The MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in Limpopo, Mr Seaparo Sekoati, says the provincial government is committed to supporting co-operatives as it believes that they have a critical role to play in changing the lives of historically disadvantaged communities for the better. Sekoati was speaking to members of co-operatives from various provinces in Polokwane last night.
The event was hosted by the newly-established Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) in partnership with the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) and the South African National Apex Co-operative (SANACO). It was part of the three-day programme of activities which will culminate on Saturday in a mass celebration of the International Co-operatives Day.
"As the Limpopo government we have considered the role that should be played by co-operatives in delivering services to our people, eradicating poverty and ensuring that people that have been excluded from the mainstream of the South African economy are included. As a provincial government we believe in the future of co-operatives and that is why we have decided that 10% of government procurement should definitely be from co-operatives. We do not want to pay lip-service to co-operative development. We want to walk the talk because we believe in co-operatives,” said Sekoati.
He added that he was encouraged by the keen interest that many co-operatives in the province have shown in working with the government for their own benefit and that of their communities.
He added that the growth and sustainability of co-operatives and small and medium enterprises in the province were a priority of his department and part and parcel of the broader vision to improve the lives of the historically disadvantaged people.
Sekoati advised co-operatives to be ethical when dealing with government and avoid becoming involved in corruption and maladministration.
"Co-operatives must start to understand the critical role that they are expected to play in the economy of the province and of the country as a whole, and should deal with government with integrity and honesty," said Sekoati.
SANACO President Mr Lawrence Bale urged co-operatives to throw their weight behind the national umbrella organisation for co-operatives and speak in one strong voice. He added that SANACO would appreciate more support from the provincial government which could be formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
"The SANACO leadership in the province is willing to work closely with the government of Limpopo and its agencies in order to assist co-operativesto grow and become sustainable," added Bale.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Tel: 082 578 4063
Cell: 012 394 3027
E-mail: CMonama@dsbd.gov.za
Burkels Napo
Cell: 071 474 8900
E-mail: Naposb@ledet.gov.za
Shalate Davhana
Cell: 082 935 4459
E-mail: Shalate@senaka.co.za
