MATSAPHA – Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini has revealed that while the benefits of cooperatives may be financial, His Majesty’s Government has observed a tremendous impact on cooperatives improving the lives of rural communities, therefore, contributing to economic prosperity, national cohesion, and equality.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the 22nd Savings and Credit Cooperative Associations (SACCA) Congress at Esibayeni Lodge this evening. The Prime Minister was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku.
Speaking during the Congress, the Prime Minister remarked that, “Financial Cooperatives have long been recognised as an essential tool for eradicating poverty and by extension, advancing community development. For decades now, financial cooperatives have metamorphosed to become a critical factor in poverty reduction, creation of employment, and the promotion of social integration in our local communities.”
Prime Minister Dlamini added that, “Through this model, our Governments, in collaboration with the Country and Continental Regional Co-operative Network, can effectively tackle these challenges in a more focused manner as advocated for by the United Nations’ People, Prosperity, Production, and Peace.”
The theme of the Congress, which is hosted by Eswatini and brings together cooperatives from across Africa, is “Cooperative model enhancing Inclusive Growth and Economic Development.” A total of 22 countries are represented at the Congress.
The next SACCA Congress will be hosted by Botswana in 2023.
