Raisins SA symposium focuses on resilience and competitiveness

The recent Raisins South Africa Symposium addressed industry resilience amid climate, water, and market challenges.

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Climate challenges, water constraints, and market pressures were among the key issues discussed at the recent Raisins South Africa (Raisins SA) Symposium in Kakamas, Northern Cape, where producers explored ways to strengthen the industry's resilience. Daneel Rossouw, head of sales for agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, emphasised the importance of communication in a world where miscommunication and disinformation has been listed as the biggest short-term threat.

BUSINESS PLAN

“You need a business plan with short- and long-term goals that are updated regularly. This plan should be implemented and communicated to your family and partners; not only your business partners, but also traders and advisers,” Rossouw said.

He added that buffers, or alternative cash sources were essential to bridge temporary cash-flow setbacks, with financing structures ensuring a healthy balance of short- and long-term debt.

Failing to do so, he warned, could result in escalating debt or short-term borrowing being converted into long-term property funding.

“The principle of a ‘war chest’ – carrying a cash flow buffer to provide for inevitable cycles – requires a long-term approach and provision for the unexpected,” he said.