The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Maria Ntuli will deliver a keynote address at the International Cooperatives Day celebrations that will be hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and the Department of Economic Development in Gauteng at the Welcome Village in Kempton Park on Saturday, 3 July 2010. Members of the media are invited to attend.
Premier of Gauteng Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng Mr Firoz Cachalia and the Mayor of Ekurhuleni Councillor Ntombi Mekgwe will also address the event. More than 150 people, including officials dealing with cooperatives enterprise development in government departments and economic development agencies, including the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller will be part of the celebrations.
Twenty five (25) Gauteng-based cooperatives enterprises will also be part of the celebrations at the village. A dedicated exhibition marquee will be erected where ten (10) cooperative enterprises will exhibit their offerings, providing them with a big market opportunity access opportunity as thousands of soccer spectators will flock to the village, which is the City of Ekurhuleni's official World Cup games public viewing area, to watch the World Cup quarter finals.
The United Nations (UN) proclaimed the first Saturday of July as the International Day of Cooperatives in recognition of the indispensable role cooperatives play in economic and social development. The day also serves to increase awareness on cooperatives and promote the movement's successes and ideals of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality and world peace. The UN also recognises and reaffirms the role of cooperatives in economic, social and cultural development and in the achievement of social policy objectives.
This year's theme "Cooperative enterprise empowers women" highlights how the cooperative model of enterprise can successfully empower women. It links to the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (Beijing+15) which sets out the internationally agreed agenda for women's empowerment.
For more information contact:
Charles Mnisi
Tel: 012 394 1721
Cell: 072 523 4886
E-mail: CMnisi@thedti.gov.za
