Fallout over Bitter Grapes documentary deepens

Five wine farms in South Africa have been served non-compliance notices by the Western Cape Department of Labour following a documentary by a Danish filmmaker that sought to expose mistreatment of workers.

The documentary, “Bitter Grapes – Slavery in the Vineyards”, was made by Danish filmmaker Tom Heinemann and explores the working conditions of farm workers at vineyards in South Africa. The film depicts instances of long working hours, allegedly in violation of labour laws, unlawful exposure to toxic pesticides without protection, squalid living conditions and unofficial use of the “dop system” – an apartheid-era arrangement in which workers are paid in alcohol rather than money.

The film has so far only been….