By Sikhulile Dlamini
MBABANE – Commissioner for Co-operatives Russell Nxumalo has urged stakeholders to come together with a shared purpose of achieving common goals and driving the livelihood development of Emaswati socially, economically and culturally.
Nxumalo was speaking during the two-day workshop that commenced today (15 May 2024) at Esibayeni Lodge.
The Commissioner emphasised that the cooperative business model is the key to realising the mutual aspirations of fellow co-operators.
Highlighting the voluntary nature of their work, Commissioner Nxumalo stressed that the ordinary member of a cooperative should be at the core of all plans, efforts, and budgets. Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of encouraging non-cooperative members to join, as their participation is vital for attracting the youth and potential members.
“To win their trust and support, it is essential that the public witnesses meaningful socio-economic changes resulting from current cooperative initiatives,” Nxumalo said.
Expressing serious concern, Commissioner Nxumalo acknowledged that cooperatives were often perceived as peripheral institutions with limited contribution to the economy and poverty reduction in the country.
“In some regions, the presence of the cooperative sector is scarcely felt or known and a majority of Emaswati have lost trust in the cooperative business model,” he added.
The commissioner attributed these challenges to issues of poor governance, mismanagement of funds, and inadequate investment decisions. Urging the co-operators to address these issues head-on, he called for a collective effort to change this negative narrative.
The commissioner emphasised that it is high time for cooperatives to make a substantial impact and become the driving force behind the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030.
To achieve this vision, the Co-operatives Development Department has set forth the objective of establishing autonomous, sustainable, and well-managed cooperatives that cater to their members’ needs through meaningful economic activities contributing to national development.
Commissioner Nxumalo concluded by highlighting the importance of forming and developing autonomous cooperative enterprises. He stressed that all cooperatives, both existing and those yet to be established, should focus on solving mutual needs for their members. By working tirelessly towards the sustainability of members’ businesses, cooperatives can truly become the vehicle for driving socio-economic development and achieving the outlined vision.
The speech by Commissioner Nxumalo calls for a united effort among co-operators to overcome the challenges faced by the cooperative sector. By prioritising good governance, effective financial management, and strategic investments, cooperatives can regain the trust of the public and make a significant impact on Eswatini’s socio-economic landscape.
