Debbie Reid

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

The Vineyard B&B and Etibusiweni Farm focus on providing decent farm employment and encouraging healthy living. They are a prominent feature in the community.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

Skills development has been a feature of the farming estate's contribution to the local community, with the latest addition of grape vine pruning techniques, required for the estate's wine-making, leading to unique skills development. The Vineyard employs directly from the local Swazi community and sees this as their major impact in the area.  In addition a supply shop is run from the farm's premises to give the surrounding community easy access to basic foodstuff's without the need to travel long distances on foot.

With Ian's forty years involvement with the World Food Programme it is also no surprise that the farm encourages vegetable gardens at all labour compounds and residences. Seedlings are provided to them as a benefit and a strong focus is put on balanced diets, an essential strategy for combatting the ravages of TB and HIV, which is impacting terribly in poor communities. 

The farm also supports one of the most iconic Swazi cultural events by allowing maidens during the annual Umhlanga Reed Dance to access the farm for the purposes of harvesting the reed along the estate's riverbank.