Corporate and Environmental Responsibility
Our dedication the people and the world around us
Sustainable by Nature, Responsible by Choice
Social Development
- Formal employment for hundreds of rural workers.
- Long-term skills development and career pathways.
- Commitment to youth employment and female empowerment.
- The company provides study bursaries to deserving students and offers financial support to junior and secondary school learners both within the region and beyond. This investment in education reflects NGC’s dedication to creating long-term, positive social impact.
Environmental Practices
- Precision irrigation from the Orange River ensures efficient water use
- Minimal chemical inputs and integrated pest management
- Soil health and biodiversity conservation through responsible land use
Governance and Ethics
- Transparent governance aligned with public sector compliance
- Reintegration of profits into long-term local development
- Export protocols that meet global food safety and sustainability standards
Certifications & Accreditations
- Foundational Compliance
- Carbon
Soil Health
In one of the world’s most arid grape-growing regions, maintaining living cover crops between vineyard rows demonstrates a strong commitment to regenerative farming. The cover crops protect the soil from erosion, improve organic matter, enhance moisture retention, and support beneficial soil life. By reducing soil disturbance and increasing carbon stored in the soil, they help build healthier, more resilient vineyards while creating valuable habitat for biodiversity in a challenging desert environment.
Biodiversity
The establishment of a wild honeybee swarm within our vineyard was a significant indicator of environmental health. In the harsh, arid conditions of the Aussenkehr Valley, where biodiversity is naturally limited, the presence of a thriving wild pollinator colony reflects a healthy ecosystem. Rather than disturbing the bees, the affected vineyard area was left undisturbed and harvesting continued around the colony. By sacrificing production in that area, we allowed the swarm to remain in its natural habitat, demonstrating our commitment to protecting biodiversity and supporting essential pollinators.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Recycling is integrated throughout the farm, with dedicated recycling bins positioned across the property to encourage waste separation at source. The collected recyclable materials are transported to a central waste sorting area, where they are consolidated before being collected regularly by an approved recycling contractor. By diverting cardboard, plastics and other recyclable materials from landfill, the farm reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves natural resources and supports a circular economy through responsible waste management.
Energy
Innovation plays an important role in reducing our environmental footprint. One production phase operates using an in-field packing system, allowing grapes to be packed directly in the vineyard before being transferred to cold storage. Eliminating conventional packline operations for this phase significantly reduces electricity demand while maintaining exceptional fruit quality and operational efficiency.
Fuel Wise
Capespan SA spearheaded the use of the Port of Walvis Bay as an alternative export route for table grapes from Namibia and South Africa’s Orange River region, in collaboration with the Namibia Grape Company (NGC). By reducing the sea voyage to Europe by up to eight days, vessels consume less fuel, lowering transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. The shorter, more efficient route also improves fruit quality, extends shelf life, and reduces the risk of food waste.
Water Wise
Farming in a desert demands exceptional water stewardship. Lined irrigation storage dams help conserve valuable water by preventing seepage losses, while calibrated flow meters ensure every litre is measured, monitored and managed responsibly. Together, these practices support efficient irrigation, reduce water wastage and help secure the long-term resilience of grape production in the Aussenkehr valley.
Certifications & Accreditations
- Foundational Compliance
- Carbon
