31 Dec 2011

MEETING BETWEEN SATEMWA MANAGEMENT TEAM AND LOCAL LEADERS FROM THYOLO

Year 2011 has been closed in grand style.
Satemwa Tea Estate does meet with local leaders to try and appraise each other of the goings on as partners in development. Among issues discussed are social projects being undertaken by Satemwa within he surrounding villages and concerns from both sides.
This meeting was so unique because it was graced by the Satemwa Fair trade Joint Body members. Most workers on Satemwa come from the villages that border with the estate. While workers are benefiting directly from the Fairtrade premium, the JB also decided at their meeting to meet the leaders where they would talk about environmental issues, climate change and mitigating factors.
Among the leaders was the Senior Traditional Authority Khwethemule, his Group Village Headmen
and Village Headmen. What made this meeting to be so unique was the presence of the Satemwa General Manager who graced the occasion when he made a welcome address.
All chiefs were so exited such that the village headwoman and the Senior Traditional authority spoke highly about Satemwa Tea Estate and also about Fair trade. They were nso thankfull that a producer is able to consider spending on social activities that have a far reaching impact on local people's lives.
To crown it all it was announced that each leader would be given a bag of N.P.K Fertilizer. Hand clapping and ululations were heard from the room as they did not believe their ears.
They wished Satemwa Management well and wished the Fair trade community a prosperous 2012.
In the Video clip below chiefs perform a traditional thank you song/dance in appreciation of the fertiliser gift as a Satemwa Senior Manager   (in waist coat) joins in.

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