Recent wage disputes and
ongoing strike action in
the agriculture sector do
not bode well for the Western
Cape – a province that is
heavily reliant on the export of
wine and fruit.
“The Western Cape has been
driven primarily by agriculture,
with wine and spirits making
up a substantial volume of
the exports along with fruit,”
said Michael Henning, general
manager of freight systems
provider Easyclear. “The recent
wage disputes and strike
action have not been good
for the industry.”
Increased prices are the
likely outcome, and this will
have an adverse effect on
consumers, he says. “Couple
that with the exchange rate and
the cost of exports leads one to
believe that the Western Cape
is in for a rough season. “
Henning however says there
is no denying the important
role the province plays – and
while it may be facing some
tough months, it will remain an
exporting hub.
He therefore advises the
local industry to take the time
to ensure their systems are up
to date in order to simplify
operational aspects, making
a major difference when the
going gets tough.
That’s the focus at Easyclear,
says Henning, simplifying the
operational aspects of logistics,
international trade, clearing,
forwarding and warehousing.
He believes that having the
right system in place can ease
the pressure.
“The success of a company’s
operations lies not in the
province they are based in,”
he said. “It lies in the team
that drives the operation and
the systems that are in place
to maximise efficiencies and
reduce cost.”
CAPTION
Michael Henning … ‘maximising
efficiencies.’
