It was all smiles, laughter, and camaraderie as the Ncedisa workforce of about 500 permanent and casual staff members gathered at St Georges Beach for their annual staff awards and year-end function. Many organisations with such a large staff complement would not attempt hosting a staff gathering due to logistics and costs. But with the people-first philosophy adopted by Ncedisa, the year-end celebration is a highlight on the annual calendar. (With strict Covid-19 protocols implemented on the day and during workdays)
Farmworkers often work very long hours, doing tasks that are physically demanding with very little time off. To have a day where Ncedisa provides an awards ceremony, entertainment, food, and a general day of camaraderie is a necessity in the industry.
“A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected.”
To effectively manage a labour force, an employer cannot only be concerned about productivity but must also prioritise people, who are the workers that help them achieve increased productivity. For this reason, Ncedisa implements a variety of wage incentives and complies with the SIZA social and ethical audit guidelines aligned to global best practices.
Ncedisa believes that building a better workplace by making team members feel valued, creating a safe work environment, allowing room for skills development and growth alongside fair work hours and wages encourages good job performance.
The connection between employee productivity and farm profitability is positively impacted if an employee feels valued and part of a team. The manner in which employees’ needs are met, directly affects their performance. Focusing on productivity alone may lead to a reduction in worker output. It is essential to keep staff motivated and team members and structures working happily and in unison with each other.
The awards ceremony and the day of celebrations hosted by Ncedisa is a means of acknowledging the valuable contribution of each and every staff member throughout the year. Furthermore, individuals who diligently and consistently achieved and surpassed goals received awards and acknowledgment alongside their team members.
Managing Director of Ncedisa, Mr. Mkonto Mntwini, and production manager Mr. Lelethu Makhapela personally thanked staff on the day and handed out awards for stellar performances throughout the year. Ncedisa’s top contributors were recognised and awarded with a certificate and gift.
The categories and award winners were as follows.
Most Consistent Team 2021:
- 1st Runner-Up (Silver) – Vuyisile Mfeketho (Supervisor) and his team.
- Winners- Gold Award – Noah Mutumbi (Supervisor) and his team.
- Team of the Season 2021: (Gold) – Noah Mutumbi (Supervisor) and his team.
- Most improved supervisor 2021 (Gold): Vuyisile Mfeketho
- Most improved supervisor 1st Runner – up 2021 (Silver): Vincent Tamolase
- Best Sorter 2021 (Gold): Thuthula Xabela
- Best Sorter 1st Runner-Up 2021 (Silver): Andiswa Ncilata
It is not only about implementing important ethical labour compliance, but also about the spirit of Ubuntu among workers who have faced an exceptionally challenging year due to Covid. The day gave all workers a well-deserved break and boosted the spirits for the year that lies ahead.
