The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says cooperatives should be used as a driving force for job creation in South Africa. He was speaking at an outreach campaign in Umbumbulu near Durban.
The purpose of the campaign was to create awareness about the dti's products and services as well as small business support services offered by its agencies.
"Cooperatives should be used as a tool to promote sustainable jobs to overcome poverty and inequality. The goal of obtaining these desirable outcomes is to utilise the land around us and make it more productive," said Davies.
He encouraged local cooperatives and entrepreneurs to get more involved in manufacturing activities and not depend on imported goods.
"Government is committed to supporting cooperatives and Small Medium Micro Enterprise (SMME), and have a successful incubator programme that assists businesses to get skills and mentorship," added Davies.
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development and Tourism Head of Department Mr Desmond Golding said the province wants to see entrepreneurs integrated into the economy and be fully empowered.
"Cooperatives form the cornerstone for real economic empowerment where there's collective power and development of lives for the better,” said Golding
He added that the province has made available R700 million towards SMME's, R300 million for cooperatives and R10 million is set aside for women-led cooperatives.
Later in the day Minister Davies donated ten computers to Hamilton Makhanya Secondary.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Cooperatives can be driving force for job creation – Minister Davies
