Simonsvlei

Sima Kunye

Simonsvlei’s social responsibility programme, Sima Kunye, was put in place in 2000. Sima Kunye’s objective is teaching basic reading- and writing skills to unskilled and semi-skilled workers. This programme includes a cellar education course – focusing on basic viticulture and winemaking skills.

With this programme, Simonsvlei also wishes to broaden the scope of its corporate social responsibility initiatives by sponsoring and supporting deserving external community projects on an ongoing basis. In order to realize this objective, Simonsvlei has identified the Family Reunion Centre (FRC) as its designated charity.

Simonsvlei has committed itself to implement the Wine Industry Transformation Charter.

Education Programme

Simonsvlei’s workers chose the name Sima Kunye (Xhosa for standing together). A steering committee of four members was formed and together with Simonsvlei’s management team, they identified key areas for the programme, of which providing basic education programmes for the previously disadvantaged, was one.

Since the implementation of the programme, six of our cellar assistants have started the basic skills of reading and writing course. Five of the scholars also completed a cellar education programme – focusing on the basic skills of viticulture and winemaking. They were joined by one of our female laboratory-assistants, who also successfully completed the cellar education course.

Community Programme

The Family Reunion Centre (FRC) was established in 2002 as a non-denominational, non-profit welfare organisation. Its members have years of experience in managing care centres in Krugersdorp, the Boland and Western Cape regions. Currently, Project Food For Life caters for 160 children on a daily basis with an estimated cost of R400.00 per child per month. The centre also makes up, on a monthly basis, food parcels for needy pensioners.

Simonsvlei has committed itself, via the Simonsvlei Achiever of the Year Campaign, to assist FRC to obtain funds for the centre’s various projects. Where possible, Simonsvlei will also provide financial support to FRC to help them broaden and improve their service delivery (i.e. food, education, transportation) to the needy.