Grabbere

Grabbere is a term that originated from Afrikaans and refers to a specific type of isolated worker who is typically self-employed or on a contract. In the context of South Africa, the term more specifically denotes a migrant or seasonal worker who works on a small, usually cash-crop farm.

The grabbere system was developed as an extension of the more traditional farm labor systems in South Africa, which involved long-term commitments to labor. However, the grabbere system is unique in that it involves migrant workers who remain on the farm for a short period of time, typically a season.

Grabbere workers typically receive room and board in exchange for their labor, as well as a small cash stipend. They are usually required to work long hours and are responsible for tending to specific crops or areas of the farm. The grabbere system has been criticized for its treatment of workers, who are often subjected to poor conditions and are not provided with benefits.

The grabbere system is most commonly associated with labor-intensive crops such as sugar beets, wheat, and fruit. Farms that rely on the grabbere system are often characterized by a high turnover rate among workers, as the system encourages workers to move between farms to find better opportunities.

The grabbere system remains an important component of South Africa's agricultural economy, particularly in regions where cash crops are a significant part of the economy. However, its treatment of workers has raised concerns among human rights and labor organizations. As a result, some efforts have been made to improve working conditions and provide more protections for grabbere workers.