At Carmién Tea, as part of Mouton Citrus, our operations are firmly grounded in South African heritage and responsibility. This Youth Day, Mouton Citrus recognised the significance of commemorating the 1976 Soweto Uprising by investing in the development of our youth. The protests of 16 June 1976 were a pivotal moment in the fight for equal education. Today, that legacy reminds us of the need to create access, awareness, and opportunity for young people.
Mouton Foundation hosted 50 children from local communities between the ages of 10 and 18 for a Youth Day programme focused on the theme of choices. The day began with warm-up activities, including soccer, netball, table tennis, and other smaller team games, designed to engage learners and build group cohesion.
Following this, the programme included dedicated sessions for boys and girls. Volunteers led a self-care activity for the girls involving hair and facial grooming, followed by discussions led by more volunteers on self-worth and confidence. Each girl received a notebook to encourage journaling and self-reflection.
The boys participated in two sessions. One involved local community member, Ashwell Jones, and a local police officer, Kyron Dirks. Both volunteered their time to speak about life choices and the importance of making responsible decisions. He shared motivational insights on how positive choices can lead to a stable family life and career success. The second session, led by a social worker, further reinforced this message by presenting a video on making healthy life choices and the dangers of substance abuse.
After these split sessions, the group came together for a final joint session led by a social worker from ACT. This discussion addressed the dangers of drug and alcohol use, reinforcing the day’s theme around making informed choices. The children actively participated in these discussions, asking questions and talking amongst themselves about the choices they have the power to make for themselves. The event concluded with a meal prepared by some of the 15 volunteers who supported the programme.
This initiative forms part of Carmién Tea’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility. Through the Mouton Foundation and our 50% worker-owned processing partner, Bergendal Rooibos, we invest in long-term community development, including health, childcare, education, and social services.
Our Corporate Social Responsibility approach prioritises job creation over automation, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of farmworker communities. Youth education and exposure are key pillars in this framework. By providing opportunities for skills development and guided decision-making, we aim to contribute to a future shaped by informed and confident youth.
Youth empowerment is not a once-off campaign. It is an ongoing responsibility. Carmién Tea remains committed to this goal through practical support that is aligned with the values of Mouton Citrus and the Mouton Foundation.