national conference on co-operatives · co-operatives in south africa; to locate the efforts around...

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CO-OPERATIVES

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DATES: 18 – 20 APRIL 2011

VENUE: DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA, MIDRAND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

CONFERENCE THEME:

‘Building Vibrant and Sustainable Developmental Co-operatives in South Africa:

A Solution-Oriented Approach’

About the Conference

South Africa is currently going through an exciting period characterised by a flurry of

activity involving the government as well as a number of institutions and communities

across the country aimed at the establishment and development of co-operatives as

primary vehicles for promoting social and economic development. Much of this activity

is linked to efforts that are focused upon the eradication of poverty at both the

household and community levels, creation of income-generating opportunities in a

range of productive sectors, as well as promotion of entrepreneurship and the

integration of presently marginalised communities into the national economy. In the

light of the manifold challenges that remain largely unaddressed around the

development of an effective co-operative movement in South Africa, a number of

institutions have come together to form a partnership to organise a national conference

aimed at finding practical solutions. The partner institutions are: Walter Sisulu

University (WSU), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Department of Trade

and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), and

Department of Labour (DoL), KwaZulu/Natal Department of Economic Development

and Tourism, and Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development and

Environmental Affairs. MayeCon Consulting, a firm based in East London, is serving in a

project management capacity.

There is general consensus across the country about the positive role that co-operatives

could play in enhancing economic activity and in spreading socio-economic benefits

equitably among participating households, communities and the broader population.


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Given its low starting point, South Africa could draw some useful lessons from the

success achieved by a number of African countries, mainly in East and West Africa.

Within the context of the South African government’s rural development strategy, the

thrust towards a strong co-operative movement occupies an important place in the

Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP), which was adopted in 2009.

The conference will thus also foreground the CRDP as the anchor on the basis of which

the establishment of a strong co-operative movement can be developed in rural South

Africa. As stated in the sub-theme, it will follow a solution-based approach, whereby its

deliberations will be focused upon known and potential challenges, with the aim of

arriving at sustainable solutions and filtering knowledge and methods to leaders, senior

managers, practitioners and communities.

Key Conference Objectives

The following are the key objectives of the conference:

To provide an opportunity for systematic dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge on the national vision and strategies around the establishment, promotion and regulation of co-operatives in South Africa;

To establish a forum for the dissemination of ideas and sharing of knowledge and experience through the presentation of well-researched case studies and other material by leading scholars, academics, practitioners, activists, representatives of communities, civil society, the labour movement, national and regional co-operative organisations;

To examine thoroughly the question of how to integrate co-operatives into the national economy;

To foreground the CRDP as the anchor on the basis of which the establishment of a strong co-operative movement can be developed in rural South Africa;

To establish a forum for identifying sustainable solutions to the known challenges and logjams that presently inhibit the successful operation of many co-operatives in South Africa;

To locate the efforts around the development of co-operatives within the broader context of social and economic development policy and practice, particularly agrarian transformation, rural development, and the establishment of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs);

To add value to the current efforts of government and its agencies in a number of related areas around co-operatives, including assisting the government to develop a strong and viable best practice management system for co-operatives


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through an integrated approach that will tap into the inputs made by the conference participants;

To provide a forum for the intensive training of members of co-operative associations in basic management issues as well as on matters related to production and access to finance and markets; and

To provide the participants with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills

that will be essential for their own work environments.

Anticipated Conference Outcomes

In line with its sub-theme, which is “a Solution-Oriented Approach’, the following are

the key outcomes that are expected to emerge from the conference:

Generation of a range of strategies and methods of addressing existing challenges associated with the empowerment of communities through co-operatives and ensuring that these institutions become sustainable;

Acquisition of new knowledge and skills by the various delegates and their institutions;

Establishment of a network of leaders, senior managers, practitioners, scholars,

researchers and the co-operatives themselves through which they can engage in

further interaction;

Generation of new policy options that can be taken forward by the government

and other institutions;

Development of working models for both government and communities;

Establishment of a strong foundation for further interactive and training

activities by various institutions;

Creation of an information technology portal that will contain contact details and

other useful information in consolidated form on the development of co-

operatives in South Africa that will be easily and readily accessible to all

stakeholders and institutions and individual researchers; and

Compilation of a detailed report that will be accessible to the participants and

the general public.

Who should attend?

On the basis of the objectives of the conference as set out above the following categories

of organisations and individuals will be invited to participate:


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Co-operative Associations National, Provincial and municipal Governments Academic and Research Institutions African and international scholars, researchers and practitioners Development and financing agencies Public Entities Civil society organisations (Organised Labour, NGOs, etc) Private sector organisations Organised agriculture Traditional leadership institutions

Speaker Faculty

Key Note:

Hon Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training

Hon Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry

Hon Gugile Nkwinti, Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform

Mr Sidumo Dlamini, President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions

(COSATU)

Dr Hagen Henry, International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Mr Nudwakhulu Lawrence Bale, President, South African National Apex Co-

operatives (SANACO)

Dr Paul Kibuuka, Executive Director, Development Bank of Southern Africa

(DBSA)

Session speakers:

Mr Jabu Moleketi, Chairperson, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Prof Gilingwe Mayende, Head of Research, Centre for Rural Development, Walter

Sisulu University, and Conference Co-ordinator

Mr Joe Gondo, President, National African Farmer’s Union (NAFU)

Ms Anna Khoali, CEO, Joint Women’s Co-operative

Professor Henry Bwisa, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Mr Carilus Ademba, HSC, CEO, SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority, Kenya


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Dr Nachhttar Singh Malhi, Director of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural

University, India

Professor Nomfundo Luswazi, Director, Centre for Rural Development (CRD),

Walter Sisulu University

Mr Nhlanganiso Dladla, Thina Sinako and University of Fort Hare

Professor Reckson Thakathi, Executive Dean: Faculty of Management and

Commerce, University of Fort Hare

Mr Andile Lungisa, CEO, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

Ms Sharda Naidoo, National Treasury

Professor Modimowabarwa Kanyane, Human Sciences Research Council

Dr Funiwe Njobe, Ingwapele Technology, Pretoria

Dr Simon Letsoalo, Tshwane University of Technology

Dr Joyce Chitja, Acting Director, African Centre for Food Security and Dean

Assistant, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of

KwaZulu/ Natal

Panellists

Session Moderators

Mr Charles Ogina, Faculty of Commerce, University of Zululand

Dr Somadoda Fikeni, Chairperson of Council, Walter Sisulu University

Ms Agnes Namuhisa, Tanzania Federation of Co-operatives

Dr Moraka N Makhura, Head of Research, Land Bank

Ms Tendani Ramulongo, Executive Manager: Research and Policy, Department of Labour

Professor Kwandiwe Kondlo, Centre for African Studies, University of Free State

Ms Sadie Luka, Department of Social Development

Professor Malcolm Wallis, University of KwaZulu/Natal

Mr Xolile George, CEO, South African Local Government Association (SALGA)

Mr Moshe Swartz, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform

Mr Elroy Africa, Director General, Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Mr Rufus Kharizha, SANACO Vhembe Region Chairperson and Mr Clemens Kapler, Walter Sisulu University


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Ms Siv Helen Hesjedal, Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC)

Ms Nokuthula Fakude, National Empowerment Fund and Dr Mariann Polly Mashigo, Tshwane University of Technology

Kgosi PP Maubane, Chairperson, National House of Traditional Leaders

Mr Herbert Mkhize, Executive Director, NEDLAC

Ms Lynette Bezuidenhout, CEO, Mpumalanga Agri Skills Development and Training (MASDT) Ms Rosebud Kurjwila, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

Commission Chairpersons

Mr Joe Gondo, President, National African Farmers Union (NAFU)

Ms Patience Gidongo, Director: Policy, Legislation and Strategy, Co-operative Development Unit, Department of Trade and Industry

Frederick Mwesigye, Commissioner of Co-operatives: Ministry of Co-operatives, Uganda

Mr David Matojane, General Manager Enterprise Development Unit, KwaZulu/Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Mr Diteko Moreotsenye, Dora Tamana Co-operative Centre, Pretoria

Ms Jenetha Mahlangu, (Director: Agricultural Development Finance, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Mr Riaan Coetzee, Small Business Unit Head, Industrial Development Corporation

Ms Ghana Matolengwe (Centre for Rural Development, Walter Sisulu University) and Dr Derrick Naidoo, Community Healing

Mr Abel Khoza, Hlanganani Agribusiness Mr Peter Jones, Is’Baya Rural Development Solutions

Dr Litha Magingxa, Lead Researcher, Land Bank

DBSA (To be Confirmed)


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DRAFT CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

SUNDAY 17 APRIL 2011

ARRIVAL OF DELEGATES AND REGISTRATION AT DBSA

Registration Desk will be open from 15:00 until 22:00

DAY ONE

MONDAY 18 APRIL 2011

SESSION 1: Setting The Tone: Co-Operatives and The Development Challenge in South Africa

Moderator: Dr Somadoda Fikeni, Chairperson of Council, Walter Sisulu University 08:00 – 09:00 Arrival of Delegates and Registration Delegates 09:00 – 09:15 Welcoming of Delegates and

Introduction of Keynote Speaker Chairperson of the DBSA Board, Mr Jabu Moleketi

09:15 – 09:30 Overview of the Purpose and Process of the Conference

Professor Gilingwe Mayende, Head of Research, Centre for Rural Development (CRD), Walter Sisulu University, and Conference Co-ordinator

09:30 – 09:50 Keynote Address: ‘The Key Role of Co-operatives in Community and National Development in South Africa’

Hon Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande

09:50 – 10:20 Summation: ‘Taking the Process Forward – Key Challenges Facing the Conference’

Dr Joyce Chitja, Acting Director, African Centre for Food Security and Dean


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Assistant, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu/ Natal

10:20 – 11:10 TEA/COFFEE ALL

CONFERENCE SESSION 2: The Co-operative Experience in the Developing World Moderator: Dr Moraka N Makhura, Head of Research, Land Bank 11:10 – 11:30 Keynote Address: ‘Pitfalls and

Success Factors for Co-operatives: the International Experience’

Dr Hagen Henry, International Labour Organisation (ILO)

11:30 – 11:50 ‘Establishing a Knowledge Base and Support System for Co-operative Development: the Case of Punjab Agricultural University’

Dr NS Malhi, Director of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, India

11:50 – 12:10 ‘Building a Strong Co-operative Movement: the Kenyan Experience’

Professor Henry M Bwisa, University of Nairobi, Kenya

12:10 – 12:40 Panel Response Mr Charles Ogina, Faculty of Commerce, University of Zululand Ms Agnes Namuhisa, Tanzania Federation of Co-operatives Ms Tendani Ramulongo, Executive Manager: Research and Policy, Department of Labour

13:40 – 13:30 Plenary discussion & Summation Moderator: Dr Moraka N Makhura

13:30 – 14:30 LUNCH ALL

CONFERENCE SESSION 3: Addressing South Africa’s Challenges 1: Institutional and Governance Issues


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Moderator: Professor Kwandiwe Kondlo, Centre for African Studies, University of Free State 14:30 – 14:50 Keynote Address: ‘The South

African Government’s Policy and Programme on Co-operative Development as a Key Pillar of Social and Economic Development’

Hon Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry

14:50 – 15:10 ‘Challenges and Successes in South Africa’s Co-operative Empowerment Process’

Mr Nhlanganiso Dladla, Thina Sinako and University of Fort Hare

15:10 – 15:30 ‘Ensuring Effective Public Service Delivery through Co-operatives: Critical Challenges and Possible Solutions in South Africa’

Professor Modimowabarwa Kanyane, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

15:30 – 16:20 Panel Response Ms Sadie Luka, Department of Social Development Mr Xolile George, CEO, South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Mr Elroy Africa, Director General, Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs

16:20 – 16:50 TEA/COFFEE ALL 16:50 – 17:30 Plenary discussion and Summation Moderator: Professor

Kwandiwe Kondlo

DAY TWO

TUESDAY, 19 APRIL 2011

CONFERENCE SESSION 4: Addressing South Africa’s Challenges 2: Policies, Resources and Skills


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Moderator: Professor Malcolm Wallis, University of KwaZulu/Natal 08:30 – 08:50 Keynote Address: ‘The

Comprehensive Rural Development Programme and the Challenge of Building Vibrant Co-operatives and Communities in South Africa’

Hon Gugile Nkwinti, Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform (To be Confirmed)

08:50 – 09:10 Keynote Address: ‘The Role of the Working Class in Co-operative Mobilisation and Development’

Mr Sidumo Dlamini, President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)

09:10 – 09:20 ‘Mobilisation of Resources and Acquisition of Critical Skills: the Experience of the Joint Women’s Co-operative’

Ms Anna Khoali, CEO, Joint Women’s Co-operative

09:20 – 09:40 ‘A Knowledge Base for a Vibrant Co-operative Movement: Research, Innovation and Diversification’

Professor Nomfundo Luswazi, Director, Centre for Rural Development, Walter Sisulu University

09:40 – 10:00 Professor Reckson Thakathi, Executive Dean: Faculty of Management and Commerce, University of Fort Hare

10:00 – 10:30 TEA/COFFEE ALL 10:30 – 11:10 Panel Response Mr Amon Myeni, Deputy

Director, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mr Kumara Naidoo, Acting CEO, South African Micro-Finance Apex Fund (SAMAF) Khosi PP Maubane, Chairperson, National House of Traditional Leaders


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Ms Siv Helen Hesjedal, Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC)

11:10 – 12:00 Plenary discussion and Summation Professor Malcolm Wallis

CONFERENCE SESSION 5: Co-operatives and Economic Empowerment and Development

Moderator: Mr Moshe Swartz, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform

12:00 – 12:20 Keynote Address: ‘Rural Co-operatives and Agricultural Development in South Africa: Challenges and Prospects’

Mr Nudwakhulu Lawrence Bale, South African National Apex Co-operatives (SANACO)

12:20 – 12:40 ‘Empowering South Africa’s Youth through Co-operatives’

Mr Andile Lungisa, CEO, National Youth Development Agency

12:40 – 13:10 ‘Innovative Approaches for Addressing the Challenge of Lack of Access to Markets’

Dr Funiwe Njobe, Ingwapele Technology, Pretoria

13:10 – 13:30 ‘Mobilisation and Implementation: Strengthening Agricultural Co-operatives in South Africa’

Dr Simon Letsoalo, Lecturer, Tshwane University of Technology

13:30 – 14:30 LUNCH 14:30 – 15:20 Panel Response Ms Lynette Bezuidenhout,

CEO, Mpumalanga Agri Skills Development and Training (MASDT) Ms Rosebud Kurjwila, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Mr Joe Gondo, President, National African Farmers Union (NAFU)


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Frederick Mwesigye, Commissioner of Co-operatives: Ministry of Co-operatives, Uganda

15:20 – 16:00 Plenary Discussion and Summation Moderator: Mr Moshe Swartz


CONFERENCE SESSION 6: Commissions Moderators: Mr Rufus Kharizha, SANACO Vhembe Region Chairperson and Mr Clemens Kapler, Walter Sisulu University 16:30 – 17:30 Commission 1:

Institutional and Governance Issues – National Strategy on Co-operatives and other policy issues Commission 2: Foregrounding South African success stories on co-operative development Commission 3: Empowering Agricultural Co-operatives Commission 4: Research and Capacity Building

Chairperson: Ms Patience Gidongo, Director: Policy, Legislation and Strategy, Co-operative Development Unit, Department of Trade and Industry Chairpersons: Mr David Matojane, General Manager Enterprise Development Unit, KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism Chairperson: Ms Jenetha Mahlangu, Director: Agricultural Development Finance, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Chairpersons: Ms Ghana Matolengwe, Centre for Rural Development, Walter Sisulu


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Commission 5: Co-operatives and the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) Commission 6: Financing Models

University, and Dr Derrick Naidoo, Community Healing Chairperson: Mr Peter Jones, Is’Baya Rural Development Solutions Chairperson: DBSA (To be Confirmed)

DAY THREE

WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL 2011

CONFERENCE SESSION 6 (CONTINUED): Commissions Report Back Moderators: Mr Rufus Kharizha, SANACO Vhembe Region Chairperson and Mr Clemens Kapler, Walter Sisulu University 08H30 – 10:00 All Commissions Report Back

Chairpersons

10:00 – 11:00 Plenary Discussion and Summation Moderators: Mr Rufus Kharizha, SANACO Vhembe Region Chairperson and Mr Clemens Kapler, Walter Sisulu University


CONFERENCE SESSION 7: Financing and Empowerment Models Moderator: Ms Nokuthula Fakude, National Empowerment Fund and Dr Mariann Polly Mashigo, Tshwane University of Technology


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11:30 – 11:50 Keynote Address: ‘Ensuring Sustainability of Co-operatives through Effective Financial Support Mechanisms’

Dr Paul Kibuuka, Managing Director, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Development Fund

11:50 – 12:10 ‘Successful Approaches to Financing of Co-operatives: Lessons from East Africa’

Mr Carilus Ademba, HSC, CEO of the African Confederation of Co-operative Savings and Credit Associations, Nairobi, Kenya

12:10 – 12:30 The role of the South African National Co-operative Bank Agency

Ms Sharda Naidoo, National Treasury

12:30 – 13:20 Panel Response Mr Diteko Moreotsenye, CEO, Dora Tamana Co-operative Centre, Pretoria Mr Riaan Coetzee, Small Business Unit Head, Industrial Development Corporation Mr Abel Khoza, Hlanganani Agribusiness

13:20 – 14:20 LUNCH ALL

CONFERENCE SESSION 8: Way Forward Moderator: Mr Herbert Mkhize, Executive Director, NEDLAC 14:20 – 14:50 Upcoming training programme

Prof Gilingwe Mayende, Head of Research, Centre for Rural Development, Walter Sisulu University, and Conference Co-ordinator Mr Thami Dlalisa, Manger: Vulindlela Academy, Development Bank of


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Southern Africa (DBSA) Mr Diteko Moreotsenye, CEO, Dora Tamana Co-operative Centre, Pretoria

14:50 – 15:10 Summation and Closure Prof Gilingwe Mayende Dr Paul Kibuuka, Managing Director, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Development Fund

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