Apple and pear processor Two-a-Day is one of the largest employers in the greater Elgin, Grabouw Villiersdorp and Vyeboom areas.
Two-a-Day has been celebrating women since August but in October, a number of events are dedicated to raising awareness about the role of women in agriculture which includes a gala celebration for Women of Strength on October 8. Other events are raising the risk of cancer and the plight of violence against women.
Earlier this year Two-a-Day began a new programme looking at “family enrichment” which included sharing skills and offering support to improve the domestic life of employees. Some of the elements have been targeted at better managing conflict in relationships and others at providing resources for women at risk.
“We asked for nominees of everyday heroes, women who inspire their colleagues on a daily basis with kindness, uplifting conversations and positivity to be awarded as Two-a-Day’s Women of Strength. Welda Mentoor, Nidean Bosch, Primrose Panyane, Anthea Skippers, Petronella Badjies, Ncebekazi Madodana, Megan van Tonder, Murchell Kamineth and Maria Cloete were nominated.
Former Two-a-Day employee and Idols South Africa winner Karin Kortje was there as well as Kim Webster, a radio presenter at Disa 95.9fm,” says Two-a-Day’s Wellness Friends chair, Raymond Kamineth.
The new committee of Wellness Friends includes Two-a-Day staffers Anastasia Lebeta, Leana Louw, Shivonn Jacobs, Carli Barnard, Charlene Claasen, Albertina Hoffman, Johannes Huston, Maria Vaaltyn, Nicholas Roemarco, Jan van Niekerk, Odille Monejai and Roderiques Vlotman. They have a roster of planned activities and are chaired by Kamineth.
“The risk of breast cancer is being highlighted with weekly screening times being provided by the clinic at Two-a-Day. Staff are invited to wear something pink to raise awareness on Fridays in October and we are inviting people to have their hair sprayed with pink dye. This is all to further raise awareness of breast cancer and to remove any stigma about being screened,” says Sister Cheryl Bozman.
“Men have not been forgotten. In November we will be focussing on men’s health and our last project for the year will put the focus on ending Gender based Violence – 16 days of Activism against violence against Women and Children,” Kamineth says.
According to Dimitri Jacobs, Director: Human Resources at Two-a-Day Group the R150, 000 investment for the Enrichment Programme is well underway.
With a full-time social worker, Carmenita Julies and a clinical psychologist, Willie Hanekom on the team on a weekly basis, the Enrichment Programme aims to meet seven outcomes. “We know some employees face violence, abuse, dysfunctional family dynamics, and marriage and relationship conflicts at home so our goal is to empower our people to mitigate these negative experiences so they can continue to bring their best selves to work each day,” Jacobs says.
Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing is responsible for selling the fruit from Two-a-Day. Tru-Cape Managing Director, Roelf Pienaar says Tru-Cape was pleased to offer financial support for the gala celebration. “Our warm congratulations to the nominees and to the wellness team on the excellent and important programme,” Pienaar says.
Kamineth says: “Thank you for all the sponsors who contributed financially to make the Gala event possible. Tru-Cape, Francois Marais Construction, Aronan CC, Gryphon Construction, Grabouw Skills Centre, Nuclear Packaging and our Operations Director, Chris Petzer. A big thank you also to Johan and Colleen De Kock for the gift packs for the women.
Contributions were also made by Henk Ryke, Dr Hess, Roston Isaacs, Berhard Kotze, Chris Niewoudt en Megan Van Tonder,” he ends.
