Established in November 2002, the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) is a not-for-profit, voluntary association, comprising many different stakeholders. The association arose out of an Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) pilot project in the wine industry which not only assisted the ETI, an alliance of companies, non-governmental organisations and trade union organisations based in the UK, and South African partners in learning about, developing and refining inspection methodologies but also helped bring together stakeholders in the wine industry of the Western Cape to discuss and debate issues around ethical trade. This continues around key topics on a regular, ongoing basis.

 

Wines of South Africa (WOSA) was instrumental in initiating and funding WIETA. Totally independent of all other industry bodies, the association is committed to improving the working conditions of employees in the wine industry. WIETA has formulated a code of good practice among all South African growers and producers. Independent social auditors monitor members. Once audited successfully, producers are then accredited. To date, WIETA has conducted audits at some 35 different workplaces. The WIETA code of good practice is recognised by supermarkets.

Visit the WIETA website at www.wieta.org.za