The National Development Agency (NDA) in South Africa has forged a partnership with the Africa Cooperatives Institute of South Africa (ACI-SA) to support poverty eradication initiatives. This collaboration aspires to empower individuals, families, and communities by implementing self-help programs that lead to sustainable livelihoods. The partners have come together to organize the 3rd Conference on Cooperatives and the Solidarity Economy (CCSE2023), scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from November 1st to 3rd, 2023.
The conference serves as an annual academic event aimed at promoting knowledge generation and fostering collaboration among scholars. Academics from various disciplines, including cooperatives and development studies, will convene at the conference to exchange experiences and suggest solutions that can enhance the growth and sustainability of cooperatives in South Africa and beyond.
Both the NDA and ACI-SA recognize the critical role of cooperatives in fostering sustainable livelihoods for economically disadvantaged individuals and those relying on state social protection programs. ACI-SA, a training and development institute affiliated with the University of Johannesburg, shares the NDA’s dedication to eradicating poverty. The institute offers capacity-building support to cooperatives, with a focus on shared economy principles, social innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Spanning three days, the CCSE2023 conference will feature a Young Scholars Workshop, panel discussions, parallel sessions, and keynote addresses. Renowned speakers include Hon Minister Thoko Didiza, Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Ms. Ruth Nozabelo Bhengu, NDA Board Chairperson; and Professor Vishwas Satgar of the University of Witwatersrand, along with other esteemed academic experts.
The media is encouraged to attend the conference either in person at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg or virtually by registering online. The event will also offer video call links for remote sessions. The final conference program will be accessible upon request.
In previous years, the conference has served as a platform for South African scholars to present and obtain feedback on their papers evaluating the progress of the cooperative sector in Africa, particularly focusing on South Africa. The conference is instrumental in shaping policy recommendations with the potential to improve the lives of numerous South Africans.
The cooperative model presents an alternative approach to economic development, emphasizing collective ownership, participation, and decision-making. By supporting cooperatives, the NDA and ACI-SA aim to empower communities and create opportunities for income generation and poverty reduction.
High-level government officials, academics, and other specialists attending the conference highlight the significance of cooperatives in achieving national development objectives. Minister Thoko Didiza’s keynote address is anticipated to provide insights into the government’s plans and strategies for the cooperative sector, while other speakers will offer invaluable perspectives on emerging trends and best practices.
The Young Scholars Workshop is a remarkable component of the conference, providing an opportunity for the next generation of academics to engage in critical discussions and learn from established experts in the field. This supportive environment will contribute to the development of a dynamic and innovative cooperative ecosystem in the future.
The CCSE2023 conference is poised to be a crucial event in the ongoing effort to harness the potential of cooperatives and the solidarity economy for the eradication of poverty in South Africa and beyond. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among academics and stakeholders, this gathering will generate innovative ideas and practical solutions that can be implemented at the grassroots level.
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