Nadas Pillay – Manager Business Incubation and Co-Operatives
The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) initiated a programme for Co-operatives focusing on five different business sectors namely: Agro-processing (West Rand Region), Manufacturing (Tshwane Region), Construction (Ekurhuleni Region), Textile (Sedibeng Region) and Services and Goods (Johannesburg Region). ‘
This programme, known as Co-operative Sector Based Programme (CSBP) took place during December 2021 and January 2022 and was facilitated by a SETA accredited service provider. It benefited approximately 100 co-operatives, with two members attending per co-operative.
The CSBP 5-day programme covered the following topics:
- Enterprise selection principles (enterprise development skills)
- Recording of the income and different costs in an agri-business (financial management skills)
- Basic human resource management (human resource skills)
- Handle inputs and stock in agri-business (product development)
- Marketing (marketing skills)
- Basic financial literacy
- Apply basic HR principles in a new venture
The attendees also received practical training in:
- making various food products (food processing);
- steel manufacturing
- manufacturing a 3-ply Face Cloth Mask according to Dti regulations (textile);
Each Co-operative was assisted in drafting an individual business plan and qualifying co-operatives received equipment related to their areas of focus including:
- microwave, electric blender, spoons and measuring cups (food processing);
- welding machine, grinder and leather gloves (steel manufacturing);
- sewing machine (textile);
- high pressure washing machine (services).
The training and workshops ended with each of the participating members receiving a Merit Certificate accredited with the Agri Seta and Services SETA. The GEP also assisted the co-operatives with CIPC name reservation and plans to help provide them with exposure to potential markets when they are ready to produce products and services at the required standards.