Promoting regular self-assessments between audits.
Understanding the WIETA Standard
The WIETA Standard and Ethical Code of Best Practice serves as a comprehensive guideline for ethical practices in the South African wine industry, covering human rights and labour conditions, safety standards, and Community engagement. This Standard code consists of 13 key principles that form the foundation of WIETA Standard:
1. Management Systems
This principle focuses on implementing effective management systems to ensure compliance with ethical standards and continuous improvement in the workplace.
2. Child Labour and Protection of Young Workers
WIETA strictly prohibits child labour and ensures that young workers are protected from hazardous work, with their education and development prioritized.
3. Forced Labour
This principle addresses the prevention of all forms of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, ensuring workers have freedom of movement and employment.
4. Health and Safety
WIETA emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and healthy work environment, including proper training, equipment, and procedures to prevent accidents and illnesses.
5. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
Workers are guaranteed the right to form or join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining without fear of discrimination or retaliation.
6. Discrimination
This principle promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic.
7. Fair Treatment
WIETA ensures that all workers are treated with dignity and respect, free from harassment, abuse, or unfair disciplinary practices.
8. Working Hours
This principle regulates working hours, rest periods, and overtime to prevent exploitation and ensure work-life balance.
9. Remuneration
Workers must receive fair wages that meet or exceed legal minimums, with all benefits and compensation clearly communicated and documented.
10. Regular Employment
This principle promotes stable employment relationships and discourages excessive use of temporary or casual labour.
11. Housing and Tenure Security
Where housing is provided, it must meet basic standards of safety, hygiene, and comfort, with clear tenure rights for occupants.
12. Community Impact
WIETA encourages positive engagement with local communities and consideration of the wider social impact of wine production.
13. Environmental Stewardship
This principle promotes sustainable environmental practices, including responsible use of resources, waste management, and biodiversity conservation.
The WIETA Audit Process: From Registration to Assurance Completion
A WIETA audit typically spans several months from initial registration to final certification, with the on-site audit usually taking 1-3 days depending on the size of the operation. Here’s an overview of what the entire process looks like:
- Online Registration: Businesses register with WIETA through their online platform to initiate the certification process.
- Self-Assessment Questionnaires: Farms and cellars complete detailed questionnaires to evaluate their current practices against WIETA standards.
- WIETA Training: Participants attend workshops to understand the WIETA Code requirements and implementation strategies.
- Audit Booking: The business schedules an on-site audit with an approved WIETA audit company.
- On-site Audit: Auditors conduct a comprehensive assessment, including site inspections, interviews, and document reviews.
- Closing Meeting: Auditors discuss findings with management and agree on corrective actions.
- Corrective Actions: The business implements necessary improvements based on audit findings.
- Verification: Auditors confirm that corrective actions have been properly implemented.
- Assurance Completion: Based on audit results and verified improvements, WIETA issues appropriate audit completion assurances.
Benefits of WIETA Assurance for Wineries and Farms
Achieving WIETA Audit Assurance offers several advantages to wine producers, enhancing both their operations and market position:
- Enhanced reputation and market access
- Improved worker relations and productivity
- Risk mitigation in the supply chain
- Compliance with local and international ethical standards
- Continuous improvement of business practices
- Contribution to sustainable development in the wine industry
These benefits not only improve the business itself but also contribute to the overall betterment of the South African wine industry. Importantly, WIETA Assurance also leads to tangible improvements in the lives of workers, ensuring fair wages, better working conditions, and enhanced job security. As producers reap these rewards and workers experience improved livelihoods, consumers also play a crucial role in supporting ethical wine production.
Benefits of WIETA Assurance for Wineries and Farms
Consumers have the power to drive positive change in the wine industry through their purchasing decisions. Here are ways to support WIETA-ethically assured wines:
- Look for the WIETA seal on wine bottles
- Ask retailers about ethically Assured South African wines
- Support wineries and farms committed to ethical practices
- Share information about ethical assurance with other wine enthusiasts
- Participate in wine tastings or tours that highlight ethical production methods
By taking these actions, consumers can actively contribute to the growth of ethical practices in wine production. This support is crucial for the continued success and expansion of WIETA’s mission.
Conclusion: The Importance of Ethical Practices in Wine Production
WIETA Assurance plays a crucial role in ensuring that South African wines are produced under fair and ethical conditions. By supporting WIETA-assured wines, consumers contribute to improved working conditions, environmental sustainability, and the overall development of the South African wine industry. As the global market increasingly demands ethical products, WIETA Assurance helps position South African wines as responsibly produced and socially conscious choices for wine lovers worldwide.
By choosing WIETA-Assured wines and supporting the audit process, both consumers and producers contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for the South African wine industry. This collective effort ensures that the legacy of South African wines continues to be one of excellence, both in taste and in ethical practices.
For wineries and farms looking to obtain WIETA Assurance, it’s essential to work with qualified and experienced auditors. Partner Africa is a leading ethical trade service provider that is approved to perform WIETA audits. With our extensive experience in conducting social audits across various industries and our commitment to promoting ethical practices, Partner Africa can efficiently guide producers through the assurance process. Our expertise ensures a thorough and professional assessment, helping wine producers implement and maintain the highest standards of ethical production.
