Senwes’ vision is to be a responsible corporate citizen that contributes to the sustainable development of communities and society as a whole. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of rural areas, especially in the areas where the Senwes Group conducts business.
Senwes is committed to the creation of shareholder value, the sustainability of which is based on how we conduct our business, how we support our customers with integrated solutions, and how we treat our employees, the environment and the communities in which we operate.
The sustainability of the Senwes Group depends on the economy, the workplace, and the natural and social environments being the main elements in terms of environment, social and governance matters.
As contemplated in section 72 of the Companies Act, 2008, the Senwes Social and Ethics Committee monitors the Group’s performance as a diverse and complex business across different sectors focusing on the four Pillars described herein as well as in terms of its approved mandate. The Committee presents this Report to shareholders at the annual general meeting.
At Senwes, sustainability is integral to operating and growing as a leading agricultural company. Our commitment to sustainable development is reflected in our approach to creating long-term shareholder value while considering the economic, environmental, and social impact of our operations.
We recognise that four key pillars shape the sustainability of the Senwes Group:
By aligning our strategies with stakeholder expectations, we aim to drive continuous progress while reducing our reliance on scarce resources and external utility providers.
Our ESG journey is guided by a risk-based approach, ensuring that we proactively manage challenges and opportunities in an evolving agricultural landscape. Through innovation, responsible business practices, and collaboration, we strive to create lasting value for our employees, customers, and the communities in which we operate.
Senwes is deeply committed to community development and upliftment, ensuring that the agricultural sector not only thrives economically but also fosters social well-being. By investing in key social initiatives and focused programmes, we aim to improve the livelihoods of farmworkers, their families, and the broader rural communities in which we operate.
Senwes is deeply committed to community development and upliftment, ensuring that the agricultural sector not only thrives economically but also fosters social well-being. By investing in key social initiatives and focused programmes, we aim to improve the livelihoods of farmworkers, their families, and the broader rural communities in which we operate.
The Thobo Trust plays a pivotal role in enhancing Senwes’ B-BBEE status and credentials, ensuring alignment with the B-BBEE Act and sector-specific compliance requirements. The Trust contributes to broad-based black economic empowerment through various initiatives that promote socio-economic inclusion, enterprise development, and skills training. Founded by the Senwes Group in 2014, Thobo Trust is an independent Trust used to drive the Senwes Group's Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives. In 2025, over 2,000 children benefited from these initiatives.
Our social impact mandate focuses on:
The AgriRewards +Programme plays a crucial role in supporting local farmers’ unions, with R1.6 million
allocated to improve community infrastructure and agricultural development.
Through these initiatives, Senwes strengthens rural communities, enhances the well-being of farmworkers and their families, and fosters a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.
During the financial year, Thobo Trust spearheaded several initiatives aimed at enhancing education, youth development, and community welfare.
Thobo Trust has prioritised educational development by tackling illiteracy and lack of resources in rural schools:
In August 2024, Thobo Trust, in partnership with Senwes’ Engineering and Property Assets (EPA) department, donated 8 steel bookshelves to Phakela Primary School in Hartbeesfontein. The bookshelves were donated to enhance the school’s library, supporting education, personality development, and values enrichment.
In January 2025, Thobo Trust launched a literacy development programme aimed at improving reading and comprehension among primary school learners. Thobo Trust partnered with Bryanston Primary School in Johannesburg and donated books to the Phakela School library. This initiative seeks to equip young students with foundational literacy skills to improve their academic performance and broaden their horizons.
Thobo Trust also addressed food security challenges in 2025 by supporting sustainable agricultural projects in rural schools:
Thobo Trust, in partnership with Sakata, donated shade nets and vegetable seeds to Nampo Combined Agricultural School in Bothaville. The two shade nets will protect crops in the school’s greenhouse tunnels from harsh sunlight and unpredictable weather, ensuring better yields during the planting season. The vegetable seed donation (including spinach, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, beetroots, and Swiss chard) will help improve the nutritional intake of over 800 pupils at the school.
The successful project at Nampo Combined Agricultural school already made an impact when the first harvest was made on the 7th of March 2025.
Recognising the importance of early childhood education, Thobo Trust has supported ECD centres to create a nurturing learning environment for young children
In October 2024, Thobo Trust donated teaching aids, play equipment, and essential learning resources to Ons Anker Intermediate Farm School in Hennenman. The donation aimed to create an engaging and interactive learning environment where young learners can develop motor skills, creativity, and early cognitive abilities.
n Monday 7 October 2024 Thobo Trust, Senwes’ strategic partner in corporate social investment (CSI) projects, donated a jungle gym, backpack cupboard, bean bags, skipping ropes, hula hoops, wacky racks, soccer balls, educational charts, snacks, and educational colouring books to Ons Anker Intermediate Farm School in Hennenman for the Grade R and Grade RR leaners.
Thobo Trust is dedicated to empowering young people with leadership and personal development skills.
Thobo Trust also launched an initiative to develop leadership skills in October 2024 among high school students, helping them prepare for future careers and personal growth. Thobo Trust visited Itokisetseng Combined Farm School in Wesselsbron to motivate and inspire Grade 11 and 12 learners about career opportunities within Senwes. Learners were introduced to career paths at Senwes, including learnerships, the graduate programme, and the accelerated learner programme. The session provided students with an opportunity to engage with Senwes representatives, ask questions, and gain insights into their future career options.
Thobo Trust extended its reach to social welfare programs, providing aid to vulnerable children and community centres.
During the year Thobo Trust also contributed to the Atamelang Child and Youth Care Centre, a facility that provides shelter and education to vulnerable children. The Atamelang Centre is a 24-hour residential care facility that provides primary care, therapeutic services, education, and development programs for 20 children. Thobo Trust, in partnership with Alliance Seeds, initiated a project to enhance food security at the SAVF Atamelang Child and Youth Care Centre in Klerksdorp. Resources and various vegetable seeds were donated to create a sustainable vegetable garden for the care centre.
n Friday 15 November 2024 Thobo Trust, Senwes’ strategic partner in corporate social investment (CSI) projects, alongside Alliance Seeds, joined hands in a charitable initiative that promises to make a lasting impact on the Atamelang Child and Youth Care Centre in Klerksdorp.
Thobo Trust’s efforts in education, food security, youth development, and social welfare continue to have a sustainable impact on communities. This aligns with Senwes' goal of creating long-term empowerment rather than temporary relief. By investing in education, leadership, and well-being, the Trust is actively transforming lives and strengthening rural communities.
Christmas is a season of great joy, hope, goodwill, and unity. The 2024 Senwes Christmas party was a big success, and we are grateful to all the sponsors who helped make this project possible.
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Sport helps to improve the personal and skills development of children, especially in rural areas where opportunities are less accessible. Senwes Spinners, a cricket development programme established in 2006, which focuses on affording children attending farm schools the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game of cricket, once again saw the light in 2024/25.
The participating schools were Itokisetseng Combined School (Wesselsbron), Manana Intermediate School (Lichtenburg), Mponeng Primary School (Parys), Nampo Combined School (Bothaville), Ons Anker Primary School (Hennenman), Pelonomi Primary School (Stilfontein), Phakela Primary School (Hartbeesfontein), and Vyfhoek Primary School (Potchefstroom).
At the end of March 2025, Potchefstroom saw the return of the Senwes Spinners Tournament, a true celebration of grassroots cricket. The tournament is not just about the thrill of competition but also an opportunity for participants to experience something they may not have otherwise, fostering technical skills and essential values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Since Senwes is an agricultural company, its focus on rural farm schools demonstrates the company's commitment to making a sustainable impact in the communities it serves and operate in. The 2025 edition of the Senwes Spinners Tournament brought together a diverse group of young players from seven farm schools in the region, all eager to prove themselves and improve their cricketing abilities. For some, it was the first actual match they had ever played.
AgriRewards is a loyalty and rewards programme established by Senwes to reward farmers and agricultural businesses for their ongoing support and engagement with the company. Over the years, it has become a key mechanism for building strong relationships with farmers' associations and rural communities.
During the 2023/2024 Senwes launched AgriRewards Plus (+) to assist local communities by utilising the Farmers Associations as a conduit for a Charitable reason to support and help with the upliftment of local communities (for purposes of education, sport, care for the elderly, security etc.), and/or the establishment and improvement of critical infrastructure (security, water and power). The Farmers Associations are best suited to understand and grasp the challenges that their local communities are facing.
AgriRewards+ is therefore the conduit for donations and, with the assistance of the Farmers Associations, provides a structured manner for distributing these donations. These donations are sourced from the Senwes Group's cash resources.
Unlike traditional donation models, AgriRewards+ gives farmer associations the autonomy to decide how to invest their funds, ensuring that the support directly addresses local needs.
At Nampo Harvest Day 2024, the Senwes Group paid out over R500 000 to farmers’ associations as part of the AgriRewards+ program. These funds mark the first disbursements from the initiative, which has R1.8 million for 2024. In 2025 a similar amount is to be paid out to AgriRewards members’ famers unions and study groups.
More than 50 farmers’ association members actively participate in the programme.
Dit is met groot opwinding dat die Senwes Groep vanjaar by Nampo Oesdag meer as R500 000 se betalings aan boereverenigings gaan maak. Senwes waardeer en respekteer die kardinale rol wat boereverenigings in die bevordering van hul gemeenskappe speel. Met dit in gedagte, is die Senwes Groep opgewonde om van die eerste uitbetalings van sy AgriRewards+ program aan te kondig, wat gemik is op die bemagtiging en bevordering van landelike gemeenskappe.
In the wake of the devastating fires that afflicted large parts of both the Northwest and Free State Provinces, Senwes, through its AgriRewards+ initiative, donated R450 000 to the respective provinces’ formal agricultural structures as part of a relief fund. Senwes also supported a young farmer, who, amidst devastating fires on their farm, saved numerous people. The funds were used to help with his care and rehabilitation after also sustaining injuries.
Senwes is committed to fostering a resilient and inclusive economic environment that supports sustainable agricultural growth. Our approach to economic sustainability is centred on economic development, ethical governance, and broad-based black empowerment, ensuring that we create long-term value for stakeholders while upholding the highest standards of integrity.
Key focus areas include:
Agri Credit Solutions (ACS), a registered credit provider within the Senwes Group, offers finance through Senwes Credit, Suidwes Credit, and KLK Credit. Serving as a vital financing link between agricultural producers and Senwes' operations, ACS provides tailored financial solutions to support farmers' needs.
ACS enables access to agricultural inputs through Hinterland, streamlines credit applications, and offers specialised financing options.
ACS plays a crucial role in empowering emerging farmers by providing financial aid, customised financial solutions, and industry expertise.
In the 2024/25 season, ACS facilitated a significant number of production credit and term loan applications, ensuring developing farmers had the financial resources needed to grow their operations. In total, R26.87 million in production finance was granted, of which R15.75 million was utilised. Term loans approved was R14.9 million with R4.65 million taken up.
External funding was also leveraged to assist these farmers:
This initiative faced several challenges, such as the lack of security and unacceptable levels of risk. Despite these challenges, ACS remains committed to empowering emerging farmers through structured financial support and long-term development initiatives that drive sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Senwes remains committed to supporting local communities by maintaining essential road infrastructure across its operational areas. For the year under review, Senwes has scraped a total of 1,151.5 km of roads, ensuring safer and more accessible routes for farmers, transporters, and residents.
Senwes successfully completed road maintenance in the following areas: NAMPO, Groenebloem, Raathsvlei, Enselspruit, Buckingham, Vierfontein, Viljoenskroon, Makokskraal, Hartbeesfontein, Werda, Melliadora, Bothaville, Misgunst, Mirage, Regina, and Leeudoringstad.
This initiative directly benefits local communities and road users, enhancing transport efficiency, road safety, and agricultural logistics.
Agrinet is committed to corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives that support community development, conservation, and agricultural education. Through various projects, Agrinet actively contributes to creating a positive and lasting impact in the areas it serves. These were:
Agrinet proudly contributed to the revitalisation of the Olivenhoutbosch Police Station, enhancing the work environment for the dedicated officers who serve the community.
This project has significantly improved the station’s overall appearance and functionality, providing a more welcoming and efficient space for law enforcement personnel.
Through the trust and support of the Kaufmann brand, Agrinet has been able to channel resources into wildlife conservation efforts. One such initiative is the K9 Social Responsibility Program, developed in partnership with the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC).
SAWC, established in 1996 by WWF-SA, is an accredited Higher Education and Training institution specialising in conservation education, skills development, and training. Agrinet's partnership in this program supports anti-poaching efforts and conservation initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Agrinet, in collaboration with Torrenti, proudly supported the South African Irrigation Institute (SABI) in organising an agricultural technology training workshop for students at Hoërskool Merensky and Augsburg Landbougimnasium. This workshop provided hands-on training on two critical subjects: irrigation techniques and water conservation strategies.
In the spirit of Mandela Day, the various companies within the Senwes Group decided to make a difference in their own community this year, focusing on the elderly.
Units in the Randlespark municipal self-care facilities were renovated, and it became clear that a coat of paint can do much more than improve appearances.
Other actions within the group were also taken by NviroTek, Bastion, and individual departments within their group, who also contributed, among others, to refurbishing an animal shelter and giving donations to a less fortunate school in Jouberton.
In die gees van Mandela-dag het die verskillende maatskappye binne die Senwes Groep besluit om vanjaar ʼn verskil in sy eie gemeenskap te maak, met die fokus op bejaardes. Eenhede in Randlespark munisipale selfsorgeenhede is opgeknap, en dit was duidelik dat ʼn lagie verf vir veel meer as net uiterlike voorkoms kan sorg. Die trane van dankbaarheid het woorde oorbodig gemaak.
For 67 minutes, employees from diverse backgrounds walked together in solidarity, symbolising our commitment to inclusivity, health, and social responsibility. This initiative not only reinforced the values of Ubuntu but also highlighted our dedication to creating a workplace culture that prioritises well-being, respect, and shared purpose.
NviroTek employees volunteered at House Lesedi in Hartbeespoort, assisting with sorting donated baby clothing and painting the facility, supporting vulnerable infants in the community.
In 2025, Senwes had the privilege of fulfilling the wish of four-year-old Liam Jacobs in collaboration with Reach for a Dream. Liam’s biggest wish was to ride a John Deere tractor. The Senwes Equipment team, together with Reach for a Dream, made this wish a reality.
NviroTek Laboratories is an independent, SANAS-accredited testing laboratory group with a strong geographical presence in Southern Africa. Specialising in analytical services such as chemistry, microbiology, hygiene monitoring, chromatography, and biological analyses. NviroTek is committed to providing sustainable analytical support to various sectors in the food chain.
Community Engagement
NviroTek sponsored the Rooibos Tea Producers Association, participating in events and distributing promotional materials to support the rooibos farming community.
The company also recycles its digital equipment through Go Green Recycling, ensuring responsible electronic waste management. It also installed a solar energy system at the Ifafi premises, valued at R6.2 million, projected to save 190 kWp of fossil-generated electricity annually.
As part of Senwes’ commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we continue to enhance our carbon footprint measurement and energy efficiency initiatives to reduce our overall environmental impact. With climate change posing significant challenges to the agricultural sector, Senwes actively pursues data-driven strategies to lower emissions and improve energy consumption across our operations.
Key focus areas include:
By integrating renewable energy and data-driven GHG management, Senwes is working towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
The Senwes Group is also advancing its Scope 3 GHG emissions strategy within the upstream value chain, particularly among grain producers supplying to processors and oil crushers.
The de-identified data collected informs annual financial farm management reports, providing producers with valuable benchmarking insights for improving grain production. Additionally, refining nitrogen efficiency data helps determine GHG emissions per hectare and per ton, contributing to sustainability reporting and commercial opportunities for Senwes.
By integrating these sustainability initiatives strengthens its value chain partnerships, driving long-term agricultural resilience, sustainable food production and operational excellence.
The Senwes Group also maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, corruption, and unethical behaviour. The Board and Management recognise the risks associated with commercial crime and are committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices across all operations.
To uphold this commitment, Senwes has implemented a Crime Prevention and Whistle-Blowing Policy to detect, combat, and prevent unethical activities. This policy is regularly reviewed and serves as a crucial safeguard against fraudulent practices.
The Senwes anti-fraud program consists of three key elements:
During this year, 129 incidents of potential fraud, corruption, or unethical behaviour were detected or reported within the Senwes Group. Of these:
Senwes remains vigilant in adhering to Section 34 of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) 12 of 2004. This legal framework mandates individuals in positions of authority to report any reasonable suspicion of fraud or corruption exceeding R100 000.
Failure to report such incidents constitutes a criminal offence, reinforcing Senwes’ commitment to legal compliance and corporate governance in preventing fraudulent activities.
Senwes continues to enhance its fraud risk management strategies to safeguard the organisation, protect stakeholders, and uphold ethical business practices.
The Senwes Group remains committed to transformational economic development and compliance with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act No. 53 of 2003 and the AgriBEE Sector Code (2017).
B-BBEE Compliance Status:
The Senwes Group drives inclusive economic participation through learnerships, training, and youth
employment initiatives. During 2024/2025, Senwes implemented theYES Programme , in terms
of which 55 unemployed trainees were inducted, trained and absorbed into the Group.
These efforts underscore Senwes’ commitment to workforce transformation,EE , skills development,
and sustainable employment within the agricultural sector.
Thobo Trust is a key stakeholder in the group’s B-BBEE programme.
By integrating these priorities into our business strategy, Senwes ensures long-term economic sustainability while driving positive change in the agricultural sector.
Senwes upholds a zero-tolerance policy for any form of unethical behaviour, regardless of the impact on the business. This means that:
To ensure effective governance, Senwes has established a comprehensive ethics management structure:
Senwes has also adopted the ISO 37301 Compliance standard (“ISO”), an international standard for compliance management systems. It provides guidelines for establishing, developing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining, and improving an effective and responsive compliance management system within organisations.
ISO 37301 is crucial for organisations looking to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and ethical standards within their operational context. It helps mitigate risks, foster a culture of integrity, and enhance organisational governance and reputation.
The principles of ISO in the Group are embedded and verified annually that the following are in place:
During 2025, the Group adopted a new integrated compliance, risk and audit framework which is currently being implemented. This framework and its underlying system include Artificial Intelligence Reporting mechanisms.
To promote ethical behaviour and transparency, Senwes has implemented the following policies:
Regular communication, training, and awareness campaigns and competitions are conducted to ensure employees understand these policies and their responsibilities.
Senwes’ ethical framework is built on six core values that guide business decisions and stakeholder relationships:
We always do the right things for the right reasons and act ethically.
All our actions are oriented towards meeting the needs and solving the problems of our customers, and all our stakeholders professionally.
We are self-motivated in the pursuit of the company’s vision, as well as the realisation of our career aspirations.
We strive to be creative, imaginative, and resourceful in seeking solutions to business challenges and meeting customer needs.
We are always loyal to Senwes and act in the best interest of the company while taking into consideration the interest of all its stakeholders.
We are responsible and accountable for our actions and committed to providing complete, truthful, accurate, and timely information to all our stakeholders.
By embedding ethical principles into everyday business practices, Senwes ensures a responsible, transparent, and values-driven approach to governance.
During the year under review, the Group launched the Value Champion campaign.
The true champions of Senwes' values were nominated by their peers and celebrated. These are employees who go above and beyond in their commitment to our values and ethical standards. They set a high bar for all of us and demonstrate what it truly means to live the Senwes values.
The overall participation had been very good, and the success thereof is accordingly reflected in the number of participants (570 participants and 119 nominations). Five Value campions were eventually selected from the group.
The focus area and theme for awareness for the 2025 year were “Conflict of Interest and declarations”. The declaration reports are reviewed monthly and potential issues are dealt with directly with the employees involved.
At Senwes, our employees are the foundation of our success. We are committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace that prioritises employee well-being, development, and retention. Our workplace strategy focuses on creating a positive work culture, upholding fair labour practices, and ensuring compliance with prevailing labour legislation to maintain a sustainable and engaged workforce.
One of the key stakeholders of the Senwes Group is its employees. Equitable and fair labour practices, as well as compliance with prevailing labour legislation and training prescriptions, are key to the Senwes Group’s sustainability. Over time, Senwes has adopted a sound remuneration philosophy, which is available as part of the Remuneration Report in the Senwes Integrated Report for the year under review.
Senwes strives to be an employer of choice. In this regard, Senwes has developed an employee value proposition, which steers the group’s employee engagement and talent strategy towards the realisation of that vision. The purpose of our employee value proposition is to enable the organisation to attract prospective talent, improve employee engagement and performance, instil behaviour consistent with our values, develop an enabling and supportive work environment and retain talent. Senwes’ Employee Value Proposition rests on the following pillars:
Providing an enabling safe, healthy and supportive work environment (refer to HSE); and
At Senwes, our dedication to investing in the future is exemplified through the nurturing and development of young talent. The cornerstone of this commitment is our annual Graduate Programme, which provides a transformative platform for 17 outstanding graduates across various departments, enabling them to embark on a journey towards professional excellence.
The primary objective of the Graduate Programme is to expose young professionals to the working environment, equipping them with essential skills such as resilience, self-management, and the ability to manage others, ultimately shaping them into well-rounded individuals.
The official Graduate Programme, in collaboration with Yellow Seed Consulting, commenced in March 2025. This phase will feature monthly interactive workshops, with action learning incorporated to ensure the practical application of acquired knowledge within the workplace. Formal coaching sessions also formed an integral part of this programme, offering further development support.
The Senwes Academy celebrated its 14th Graduation Ceremony on October 11, 2024, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to employee development and sustainability. During this event, we recognised and rewarded 20 employees who successfully completed formal learning programmes or obtained nationally recognised qualifications.
Additionally, 43 learners completed a non-credit-bearing certificate and academic programme designed to enhance their management skills and knowledge. These specialised programmes provided targeted training, equipping participants with the expertise required for their roles.
Key achievements recognised at the ceremony included:
The event also honoured employees who achieved National Certificates, marking significant career milestones:
The Senwes Graduation Ceremony underscores our commitment to recognising and celebrating the dedication, hard work, and achievements of our employees. By investing in skills development, we empower our workforce to reach their full potential, contributing to the long-term growth and success of our company. Our dedication to continuous learning and professional development remains a cornerstone of Senwes' culture.
At Senwes, we recognise the transformative power of education in fostering both personal and professional growth. The group therefore offers an internal and external bursary scheme.
Our internal bursary scheme is designed to empower employees by supporting their pursuit of further education. By fostering a culture of continuous learning through our internal bursary programme, we are not only investing in individual development but also strengthening our workforce with diverse skills and knowledge essential for the company’s long-term success.
As part of our ongoing commitment to employee development, we awarded bursaries to 53 individuals on our internal bursary scheme during the 2024/2025 financial year, amounting to a total investment of R1,4m.
Our External Bursary Programme continues to serve as a strategic investment in education and future talent, with a strong partnership established with North-West University (NWU). This initiative supports promising students involved in project-based learning, particularly those aligned with the company’s strategic focus areas such as agriculture, engineering, and business management.
This partnership contributes to social and educational development and enhances the organisation’s talent pipeline and long-term sustainability goals. The total investment for external bursars for the 2024/2025 financial year amounted to R 636,730.
Senwes launched the Certificate in Grain Depot Management in 2024, marking a significant achievement for Senwes Grainlink in collaboration with Agbiz Grain and Peritum Agri Institute. Accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), this qualification represents a major advancement within the grain industry.
As the first formal qualification of its kind in the sector, this programme equips participants with the essential skills and expertise required to excel as Grain Depot Managers. Currently, 10 dedicated Senwes Grainlink employees are enrolled in this two-year programme, running from April 2024 to April 2026.
To accommodate operational demands, learning is structured around the grain and oilseed harvest cycles, resulting in nine months of blocked time over the two-year period. Despite this challenge, learners have successfully completed four out of seven modules to date. We look forward to the positive impact this programme will have on our employees and the broader grain sector.
Senwes ensures that appropriate and multiple training opportunities are provided. Training declined from 2024 to 2025 since generic training courses were replaced with more focused training courses. There was also a shift to online courses such as STRIDE and UDEMY, which increased the number of courses attended but at lower costs.
| Training Dashboard Indicator | Previous year 2023/2024 | Current year 2024/2025 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total training course attendance captured | 12 690 | 23 156 | 82.5% |
| Total training man-days | 36 248 | 26 723 | 34.6% |
| Average number of training days per employee | 10.4 | 7.1 | 31.7% |
| Total training costs captured (R) | R14 261 459 | R12 357 712 | 13.3% |
| Training costs of BBBEE-candidates (% of total training) | 35% | 31% | 4% |
| Training costs of EE-candidates (% of total training) | 58% | 56% | 2% |
| Total training cost as % of payroll cost | 1.8% | 1.5% | 0.3% |
Additionally, to optimise training efficiency and cost-efficiency, the new Learning Management System (LMS) will be launched in 2026, and planning is already underway.
The following graph shows the training costs across the different training categories for the current financial year:
The chart below indicates that 36% of skills expenditure captured for the year to date had been in the B-Band (semi-skilled employees on job grade 4 to 8) and 28% for the C-Band (skilled technical employees on job grade 9 to 13) followed by 17% for the D-Band (professionally qualified employees on job grade 14 to 18), and15% for the A-Band (unskilled employees on job grade 1 to 3). The least amount of skills expenditure went to E-Band employees (Senior Management on job grade 19 – 23).
The table below illustrates all the development programmes currently active in the Senwes Group, as well as the number of employees currently on these programmes.
Development Programme/s Number of employees/learners on the programme| Development Programme/s | Number of employees/learners on the programme |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeships (largely Equipment Group) | 46 |
| Graduate Programme | 15 |
| NQF 5 Generic Management Programme | 10 |
| NQF 5 QCTO Grain Depot Manager Programme | 10 |
| NQF 3 Grain Handling Learners (18.2) | 23 |
| NQF 2 Grain Handling Learners (18.1) | 12 |
| “YES” Learners | 55 |
| Young Managers Programme (NviroTek) | 12 |
In April 2024, Senwes enrolled 10 employees in the National Certificate in Generic Management (NQF 5), a formal qualification aimed at developing managerial competencies. The programme, scheduled for completion in April 2026, provides learners with the knowledge and skills required to apply sound management principles in overseeing operational units.
NviroTek has enrolled a cohort of junior managers in the Young Managers Programme, a short learning initiative consisting of six modules.
This programme is designed to develop essential managerial competencies, focusing on:
By equipping participants with the fundamental principles of management, the programme aims to build a strong foundation for emerging leaders at NviroTek.
During the reporting period, a total of 55 “YES” (Youth Employment Service) learners were successfully appointed across various partner companies as part of our strategic commitment to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) initiatives.
This initiative supports our goal of fostering sustainable transformation and youth employment while contributing positively toward our BEE scorecard, specifically under the Skills Development and Socio-Economic Development pillars. The learners have been placed in roles across various silos, providing them with structured workplace experience and vital skills development aligned to national priorities.
This successful intake demonstrates our continued commitment to youth empowerment, social development, and economic inclusion. The program also reinforces our role as an active contributor to South Africa’s transformation agenda.
A total of 46 Tractor Technician apprentices are currently completing their apprenticeships at various equipment workshops. This programme forms part of our broader commitment to skills development and technical training within the agricultural and mechanical sectors.
The apprentices are undergoing structured, on-the-job training in line with national qualification standards, gaining hands-on experience in diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance of agricultural machinery.
This initiative supports workforce readiness and contributes to long-term industry sustainability by addressing the growing demand for skilled technicians in the equipment maintenance sector.
On 25 March 2025, 18 newly appointed apprentices attended their formal induction at the Senwes Head Office. This marked the beginning of their technical training journey as part of the 2025 apprenticeship intake.
Building on our commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture, Senwes has continued its transformative journey over the past year. As part of our ongoing efforts, in January 2025, Senwes reassessed the group’s culture through the same surveys conducted in 2023. This reassessment provides valuable insights into our progress from the initial evaluation and offers a clear understanding of our current cultural landscape.
The results not only measure our strides but also help to identify key focus areas for the Senwes Group as a whole and unique focus areas tailored to individual business units and departments. These insights will guide our next steps, ensuring a targeted and strategic approach to further cultivating a culture of engagement, innovation, and sustainability.
Since the 2023 baseline, we have seen measurable and encouraging progress:
All key metrics have shown improvement, underscoring the positive momentum of our cultural transformation. These results affirm that our efforts are yielding meaningful change and provide a strong foundation for continued growth and alignment across the Group.
At Agrinet, sustainability is at the heart of our operations, and the company’s green initiatives reflect this ongoing commitment. Rain harvesting and recycling are two key focus areas where Agrinet actively reduce its environmental
footprint while promoting responsible resource management.
One of the company’s primary initiatives, rain harvesting, allows it to collect and store rainwater, reducing our dependence on municipal water sources. This initiative not only conserves valuable water resources but also supports
the broader sustainability goals by promoting self-sufficiency.
In addition, the company implemented comprehensive recycling programmes across its facilities. By repurposing materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal, Agrinet prevents unnecessary waste from reaching landfills, reinforcing
its dedication to a circular economy. This ensures that valuable materials are reused and recycled, reducing the company’s environmental impact.
By prioritising these sustainable practices, Agrinet continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship. These initiatives form part of its greater mission to operate in an environmentally conscious and socially responsible
manner, contributing to a greener future.
Agrinet Sustainability Outcomes for 2025:
| Recycling & Environmental Impact | Current Month | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
 | 47 Trees saved | 533 Trees saved |
 | 56 L Water saved | 736L Water saved |
 | 45 L Oil saved | 410L Oil saved |
 | 33m³ Landfill saved | 1044m³ Landfill saved |
 | 75 kW Energy saved | 834 kW Energy saved |
Senwes is dedicated to responsible environmental management and the sustainable use of natural resources to ensure long-term agricultural resilience. As a key intermediary in the agricultural value chain, serving both primary producers
and food processors, Senwes recognises the importance of minimising our environmental impact while maintaining uninterrupted service delivery.
Our environmental strategy focuses on the following key areas:
Waste Managementand Hazardous Material Disposal: Senwes adheres to strict protocols for the
responsible use and disposal of fumigation products, ensuring safe insect and pest control within our grain storage operations.
Carbon Footprint Measurement and Energy Efficiency: We have implemented the Senwes Greenhouse
Gas Management System, focusing on Scope 1 and 2 emissions. We are taking proactive steps toward a lower-carbon future by identifying critical operational sites for solar energy investment and improving energy efficiency.
| Incidents 2024 | Number |
|---|---|
| Section 24 investigations | 4 |
| Disabling injuries | 57 |
| Disabling Injury Frequency Rate (DIFR) | 1.85 |
| Lost Man Days | 567 |
| Rail related incidents | 1 |
By integrating these initiatives, Senwes is strengthening its environmental stewardship, ensuring compliance with best practices, and securing a more sustainable future for agriculture.
On the 25th and 26th of October 2024 we hosted the Senwes Knockout Series. The four main sports events was Padel, Netball, Soccer, and Touch Rugby. The participation and enthusiasm from teams across the organisation were outstanding, with a total of 83 teams competing.
The 2024 Knockout Series was a great success, building stronger relationships, promoting wellness, and creating positive energy across the company.
The annual Box Car Race has become a much-anticipated tradition, celebrating creativity, teamwork, and spirited competition among employees. Held on 14 March 2025, the event featured a challenging course with ramps and turns, testing the participants' design and driving skills of the participants.
Teams from various departments collaborated to construct unique box carts, fostering cross-functional teamwork and camaraderie. Carts ranged from sleek, aerodynamic designs to whimsical creations, demonstrating the diverse talents within the company.
This year's race not only provided an exhilarating experience for participants and spectators alike but also reinforced the company's commitment to fostering a vibrant and collaborative workplace culture.
Demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being, Falcon celebrated 'Wellness Month' with various activities, including a 2 to 4km run and a communal braai, promoting physical health and team cohesion.
Recognising and celebrating the dedication of our employees is a core value at Senwes. The Senwes Group hosts Long Service Awards Functions each year to honour the commitment and loyalty of long-serving employees across the group. These events provided an opportunity to express our gratitude to employees who have contributed to the various group companies’ success over the years.
A total of 27 employees received long service awards in 2025 within the Senwe Group. This long-standing commitment reflects the strength of our workforce and a culture of excellence.
At Agrinet, their long-serving employees have dedicated an incredible 1,325 years of service, with six individuals reaching the significant milestone of 20 years each. In aggregate, 111 employees received the honorary award of long service.
At Senwes, we believe in making a meaningful impact beyond the workplace by supporting initiatives that benefit our communities. These are blood drives, cancer awareness, career days and several special occasions such as Spring, Casual Day, and #BokFridays.
We’re pleased to report on the successful completion of this year’s “Knockout Series,” an event aimed at fostering team spirit, wellness, and engagement across departments.
On the 25th and 26th of October 2024 we hosted four main sports events—Padel, Netball, Soccer, and Touch Rugby. The participation and enthusiasm from teams across the organisation were outstanding, with a total of 83 teams competing.
The 2024 Knockout Series was a great success, building stronger relationships, promoting wellness, and creating positive energy across the company. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible—from the organisers and referees to all the employees who participated with enthusiasm and sportsmanship. We look forward to implementing these improvements and making the 2025 Knockout Series an even more memorable experience for all!
The annual Box Car Race has become a much-anticipated tradition, celebrating creativity, teamwork, and spirited competition among employees. Held on 14 March 2025, the event featured a challenging course with ramps and turns, testing the participants' design and driving skills.
Teams from various departments collaborated to construct unique box carts, fostering cross-functional teamwork and camaraderie. Carts ranged from sleek, aerodynamic designs to whimsical creations, demonstrating the diverse talents within the company.
This year's race not only provided an exhilarating experience for participants and spectators alike but also reinforced the company's commitment to fostering a vibrant and collaborative workplace culture.
Demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being, Falcon celebrated 'Wellness Month' with various activities, including a 2 to 4km run and a communal braai, promoting physical health and team cohesion.
Recognising and celebrating the dedication of our employees is a core value at Senwes. The Senwes Group hosts Long Service Awards Functions each year to honour the commitment and loyalty of long-serving employees across the group. These events provided an opportunity to express our gratitude to employees who have contributed to the various group companies’ success over the years.
A total of 27 employees received long service awards in 2025 within the Senwe Group. This long-standing commitment reflects the strength of our workforce and a culture of excellence.
At Agrinet, their long-serving employees have dedicated an incredible 1,325 years of service, with six individuals reaching the significant milestone of 20 years each. In aggregate, 111 employees received the honorary award of long service.
At Senwes, we believe in making a meaningful impact beyond the workplace by supporting initiatives that benefit our communities. These are blood drives, cancer awareness, career days and several special occasions such as Spring, Casual Day, and #BokFridays.
Annually, 11 companies within the Senwes Group submit their EEA2 and EEA4 submissions to the Department of Labour as part of our commitment to Employment Equity. Throughout the past financial year, a total of 44 quarterly Employment Equity Forum meetings were held across the Senwes Group.
During these meetings, company policies and procedures were thoroughly reviewed to ensure alignment with our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equitable practices. Where necessary, policies and procedures were updated or revised to reflect our ongoing dedication to fostering a fair and inclusive workplace environment.
These initiatives highlight our proactive approach to compliance and our continuous efforts to promote Employment Equity principles within our organisation. By prioritising diversity and inclusion in our policies and practices, we aim to create a workplace where all employees can thrive and contribute to our shared success and sustainability goals.
Following the release of the Department of Labour's proposed sectoral targets, comprehensive five-year plans were developed for all relevant companies within our group to align with the targets proposed by the Department.
These strategic actions demonstrate our commitment to staying ahead of regulatory changes and proactively aligning our practices with evolving government standards. By taking proactive steps to anticipate and address upcoming compliance requirements, we reaffirm our dedication to responsible governance and sustainable business practices.
The following chart shows the current EE performance of all the companies:
Employment Equity (EE) aims to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in the workplace, particularly for historically disadvantaged groups.
The percentage (%) in the chart indicates how well each company is performing against their EE targets or compliance levels. Companies scoring above 85% are well aligned with national transformation priorities.
The Senwes Group has learned valuable lessons throughout its sustainability journey and continues to evolve as we move forward. Through our long-term strategic and risk-based sustainability approaches, we remain committed to securing the future of our business while upholding our responsibility to the environment, our stakeholders, and the broader agricultural sector.
Our goal is to ensure long-term resilience by integrating sustainability and each of the four pillars into every aspect of our operations. By doing so, we not only strengthen our business but also support the future of commercial food production, ensuring that generations to come will benefit from a thriving and sustainable agricultural industry.
Ensuring optimal grain quality across Senwes Grainlink’s silo network remains a top priority. Through continuous monitoring, inspections, and compliance measures, we uphold the highest standards in grain storage and management.
Key initiatives include:
To protect stored grain from pests and contamination, Senwes Grainlink implements best-practice fumigation and pest control measures:
Senwes is now certified by CROPLIFE as a Recognised Recycler of Empty Pesticide Packaging, reinforcing our commitment to responsible waste management and environmental sustainability. This certification acknowledges Senwes' role in reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural waste through proper recycling practices, ensuring compliance with stringent industry regulations.
By continuously enhancing grain quality management, optimising fumigation techniques, and advancing sustainable waste practices, Senwes remains a leader in agricultural storage, safety, and environmental responsibility.
