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.

A nearby business, Kopano Early Childhood Development Centre, utilises the services of the Cooperative regularly. “We are pleased with the working relationship we have; they service our mattresses that the children sleep on and do the maintenance of our woodwork equipment around the centre. We wish them well in their future endeavours and are supportive of their services,” Ms Neo Lintsi.  

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.

Mr Mpho Lethoba, one of the Cooperative members says they are appreciative of the journey with the NDA. “The NDA funding has been beneficial to our business – we are projecting growth for the business. The bakkie will assist with deliveries, previously we used to spend money on hiring and repair costs. We will now also be able to market our services by going to display our products at markets”.

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 were 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 NDA contributes to poverty eradication through CSO formalisation, capacity building and funding of organised groups that establish community enterprises that bring about economic transformation and job creation for and within communities. Sustainable livelihoods are derived when people gain employment and regular income. We are pleased to have unlocked their potential to reach their desired growth plans for the Cooperative,” says Mr Lesedi Piki, NDA Free State Provincial Manager.  

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).

ISSUED BY NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lesego Ranchu on 073 547 2800/ lesegor@nda.org.za