8 Oct 2008

MATTHIAS KUHLMAN AND SIMON'S VISIT TO SATEMWA BRINGS HOPE

On Saturday 6th October 2008, Satemwa hosted a very high profile personality within the Fairtrade ranking Matthias Kuhlman the FLO Coordinator responsible for Southern Africa who was accompanied by Simon Banda the Liason Officer for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Matthias came to Satemwa at the time when we are having to sort out things that led to the suspension of our Fair Trade certicate.
Having looked at our initial post suspension communication with Flo-cert, he was impressed we have expeditiously delt with the situation and he hoped it will be over soon.
He did not hide words when hesaid "if we wanted to remain fair trade then we should do what is prescribed by Fairtrade.
He also discussed a great deal of strategic and pressing issues with the Satemwa Management where among other issues on the agenda were:
- Ambiguities within the FT Trade standard.
- The effect of our suspension in respect of negotiating sales contracts bearing in mind the
cropping season is just arround the corner.
Later in the day he held ameeting with the Joint Body members who explained to him how they operate and what projects they have lined up for excution using the Fair trade premium.

Below is a photo of Matthias and the Satemwa Joint Body taken after their meeting:



For more info: http://www.satemwa.com/