Date: 05/10/2005
Source: Department of Trade and Industry
Title: Thabethe: Launch of Daisa Plan by Fukama Trust


  Speech by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Ms Elizabeth Thabethe, at the launch of the Daisa Plan by Fukama Trust

The leadership of the Traders Associations
Deputy CEO of Massmart, Mr Grant Pattison
CEO of the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market,
Mr Bernard Magabe
Executive of Fukama Trust
L-adies and gentlemen

The government of South Africa has given priority to the needs of the informal sector as it addresses delivery to our people in the second decade of our democracy. The informal sector, made up of over 80% women, have borne the burden of raising families, educating their children and keeping their businesses going with no help from any quarter. They have had no bargaining power with the suppliers, no credit facilities. In fact, they have been invisible to their suppliers as customers.

There are challenges that have faced informal traders for decades. The Department of Trade and Industry was involved in a pilot a few years ago where a system of accessing fresh produce pricing through the cell-phone was investigated. It is such initiatives that, if successful, can contribute directly to the bottom-line for the trader.

With the launch of “Daisa” it is the hope of government that the collective power of the traders will be harnessed for their own benefit. Fukama and its partners, Massmart and the Fresh Produce Market, must provide a comprehensive service to the traders in the form of micro loans, training, supply and distribution.

Member co-operatives of Daisa will own part of the wholesale distribution chain. Fukama aims to facilitate members’ bulk –buying, hampers for those saving for food security, small loans as well as business training.

In conclusion, as October is Savings Month, it is only fitting that we remember a fallen hero of the Co-operative movement, Anna Mofokeng, who died two years ago. Anna was a pillar within the Masisizane Housing Co-operative in Ivory Park, as well as her community, having been a founder member of the co-operative. Her son, Sipho, is among us today. We remember Anna today and hope that her self-less commitment to serve her community and the integrity with which she carried out her duties will be emulated by those who carry the torch of community co-operative effort.

Thank you.

Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
30 September 2005