Browsing by Author "Mohlala, Molebo Pretty"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The role of cooperatives on community development : the case of the Motloulela Farming Cooperative
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Mohlala, Molebo Pretty; Khan, Firoz; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Most rural communities in South Africa struggle with poverty, unemployment and social collapse. To address these difficulties, many residents work collectively in cooperatives, united in the belief that they can achieve more than when working individually. Cooperatives represent a resilient, vibrant and viable economic alternative in bringing people together to work towards a common goal and meeting their shared needs through cooperation. However, while most of the cooperatives in South Africa are largely weak or failing, there remain a few strong and vibrant cooperatives able to provide an economic boost to their communities. This study adopted a qualitative approach and utilised case-study research design to conduct qualitative research into the role of the Motloulela Farming Cooperative (MFC) (Limpopo) in community development. A non-probability sampling approach was used, and fourteen members of MFC were purposively selected for qualitative interviews, in order to analyse the role of the cooperative on local community development. Thematic and content analysis methods were used to interpret the findings. The Motloulela Farming Cooperative (MFC) is a strong and vibrant cooperative, which brings local people together who collectively work to improve socioeconomic conditions in their communities. The research demonstrates that the MFC empowered cooperative members by way of enabling them to acquire knowledge and skills, and created and improved social networks in the community. Moreover, the MFC provided avenues and pathways for self-employment thereby securing economic independence. Community members also enjoyed the benefits of the MFC being located in their village as they received donations, discounted prices and casual jobs. The study demonstrates that the MFC is an important vehicle for the achievement of the societal goals and developmental aspirations of the people of Motloulela village. For this reason, the study recommends that instead of researchers putting more effort into identifying and describing the challenges which contribute to the catastrophic failure rate of cooperatives, they should rather invest equal and corresponding effort in demonstrating their role in community development. The argument here is that providing a comprehensive analysis of thriving cooperatives could shed light as to how effective they are in as far as their role on community development is concerned; what could be considered success factors and therefore the building blocks for successful cooperatives, and infuse these lessons in forming new or reinvigorating existing cooperatives.