ALGEMEEN | GENERAL
The first 50 years
Senwes 110
With Senwes celebrating 110 years in 2019, we focus on a few highlights of the early
years, from the formation in 1909 to 1959.
1909
MARCH-APRIL 1909
A group of 24 farmers meet to discuss
the idea of forming a co-operative in
the erstwhile Western Transvaal. A pre-
liminary founding agreement is drafted.
Unknowingly, that was the beginning of
the formation of the largest agricultural
co-operative ever in South Africa and the
Southern Hemisphere (until 1996).
15 MAY 1909
The need for and foundation of a co-
operative is ratified at an official meeting of
a larger gathering at the Stock Exchange
in Klerksdorp. In that way, “De Centraal
Westelijke Co-operatieve Landbouw
Vereniging” is established.
1 JUNE 1909
At the first directors’ meeting, William
Campbell is elected as the first chairman
of “De Centraal Westelijke Co-operatieve
Landbouw Vereniging”.
1929-1930
Sentraalwes sells fuel to its members.
1931
The total grain yield received by Sentraal
wes reaches the million-bag mark for the
first time in the history of the co-operative.
1936
21 APRIL 1936
As a co-operative, Senwes is registered
by the Department of Agriculture (Union
of South Africa) as the “Sentraal Westelike
Koöperatiewe Maatskappy”. In colloquial
language, the company is often referred
to as “Sentraalwes” and sometimes.
“Senwesko”.
1946
16 APRIL 1946
The cornerstone of a new head office is
laid in Corrie de Kock Street, Klerksdorp.
On 12 April 1947, the new offices
are inaugurated. JJ Adams, Deputy-
Secretary of Agriculture and Registrar of
Co-operative Companies, officially opens
the new head office.
JULY 1946
The first monthly publication, Senwesko,
Vol 1 (1), is published. After a few months,
it ceases to exist. In June 1956, the
Senwester follows as a second attempt at
a monthly publication.
1947
The management of peanuts as a new
production line begins. By 1949, Senwes
also trades in fodder and edible oils.
1950
Senwes is a founder of member of
Sentraboer (Co-operative) Limited, which
is established to insure the harvests and
assets of members.
1951
Seed processing commences as additio
nal service to members.
1956
2 FEBRUARY 1956
Senwes registers its activities in the
erstwhile South West Africa (currently
Namibia) in terms of the Ordinance on
Co-operative Associations, 1946 (No. 15
of 1946) as a co-operative company with
limited accountability.
Senwes probably initiated and used the
co-operative company’s
first logo this year.
Source: Time cultivates winners. Senwes - A century of agriculture by Elize S van Eeden
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SENWES SCENARIO | KOPSKUIF • MIND-SHIFT 2019