SIMON BANDA COMMENDS SATEMWA FOR THINKING BEYOND FAIR TRADE

On 1st July 2008 Simon Banda, the FLO Liason Officer for Southern Africa visited Satemwa Tea Estate. He met with members of the JB together with Management representatives. Among others the following issues were discussed:
1. The Fair Trade standard
2. Audit feed back from Flo-cert.
3. Current premium and Premium projects as per work plan.
4. The future regarding Fair trade activities.
5. Smallholder Tea Growers FT stadards and audit check lists.

He should have been accompanied by Mr. Mathias Kuhlman the FLO boss but the later had travel problems. However, Simon managed to come.
After discussions, Mr. Mandala the Fair trade Officer for Satemwa asked Simon to consider organising training programs for both Joint Body and Management members, on FT standard.
Mandala cited a situation where more producers are getting Fair trade certified hence reducing the Ft market share. This, he said requires a strategic approach in order to create barriers to would be competitors and the only possible way to achieve this is by offering quality products and complying with FT requirements.
On this note Simon was advised that Satemwa JB members will be undergoing a capacity building program to be facilitated by a Consultant.
He commended us for this. He branded this move as "going beyond Fair trade" which would also enhance the competitive advantage.

For more info visit www.satemwa.com

SATEMWA JOINT BODY GEARS UP TO TAKE PART IN ERADICATING RABIES IN THYOLO

As the Thyolo District Veterinary department plans to carry out an anti rabies campaign during the month of August 2008, the Satemwa Joint Body has joined the bandwagon to controll the problem. Having been approached by the Veterinary officials, through consultation with the General Assembly, the Satemwa JB agreed to contribute towards this activity using the Fair Trade premium. The JB has since donated vaccines, syringes, safety boxes, gloves and other materials worth MK50000 ($350). Rabies drugs/vaccines was a major problem hence we thought it wise to intevene and help.
Thyolo is one of the Tea growing districts in Malawi and rabies is a big problem. The common understanding is that the area from where most members of the General Assembly come will be targeted. This confirms the fact that Fair trade can indeed change people's lives.
Acknowledging receipt of the drugs, the DVO applauded fair trade buyers for making available funds that will continue to be used in projects that will improve the socio-economic status of the common person. On a different note he reaffirmed that he will preach the message about Fair trade since he feels most people might not know about the concept.

For more info. visit: www.satemwa.com