The Minister of Trade and Industry , Dr Rob Davies, says Africa is currently experiencing a promising period marked by a considerable amount of activity involving the establishment of a number of institutions and the growth of cooperatives in general. He was speaking at the opening of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Conference and General Assembly at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, on Sunday, 3 November 2013.
The conference which is attended by about 1 700 delegates from all over the world is a bi-annual event which offers members a platform to share reflections and practices that will promote and develop cooperatives. The conference is also intended to encourage governments and regulatory bodies to establish policies, laws and regulations conducive to cooperative formation and growth. This event is been hosted for the first time in the African soil.
Minister Davies said that this amount of activity that Africa is experiencing is envisioned to improve the lives of the people.
“This activity is linked to efforts aimed at the eradication of poverty at both the national and regional levels, the creation of income-generating entrepreneurship and the integration of marginalised communities into both the national and regional economies,” said Davies.
The Minister told delegates that South Africa has passed substantial legislative developments in 2013 that would ensure that a conducive environment is created for co-operatives to prosper.
“The amended Cooperatives Act will enhance the development of cooperatives by providing support to the movement. The amended legislation establishes the Cooperatives Development Agency, whose task is to provide financial and non-financial support to cooperatives. It also establishes the Cooperatives Tribunal that will assist with conflict management, judicious management and internal governance matters and the Cooperatives Advisory Council which is expected to provide policy advice and embark on the much needed research. With these developments on our side, we do look forward to the results of the conference on the last day,” he said.
The Director-General of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), Mr Charles Gould said that the hosting of the 2013 conference on African soil was special for two reasons.
“It is the first time in our 118 year history that we are meeting on the African continent, an omission long due to be rectified, and second, because we are demonstrating here the power of our Blue print for a Cooperative decade, approved by the General Assembly a year ago.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies said International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) decision to bring the General Assembly and World Conference to South Africa is evidence that the African continent is increasingly being recognised as a key player in the global campaign to develop and promote cooperatives.
The conference will continue from today until 5 November 2013, and will consist of a series of breakaway sessions comprising of cooperative accounting standards, innovation and a general assembly.
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