The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs handed over sewing machines, security system as well as other clothing industry material amounting to no less than R100 000 to Phatsimang Sewing Cooperative on 4 June 2010 in Phomolong, Hennenman.
The funding was also informed by the undertaking and commitment made by the MEC Mxolisi Dukwana, during his 2010/11 budget vote speech that an amount of R7,320 million has been set aside to establish a total of 30 additional cooperatives throughout the Free State from which 166 jobs are set to materialise.
All these efforts and interventions are in a quest to help grow the provincial economy, reduce poverty, create employment, and Phatsimang was one of these cooperatives to receive a helping hand.
Constituted by 11 disabled and yet hard working women, this conglomerate is destined for greater heights, hence the department saw it fit to support it in every way possible. It is anticipated that they will play a pivotal role in mitigating against the unprecedented and ever increasing unemployment rate in the area.
"We need to make sure that as the department, local authorities and the community at large, we provide the much needed support to this cooperative.We would also like to make a clarion call to local councillors to take upon themselves the responsibility of ensuring that this equipment is well looked after at all times."
"In our bit to further develop this business, we are going to see to it that they develop a sound business plan and thereby be eligible for the R300 000 funding from the national Department of Trade and Industry," said Mr T Lioma, Deputy Director General for Economic Development in the Department.
To capacitate them even further, the Integrated Economic Development Directorate within the department will also assist Phatsimang Sewing Co-operative with:
- Capacity building programmes, example. financial management, manufacturing of clothing, quality control, dealing with conflict and others
- Marketing of their products
- Financial assistance through the Cooperative Intensive Scheme (CIS)
- Monitoring and evaluation of the project
All these initiatives are informed by the commitment made by government to better the lives of the people.
For more information please contact:
Festy Nyamate
Tel:051 400 9548 or 9500
E-mail:nyamatef@dteea.fs.gov.za
Josial Ramokoena
E-mail: ramokoenam@dteea.fs.gov.za
Elsie Ntsane
E-mail: ntsane@dteea.fs.gov.za
