Case Study

Gert Cloete
Production Manager at Rekopane Estates, Naftali Farm, Kanoneiland

Gert arrived with a wry smile and his friendly, lined face makes it clear that he is no stranger to the sun. “My father was a farm worker and I was born in Kiemoes in 1962 where I attended school there until Standard 2 (Grade 4). After that my family moved south to the Kenhardt district where we lived on a stock farm for many years. I returned to the Orange River region in 1992 when I was 30 and worked here on a stock farm. After a few years in the stock division, the farm management moved me to the grape division of the farm as a supervisor in 1998. In the beginning I really did not think that this was for me as I knew nothing about grapes. The Upington College offers a correspondence course in Basic Viticulture and my employer at the time enrolled me in this course which I completed in 2000. In the process of this course I discovered that I truly loved working in the vineyard."

Despite having only completed standard two (grade 4), Gert has worked hard at his literacy levels over the years to the point of enabling himself to cope with more advanced levels of studies. "I continued in this job but as there was no opportunity for further advancement, in 2002 I decided to move to Naftali (later Rekopane Estates) as I had heard positive things about the farm. Here I was appointed as a production assistant and from the time I arrived here I completed a great number of courses in various fields and I certainly learned a great deal. Understanding the structure of a grape vine and how it grows was the key to success and enjoyment in my job. In 2005 I was appointed as a production manager at Naftali, one of three on this 60ha property. This means that I take final responsibility for the preparation of the harvest in my section of the property. I certainly have job satisfaction because when our fruit is harvested, packed and shipped, I am proud of the quality of our fruit.

“During the very busy harvest preparation times, the labour force for whom I am responsible increases to around 600 people. I have to train people and keep discipline and make sure that the job at hand is done successfully and in time. This can be quite a challenge at times as these people come from very different backgrounds and the amount of training they have received in grape preparation also varies greatly. Often there is also a language barrier to contend with and we need to use translators to convey the message successfully. The vineyard preparation starts in June with pruning and continues all the way through to January and this is an ongoing process that keeps one busy the entire time and does not let up.

“The year 2005 saw the start of Rekopane Estates here on Naftali Farm. The Loretlhabetse Trust was established and it represented 65 of us farmworkers. The trust was established to provide its beneficiaries with 25% ownership in Rekopane Estates and the balance is owned by the Bezuidenhout family. The farm is run in a partnership between these two groups and it has been going really well. I believe that my shares in the business provide me with good security and this is also a good opportunity for my fellow beneficiaries.

I have served on a number of farm committees and the purpose of all of these is to train and inform farm workers. Three years ago I was chosen as the Chairman of the farm's Waitrose Foundation committee. When we set up the committee and received our first premiums from the Waitrose foundation, we decided to utilize this to build a soccer field and netball court for the use of our farm's workforce. We work at this project ourselves when we were able to find the time. It has taken us three years so far and is now almost complete. Rekopane has helped us a great deal with this as we have been able to use the company's implements. In 2006 we became involved with Fair Trade and the premiums that we have received from Fair Trade have also been used for this project. Fair trade expects us to uphold very high quality standards with our fruit so supplying them can be quite tricky. Thus far, however, they have always been happy with their findings when they visit us on the farm for an audit.

“The person I am today is truly the result of successful empowerment so I believe strongly in the benefits of the process. I try to implement these principles every day by explaining to people that by looking after implements and infrastructure, we avoid having to pay for damages which affect our bottom line. Looking back I never dreamed that I would be where I am today. When I was a youngster I thought that I would grow old walking behind a herd of goats. Initially, when I was moved into the grape division for the first time I was really not comfortable with the situation but I decided to embrace it and I have done the best with what has been offered to me. An example of the consequences of embracing the opportunities presented to you is that of a youngster who had passed matric before arrived here on the farm. He asked me how many years I had spent at school. When I told him, he replied that I must be very ignorant indeed. Not everyone has the privilege of an education but by showing the initiative to make use of opportunities as they were presented, today I am this man's boss on the farm.

I truly love my job and often joke that I was given green blood as I enjoy grape production so much. Mr Bezuidenhout believes that I can cope with the responsibilities he sends my way. Today people are not quick to talk about heroes, but if I'm honest, Mr Bezuidenhout is my hero.

As an industry we have many challenges like the climate, the exchange rate and strong competition from other countries. I believe that the industry has recovered well form the deregulation process and despite the challenges we face, if we work hard and produce the best fruit we can we will be successful because good quality speaks for itself.
It is important for us as a company to identify promising youngsters and make sure that they are well trained and able to take on our responsibilities in the future when the time comes for us to hand them over. The company will need these skilled dedicated people for a successful future. My message to youngsters is that there is a great deal of opportunity in the table grape industry and the broader agricultural sector. The grape industry has been good to me and I would not swap this. I believe it holds untold opportunities for current and new entrants as well.”

Louise Brodie (Ochreworks); Grape Stars 2010 Publication.