the dti hands over certificates to Koffiefontein cooperatives
The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) handed certificates to fourteen Koffiefontein cooperatives during the Youth Economic Empowerment workshop hosted in partnership with the Letsemeng Local Municipality yesterday.
The awarding of the certificates was the culmination of cooperation between the dti and the Free State Provincial Government to ensure that the services of the dti are brought closer to the people, especially those in the most remote of areas where the accessing of these services has proven a challenge.
Ms Susan Ruiters, of Beauty Hair Salon and Multipurpose Cooperative, one of the cooperatives awarded certificates, said the certificate will be instrumental in moving them onto the second phase of their plan.
"We will begin purchasing supplies and equipment in preparation of our grand opening in the coming weeks. Once we are established and have mastered the art of running our business, we intend to set-up branches in all the major areas of our province. Our long-term plan is to spread our operations far and wide in the Free State," she said.
She also expressed her and her colleagues' gratitude at the assistance received from the dti and the Letsemeng Local Municipality during their pursuit of a cooperative certificate.
The cooperatives awarded certificates range from catering, agriculture, day-care work and Information Communication Technology.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says cooperatives can contribute enormously to the country's economy, owing to their accessibility and the fact that they can be rolled out to other sectors of the economy.
Minister Davies says people like Ms Susan Ruiters, of Beauty Hair Salon and Multipurpose Cooperative, will benefit from the Cooperatives Amendment Bill that President Zuma has signed into law. The law calls for the establishment of the Cooperatives Development Agency, the Cooperatives Academy and the Cooperatives Tribunal.
"The Cooperatives Development Agency would provide financial and nonfinancial support services, while the Cooperatives Academy would provide education and training, and the Cooperatives Tribunal would assist cooperatives in resolving internal conflicts," he added.
Minister Davies further said the department has provided cooperatives with assistance on market access both international and regional.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Follow us on Twitter: @the_dti
