Attending the International Co-operatives Day (ICD) 2025 at Sun City Resort was truly a remarkable experience. The gathering of cooperators from across South Africa and beyond created an atmosphere of unity, innovation, and determination for the future of the cooperative movement. The discussions, presentations, and networking sessions showcased not only the achievements made so far but also the limitless potential of cooperatives in addressing social and economic challenges. Being part of this historic event gave me renewed optimism about the direction of our cooperative movement and the role we all play in shaping it.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the planning and organization of ICD 2025. Working closely with the DSBD team was a privilege, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to them for their excellent work in ensuring that every aspect of the event was well executed. Their professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in making the event a success. I also wish to thank my National Co-operative Agency team making our ICD 2025 into a memorable trip.

Looking ahead to 2026, I am filled with confidence that the cooperative movement in South Africa will continue to grow stronger. With the same collaboration between government, supporting agencies, and cooperators that we witnessed in 2025, we are well-positioned to make an even greater impact. Together, we can build on the foundation we have laid, foster deeper partnerships, and ensure that cooperatives play a central role in advancing inclusive economic development.

Introducing the Co-op Pay Credit Card: Empowering Cooperators with Credit and Investment in One

In a bold step toward deepening financial inclusion and cooperative empowerment, the Co-op Pay Credit Card has been launched to give members of the cooperative movement a powerful tool for both spending and investing. Designed exclusively for individuals who hold the Cooperator Card and contribute monthly to their cooperative account, this innovative card offers more than just access to credit—it builds personal capital while supporting the wider cooperative economy.

The Co-op Pay Credit Card is available to registered members of cooperatives on the coops.africa platform. To qualify, a member must first order the Cooperator Card and commit to a monthly contribution. These monthly contributions, starting at US$50, are pooled into the Cooperative Debentures Exchange (CDE), where they are invested in income-generating cooperative ventures across Africa. This means every dollar contributed not only builds the member’s credit profile but also supports fellow cooperators through productive financing—creating a win-win model of solidarity and sustainability.

The unique structure of the Co-op Pay Credit Card allows members to use their contributions as security for credit on approved purchases, particularly from cooperative businesses listed on coops.africa. This encourages the circulation of capital within the cooperative ecosystem, strengthening co-op businesses while giving members access to trusted goods and services. The card can also be used for in-store and online purchases where accepted, with credit limits tied directly to the member’s contribution and investment performance.

Managed by the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB) on behalf of Co-op Pay SACCO, the card is part of a broader vision to transform cooperators from mere consumers into active participants in cooperative financing and investment. ZWMB ensures that all member contributions are professionally managed and securely invested, with credit issuance handled transparently and responsibly to avoid over-indebtedness.

With the Co-op Pay Credit Card, every cooperator gains access to a practical financial tool that combines spending power with wealth-building. It reflects the spirit of cooperative economics—where individual growth fuels collective advancement. Cooperators are encouraged to sign up, contribute, and take part in a future where their money works not only for them but for their communities too.

NCASA has embarked on the establishment of Cooperatives business forums to be the main business navigation platforms, providing a dedicated space for interaction among cooperators, buyers, and suppliers.

This forums shall facilitate discussions on various topics, including local and regional business challenges, best sector business practices, and market trends information.

Download the app on your phone or computer now to get info on:
https://ncasastore.co.za

For more inquiries contact
Martin Semenya +27 83 294 4884
Or
Your Provincial Chairperson