Unemployment remains a scourge in the country and through grant funding and capacity building of civil society organisations, the NDA contributes to the eradication of poverty and economic development within the Moqhaka Local Municipality. The Cooperative will be able to upscale their offering. Services offered include car interior upholstery (including minor patches, reconnecting loose threads, portion replacement of fabric, vinyl and leather), office and household furniture, as well as the cleaning and restoration of furniture.

The funding was used to grow the Cooperatives asset base through purchase of a 2024 Mahindra pick-up truck and new working machinery including panel saw, spindle moulder, T-bar clamp, PVC flexible hose, angle grinder, timber material, impact grill, tools and fabric and upholstery material.

In terms of production capacity and efficiency, initially members would only work on one couch at a time but now they are able to work on three at a go – they are able to complete three products per day now. Two additional jobs have been created and the funding has also contributed to increased income generation for the members and workers. The bakkie enables deliveries of the goods to the end users.

The Cooperative also previously received R 20 000,00 from Mining Development Agency (MDA) and R 80 000,00 from the Department of Small Business Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA).

Members of the media are invited to attend the handing over ceremony of the materials and vehicle as follows:

Date: 23 February 2024

Time: 10h00

Venue: MCMS Upholstery and Other Projects Primary Cooperative - 1362 Manis Street, Seeisoville Kroonstad.

Media can RSVP and direct media queries by contacting Lesego Ranchu on 011 018 5516/ 073 547 2800 or lesegor@nda.org.za

ISSUED BY NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY