A J Oranje – known as Basie – has been farming for about 30 years.

He has three children: Nolan, 25, a mine worker, Karen,16, who is still at school and Anthea, 21, who is the first member of the family to go to university – she’s studying at Potchefstroom University, something only made possible through EAC.

Basie Oranje, EAC farmer

Basie said:

“She studies with a loan. We applied for a loan and we pay every month for her boarding fees.”

Asked if he could have got a loan without being a member of EAC, Basie replied:

“I am in no condition to get a loan from any financial institution. I have no security and the land is not in my name. I am not registered.”

So we asked him about the other benefits of being a member of EAC. This is what he said:

“It is very suitable for every member because the co-op helps to export the raisins. It also assists with financial help at pruning time and harvest time.”

His message to people buying Geobars and other Traidcraft products containing raisins is this:

“Buy these products – it will help us have a better life.”