September, 2018
This annual event is a highlight on the Foundation’s calendar and still proves to be an effective contribution to building the capacity of worker representatives through motivation, knowledge and skills transfer as well as building relevant networks.
The personal and professional development process starts when delegates attend the Waitrose Foundation AGM and learn more about the bigger schemes of things within the business partnership between their respective farms and the supermarket in the UK. This intentional programme design facilitates personal interaction between the workers, Foundation Directors, owners, senior managers and sets the tone for the conference that starts in the afternoon of the same day.
This year’s conference theme proved to be very appropriate - delegates reported in their evaluations, that it is a necessary social development focus. The 105 participants expressed their appreciation for the informative, challenging and empowering programme. Most, if not everybody, are motivated to improve the Health Services on their respective farms and have the necessary knowledge and networks in place to achieve these goals.
Another highlight of this year’s conference was the presence and active participation of Foundation Directors such as the chairperson De Villiers Graaff, Jocelyn Rogerson, James Rowson, Antonia Kandjella, Wimpie Paulse, Madelé Mouton, Ncediswa Mbekela as well as the Foundation’s General Manager, Kobus Visagie.
