The South African National Apex Cooperative (SANACO) has emerged as a crucial institution in the cooperative landscape of South Africa since its formal establishment on 30 June 2008. Formed through the collective effort of tertiary cooperatives and catalyzed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), SANACO was envisioned as a unifying voice and representative body for cooperatives nationwide. The entity enables streamlined engagement with government and partners, elevating the sector's influence locally and globally.

A National Footprint with Global Reach

From its roots at the Tshwane Showgrounds Conference, SANACO has grown into a structure with presence across municipal, district, provincial, national, regional, and global levels. It represents diverse member cooperatives such as Siyathuthuka Military Veterans and numerous other tertiary cooperatives. Its active engagement spans the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, broader African Union networks, and the global cooperative movement through its affiliation with the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).

Regional and Continental Impact

In the SADC region, SANACO has taken a leadership role. President Lawrence Bale was elected Chairperson of the SADC Cooperative Federation unopposed, with support from eight regional member countries. SANACO has spearheaded initiatives such as:

• Collaborations with Swaziland and Lesotho to establish cooperative financial institutions.
• Technical support to Lesotho cooperatives in poultry production, including knowledge exchange with Brazilian poultry cooperatives.

SANACO's participation in key ICA Africa forums—including the Alliance Africa Youth Network and Africa Ministerial Cooperative Conference—has amplified South Africa’s cooperative voice. Notably, SANACO has been asked to host the 2020 Regional Assembly, signaling its rising regional leadership.

BRICS and Beyond: International Collaboration

SANACO has positioned itself as a diplomatic and development agent for cooperatives within BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). In 2018, SANACO hosted the BRICS Cooperative Leaders Meeting in Pretoria. Outcomes included:

• The proposal to establish a BRICS Cooperative Leaders Permanent Secretariat, with SANACO expected to coordinate.
• Identification of trade and skills development opportunities, particularly with China in mass production and Brazil in raw materials.

Additionally, SANACO's relationship with Lega Coop of Reggio Emilia, Italy, is a historic partnership dating back to 1977. In 2018, South African cooperatives showcased their work to visiting Italians, reinforcing cooperation in agro-processing and community development.

Annual Celebration of Cooperatives

Since 2009, SANACO has convened annual International Cooperative Day (ICD) celebrations, rotating across provinces. The 2018 ICD, held on 6–7 July, featured a cooperative conference and a celebration showcasing cooperative-driven catering, apparel, and transport services. The event was addressed by the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Mr. Cattle Mathale, who emphasized the sector’s role in inclusive development.

Policy Advocacy and Legislative Engagement

SANACO played a significant role in shaping the Cooperatives Act No. 6 of 2013, which introduced critical institutions such as:

• The Cooperative Tribunal
• The Cooperative Development Agency
• The Cooperative College
• The Cooperative Advisory Council

Despite its influence, SANACO has flagged delays in the Act’s implementation and continues to lobby for acceleration of these critical reforms.

Capacity Building and Economic Development

SANACO works with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to deliver targeted training to cooperatives. Its partnership with Productivity SA—active since 2012—has seen cooperatives recognized for excellence and productivity, with awards ceremonies attended by ministers and high-ranking officials.

Through collaborations with organizations such as NEDLAC, South African Youth Council, and the National Council for People with Disabilities, SANACO supports national priorities like poverty reduction, job creation, and inequality mitigation.

Banking the Cooperative Sector

A key strategic priority is the creation of a Cooperative Bank, enabling cooperatives to access tailored financial services. SANACO envisions a cluster model where multiple cooperative banks collaborate to address the sector’s financing needs—an essential step toward sustainability.

Strategic Engagements and Invitations

SANACO’s leadership is regularly invited to global forums. Highlights include:

• Poverty Alleviation Workshop in China (December 2018)
• Russian Cooperative Federation engagement (to follow up BRICS resolutions)
• HIT Solutions National Conference on Land Expropriation (Durban, 2018)
• Capacity Building Workshop in Tanzania (November 2018)

These invitations reflect SANACO’s increasing recognition as a serious development partner.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite its vast mandate, SANACO does not receive core funding from government, instead surviving on service-based revenues from SETAs and departments. This compromises its ability to focus purely on advocacy, representation, and coordination. SANACO calls for:

• Dedicated funding for its core functions.
• Full implementation of the Cooperatives Act.
• Greater institutional support for cooperative development.

Conclusion

SANACO remains a pillar of the cooperative movement in South Africa, representing a voice for economic democracy and inclusive growth. With its strategic leadership across SADC, BRICS, ICA, and national platforms, SANACO continues to be a catalyst for transformation, advocating for a cooperative economy that empowers historically marginalized communities. Strengthening SANACO's institutional capacity and funding will be key to realizing its vision of a vibrant, sustainable cooperative sector in South Africa and across the continent.