Bisho - Mluleki Nyoka said his decision to start a small multi-purpose co-operative has changed the fortunes of many people in his village.
Nyoka was speaking at the 89th International Co-operatives Day at the Jan Smuts Stadium in East London this weekend. He is the leader of the Nyoka Cultural Group, based in a small village outside Queenstown in the Eastern Cape.
"I started this group in 2007 because of the high levels of poverty and unemployment in our area. The projects I started are self-sustaining and elevate social development amongst the women, enabling them to put food on the table," said Nyoka.
The 12-member group makes its money through agro-processing and arts and crafts-based projects, including growing and selling vegetables and fabric painting.
The bulk of the money they make, however, comes from their traditional Xhosa dance routine, which has seen them perform at the Macufe Festival in Bloemfontein and the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.
"We've had the privilege of performing on the biggest stages in the country, amongst some of the biggest acts. It's these appearance fees that keep this group going," said Nyoka.
Department of Trade and Industry (dti) minister Rob Davies said his department was in the process of developing legislation aimed at creating an environment conducive for the growth and sustainability of co-operatives in the country.
"There's been a serious need for government to recognise the specific nature of co-ops and to design programmes geared towards addressing the sector's needs. We have consulted different stakeholders and come up with legislation that will soon be presented in parliament," said Davies.
He added that the legislation provided for the creation of a new co-operative development agency, a co-operative training academy, a co-operative tribunal that will deal with disputes, as well as a co-operative advisory council.
South African National Apex Co-operatives (SANACO) president, Lawrence Bale, said it was about time government drafted legislation for the promotion of co-operatives.
"We want a ministry that will deal specifically with issues relating to this sector. We also want a co-operatives charter to be introduced in this country. We must unite as co-ops to ensure that government meets these demands," said Bale.
National Youth Development Agency deputy chairperson, Yershen Pillay, said Co-operatives Day was important for creating awareness among the youth about the role of co-operatives in facilitating economic development in the country.
"I urge young people to establish or join co-ops in their numbers and create employment for themselves," said Pillay.
