The Fruits of Labour

The artist grew up on a vineyard in the Tulbagh region of the Western Cape where the notorious Dop System — paying workers in alcohol — was employed. He made this work to speak out against the injustice of this practice, now outlawed, that resulted in major damage, both to the individual and to the social fabric. The spades symbolise the farm workers’ labour, while the bowl suggests their meagre pay and the cup their payment in wine.

To bring legislation in line with constitutional values, section 8 of the Liquor
Act (2003) states that an employer must not supply liquor to an employee as
or in lieu of wages or remuneration, neither may the cost thereof be deducted
from such payment, nor may alcohol be used to induce employment.