Overall targets
The primary objective of the intervention is to create better conditions for farm workers and for their communities to engage and participate in the struggle for labour and human rights in rural Western Cape, South Africa. The main assumption is that before people on the ground can actively participate and put issues on the agenda, they need to feel safe, supported and informed.
Immediate targets
The intervention builds on three immediate objectives: 1. Farming communities will have strong representatives, who are knowledgeable on labour rights and regulations, and able to support them and advocate for their rights, locally and nationally. 2. Women will be able to address gender issues on farms, and take on responsibilities and leadership within the union. 3. Members can rely on staff to ensure financial and organisational sustainability and accountability
Target groups
1. The farm workers, particularly, but not limited to, the members of CSAAWU, as well as their communities. 2. Women farm workers and community members are addressed as a separate target group. 3. Shop stewards are an important target group in this intervention as they form the link between workers and both workplace management and the union leadership. 4. The elected leaders of CSAAWU are in most cases current or previous farm workers, and therefore have intimate understanding of the issues at hand.
Resume
The objective of the intervention is to create circumstances that allow for members of CSAAWU, a South African agricultural workers union, and their surrounding community to feel comfortable and supported in participating and organising actively in the local struggle for labour rights and better living conditions. The intervention will take place in the Western Cape province of South Africa, and will build on the existing partnership between the Trust For Community Outreach and Education (TCOE), the trade union Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union (CSAAWU), and the international solidarity organisation Afrika Kontakt (AK).