NEWS
We have a narrow and focused business portfolio,
which means we know a lot about a few things, instead
of the other way around.
that it cannot be changed from one year
to another and that you have to base an
informed decision on a 20-year profit his-
tory.
A producer is therefore a risk manager
who has to make risk decisions. “To say
that you are going to plant if the price is
right, is a price decision, but it has to be
combined with a production decision.”
The order of your decision-making pro-
cess is also important.
SPECIALISATION OR
DIVERSIFICATION?
This is a very important question. Senwes
has the advantage of evaluating 110 years'
history. In our case, specialisation is the
answer for our business model. Senwes
diversifies geographically, over commod-
ities and in respect of its customer base.
It is important to remember that if you
perform well in one part of the value chain,
it does not imply that you perform well in
another area as well. If your business stra
tegy is profit-making, it is a short-term view
and a dangerous road to follow. The right
strategy is to survive and to still be here
next year.
SURVIVAL
In order to survive, you have to be critical
of yourself and be analytical as far as
your core skills, risk approach and the
environment are concerned and not to be
Should you wish to contact Senwes
Credit, Senwes Equipment and
Senwes Grainlink, contact them as
indicated below:
complacent. “You may not be as clever
as you think.” Be focused, committed and
humble.
Time is important. If you need to make
a decision, do it. What is important is the
message that you convey, the culture you
create and the character you build when
you make a decision.
2019 NATIONAL ELECTION
We find ourselves in a time with very
high volatility, political incidents are the
order of the day and opinions are voiced.
Exchange rates, commodities and busi-
ness confidence are affected - it is import-
ant to make sure that these short-term
incidents and events do not detract from
your long-term views. Do not become par-
alysed by fear and the inability to make
decisions.
GOOD OPPORTUNITIES
Be assured that there are many good
opportunities: “We utilise only two oppor-
tunities from a corporate transaction point
of view out of every 100 opportunities.” If
the price is not right, we say no. We are
in the food value chain and we support
producers. The crux is that you will have
to adjust to certain situations and if you do
not have the courage and the confidence
to carry on, circumstances will force you
to make a decision. Senwes promises to
continue with its investments, the con-
Pieter Swart
Senwes Credit: Managing Executive
018 464 7532
[email protected]
Pieter Malan
Senwes Grainlink: Managing Executive
018 464 7395
[email protected]
Ferdie Pieterse
Senwes Equipment: Managing
Executive
018 464 7653
[email protected]
solidation of business processes and the
utilisation of good opportunities.
We are committed to provide input
products, market access, financial ser-
vices, advice and solutions to our cus-
tomers. We have a narrow and focused
business portfolio, which means we know
a lot about a few things, instead of the
other way around.
Senwes' objective is to provide the
best administration and support services
to producers, to take the lead and to
share fundamental knowledge with our
customers. “Be assured that Senwes will
continue to be a participant and not a
spectator. We are part of South Africa and
we accept the responsibilities which come
with it.”
SENWES SCENARIO | MIND-SHIFT 2019
05