Fairhills Projects
April 2024 – March 2025
The Fairhills Association (aka Du Toitskloof Fairtrade Initiative), connected to Du Toitskloof Wines in Rawsonville, invests Fairtrade premiums into community development. About 300 farmworkers, their families, and the wider community benefit directly or indirectly. Projects focus on four key areas: health and welfare, education and skills development, community development, and environmental care.
In health and welfare, the association runs a medical centre that provides primary healthcare, occupational health examinations, chronic illness support, family planning, maternal and infant care, and TB/HIV testing. Eye care remains a priority, with regular screenings and subsidised prescription eyewear for members and their families. Although the mobile clinic that served remote areas was retired after a decade due to funding constraints, the initiative continues to deliver essential services through the clinic.
In the field of education, learning, and development, two registered daycare centres, Tierstel and Onderplaas, offer early childhood development to 132 children between three months and five years of age. The association also assists families with school fees and uniforms, easing financial pressure and enabling more children to access education. Learners also benefit from the Mobile Library project, which was upgraded with a new vehicle and improved facilities. It provides books, research assistance, printing, CV support, and language and maths enrichment to farm schools and after-school programmes. At a tertiary level, Fairhills funds bursaries for students pursuing degrees in fields such as education, law, social work, and early childhood development. Skills development opportunities, like driver’s licenses, are also subsidised to improve work readiness.
The Anna Foundation after-school programme supports more than 75 children from Grades R–4 through its “3 Rs” model: Reading (literacy and numeracy activities), Running (sports and physical development), and Right-ing (life skills through drama and games). The programme offers a safe space for vulnerable learners, provides resources like phonics kits and maths games, and includes training for facilitators to strengthen their teaching and mentorship. Holiday activities and donations such as clothes and beanies further support children’s well-being.
The 2Blossom Arts & Crafts Centre, established by the 2Blossom Foundation, is a dedicated after-school programme that combines creative education with community upliftment. Based at Lorraine Primary School in Rawsonville, it provides a safe space for learners to engage in structured arts and crafts lessons. A new art facilitator, supported through a Fairhills bursary, began teaching in March 2025, gaining valuable practical experience. Fairhills further supports the programme by providing transport to ensure consistent attendance.
Community and social development initiatives focus strongly on transport, which ensures children, staff, and members can access schools, daycare, hospitals, and community services. Reliable transport also enables participation in training, meetings, and transport to funerals and hospitals, strengthening community engagement. In 2024, the association also addressed the concerning rise of drug use among primary school children by convening with relevant stakeholders to explore collaborative solutions that protect vulnerable youth.
Under environmental care, the association delivers waste removal, water quality testing, and pest control services, using integrated pest management to ensure sustainability and reduce chemical use.
Alongside these projects, the Fairhills Association ensures strong governance through its Premium Committee of 24 elected members. The committee is trained in corporate governance, financial literacy, and Fairtrade standards to ensure transparent management of premium funds. Regular engagements include labour rights workshops, ethical trade training, Fairtrade conferences, and annual elections, which allow farmworkers to choose their representatives.
By investing in healthcare, education, transport, and environmental care, the initiative uplifts vulnerable communities, improves access to opportunities, and promotes sustainable, fair working conditions that benefit current and future generations.