The Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies will address the International Day of Cooperatives Celebrations that will be held at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre (MSICC) in Kimberley on 7 July 2012, starting at 09h00. Members of the media are invited to attend.
The celebrations are a partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Cooperatives movement in South Africa.
Minister Davies says that the celebrations will focus on recognising the role cooperatives have to play in the socio-economic development of its members and the role they play in building a better world. This is in line with theme for this year, namely “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World.”
“Cooperative promotion and development is a key socio-economic development agenda item for the government of South Africa which also recognises the potential of cooperatives to improve the economic and social conditions of its members,” says Minister Davies.
Davies added that government has made environment conducive for the cooperatives.
‘Globally cooperatives are a key player in the economies of many countries and in South Africa, as government, we are ensuring that a supportive environment is created in which cooperatives are not only promoted but are also developed as autonomous and sustainable business forms. The cooperative movement itself has a meaningful role to play to support the promotion and growth of viable business entities that can contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of its members’, said Davies.
This year, the day will commemorate both the celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives and also the International Year of Cooperatives. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2012, the International Year of Cooperatives.
Earlier, the department presented the Cooperatives Second Amendment Bill to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry. The Bill amongst others is aimed to improve developmental character of legislation and reduce the cost of compliance.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Minister Davies to address the International Day of Cooperatives celebrations in Kimberley
