•••• MAIN AR TICLE
Financial results
>CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
understands the multiplication
effect of agriculture. In respect
of GDP we may make a small
contribution, but when the mul-
tiplication effect is taken into
account, it affects the whole econ-
omy. The country now has more
appreciation for the importance of
the primary production process of
the food value chain for the larger
economy.
6
BUSINESS AND PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy remains to simply
empower the customer in a sus-
tainable manner and to improve
his business. It stands to reason
that our business will improve in
turn. At Senwes it is about the
customer - the internal aspect is
secondary. Our respect and grati-
tude belongs to the customer, who
always supports us.
Many companies are so inter-
nally focused and are so busy with
aspects to benefit the company
that they neglect to share the
benefits with the customer. This
will never be sustainable.
We have to be aware of how
competitive the value chain is
compared to other countries. We
have to respond competitively
as a food value chain. Our main
focus is still the integration of
the customer and it will remain
our focus. We will continuously
attempt to consolidate the indus-
try. It is important to remember:
The agri-business industry has not
consolidated to the same extent as
individual producers.
Our policy is to consolidate
locally, but to look for internation-
al opportunities as well. We have
made good progress in respect of
the integration of businesses, but
a lot of work still has to be done
in respect of the expansion of the
footprint of our businesses.
FOCUS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT
The average South African is
under pressure and consumers are
sick and tired of political uncer-
tainty and favouritism. Companies
are becoming the ethical home of
the population. As a result, agri-
cultural companies have to take
on more and more responsibility.
My advice is: Focus on the
job at hand and on excellent
performance. If you focus on
the political antics, it will divert
your attention from what is really
important.