The farmer was the owner of the farm that was used to grow wine grapes, grain, oranges and was also a cattle farm. Permanent workers stayed on the farm and some houses were reserved for seasonal workers who were recruited from the Northern Cape. Seasonal workers were advised not to make use of tap water in front of their block as it drew its water from the river; they were to collect clean water using buckets from the main house every day. On their sixth day at work workers were still wondering whether the groceries and the train fare that had been paid for by the farmer was going to be deducted from their first salaries or whether it was just a gift.