Seeds of success: Co-operative training empowers Northern Cape farmers

A GROUP of 30 local farmers, including 17 women and 13 men, have benefited from a week-long training programme aimed at promoting co-operative entrepreneurship and job creation in the Noupoort area.

The programme, funded by Noupoort Wind Farm in collaboration with the National Development Agency (NDA), equipped participants with essential skills in governance, compliance, and co-operative management.

“We remain dedicated to supporting and empowering the Noupoort community through initiatives that promote local economic development. This training equipped participants with key governance and compliance skills, encouraged collaboration, and helped lay the foundation for sustainable farming businesses,” stated Vanessa Fredericks, economic development manager for Noupoort Wind Farm.

The training, which included hands-on sessions, familiarised participants with requirements related to the NPO Act and Income Tax Act legislation, as well as the fundamentals of co-operative governance and online registration and submission processes. The Emntla Koloni Farming Co-operative, a newly established entity, was among the beneficiaries of the programme.

"We've gained essential skills and knowledge from the training, which we're committed to applying as we grow and manage our co-operative," said Bongeka Stofile of Emntla Koloni Co-operative. "We're optimistic about the future and excited for what lies ahead."

The programme's success is attributed to the collaboration between Noupoort Wind Farm and the NDA, which provided support and resources to ensure the smooth delivery of the training. Follow-up support will be provided to the Emntla Koloni Co-operative by the NDA, SEDFA, the Department of Agriculture, and Business Ezone Ventures.

This initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships and collaboration in promoting local economic development and job creation. The training programme is expected to have a long-term impact on the local farming community, empowering farmers to establish and manage sustainable farming businesses.