social development. For this reason they are often cited as important strategic interventions in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in poor communities, particularly at local municipal level. It is for this reason that a case was made for the need to initiate a cooperative development programme by the ADM. Looking at the statement given above, it can be realized that co-operative businesses are faced with a number of challenges especially those that are black-owned. This had lead to the belief that the measures aimed at supporting co-operative development are insufficient and ineffective. As long as such a belief persists, will continue to fail rather than make maximum use of the opportunities available to them. Co-operatives need to be understood as businesses that are to create jobs and improve the quality of lives for the members within a co-operative. Co-operatives together with Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises are the best vehicles to drive the economic development of an area as they are able to create a number of significant jobs in a short space of time. A great deal of money has been injected by Amathole District Municipality in development but there are not many success stories and there is little contribution, if any, to the economic growth of the area. In trying to make within the Amathole area of jurisdiction grow, the district has assisted co-operatives to establish a forum that is a structure for networking and information sharing amongst them. The operations of the forum solely depend on co-operatives themselves. That approach is intended to reduce the dependency syndrome amongst these businesses. Amathole District Municipality will only create an enabling and conducive environment for all co-operatives within the district to prosper. In furtherance of its role of creating an enabling environment, Amathole District Municipality will be hosting its fourth Annual Co-operatives Indaba in December, 2011. All Provincial, National and International Co-operatives are invited to share
Exhibition: The targeted number of exhibitors is 30 cooperative enterprises , government departments, public entities and higher education institutions The exhibition will serve as a platform to give exposure to the products developed by cooperative enterprises, thus increasing their chances to reach out to broader markets. Agencies and government departments that support cooperatives will also be accommodated to allow a more interactive engagement with cooperatives for the support they offer. Gala: The Gala will be hosted by the Honourable Executive Mayor, Cllr. N. Konza at Abbotsford Christian Centre, East London on the 05th December 2011.The targeted number of guests is 100 and will include national, provincial and local dignitaries. 6. EXPECTED OUTPUT FROM THE INDABA: Concrete resolutions that will feed into the co-operatives strategy and programmes of Amathole District Municipality. Progress report on the implementation of the 2010 resolutions. A summary of this report that contains resolutions and recommendations will be distributed to all participants shortly after the Indaba. Building of the cooperative movement in the District Establishment of a networking platform to integrate cooperative support by sector departments, higher learning institutions and development agencies 7. Venue: The Indaba will take place at the Christian Centre, Abbotsford, East London. Participants are expected to arrive on the 5th December 2011 at 12h00 (registration) as the programme will start at 14h00 and finish on the Dec 2011 at 13h30. The Proposed/draft programme is attached; final programmes will be communicated in due course.
1st Draft Programme Theme of the Event: “Building a vibrant and independent co-operatives movement through information and networking” Day 3 07 December 2011 Time Activity Institution/Agency Responsible persons 08:00-08:05 Recap of day 2 and Introduction of the day’s events ADM LED Programme Director 08:05 – 10:00 Report back from commissions and plenary discussion Amathole Co-operatives Commission facilitators 10:00 – 10:15 TEA 10:15 – 10:30 The Co-operatives Movement in Amathole District and Introduction of Outgoing ADCF Chair ADM Cllr. S. Janda, Speaker: Amathole District Municipality 10:30 – 11:00 Close-out Report on the Activities of combined Amathole/ BCM District Forum and proposals for future development Amathole District Forum Ms. P. Mbulawa, Chair 11:00 – 11:10 Announcement of Amathole District Co-operatives Forum Executive Committee EC Provincial Co-operatives Committee E.C. Chair / Designate 11:10 – 11:25 Address by Amathole District Co-operatives Forum Committee Amathole District Forum Chair Elect 11:25 – 12:00 Messages of Support Amathole Distrtict Municipality EC Provincial Committee Buffalo City Interim Forum Committee Government Departments and support institutions 12:00 – 12:15 Summary of Resolutions Acting Director: Land. Housing and Economic Development Mr. L. Dondolo 12:15 – 12:30 Closing remarks Executive Mayor: Amathole District Municipality Cllr. N. Konza 12:30 – 12:40 Vote of thanks Municipal Manager: Amathole District Municipality Mr. V. Mlokoti 12:40 – 12:45 Closure Portfolio Councillor Cllr. M. Memani 12:45 – 12:50 Closing Prayer Senior Clergyman, East London/ Border area 12:50 – 13:00 TOUR OF EXHIBITION All 13:00 LUNCH