The Chatsworth Informal Traders Co-operative is on a mission to uplift the local community and bolster the regional economy. In a recent move to combat corruption and promote fair administrative practices, the group organised an anti-corruption awareness programme at the Croftdene Library.
Established in 2019, the co-operative, led by Keith Pillay as the chairperson, has been dedicated to advocating for individuals earning their livelihoods within the local economy. Their primary objective is to ensure equitable treatment by officials and provides a voice for those who often go unheard.
As a registered non-profit organisation, the co-operative relies on self-funding, with all members of the executive committee serving as volunteers. Mr Pillay emphasised their commitment to self-sufficiency by quoting former Burkina Faso president Thomas Sankara who said: “He who feeds you controls you.”
Over the past year, the organisation has actively supported members of the local informal community by assisting with applications for the July 2021 Unrest Relief Fund and the 2021/2022 Flood Relief Fund.
Recently, they launched a programme to help members register for the Seta skills development programme focused on inventory management. Upon completion of the three-day training, participants will receive trading stock in the form of cash vouchers.
In response to community concerns about irregularities in trading site allocations, the co-operative conducted an educational anti-corruption and awareness programme. This initiative was aimed at empowering individuals and shedding light on corruption issues that often affect those in the informal sector.
Mr Pillay emphasised the challenges faced by grassroots-level individuals in the informal sector, stating: “Those earning a living within the informal sector are often marginalised and vulnerable to the whims of officials.
“They lack the support structures and protections that formal businesses enjoy.”
He went on to highlight that the co-operative has numerous upcoming initiatives tailored to support the local informal business sector, which they regularly publicise through social media and their website.
For further information, interested individuals can visit The Chatsworth Informal Traders Co-operative Facebook page, visit their website at www.thecitc.co.za, send inquiries via email to [email protected], or contact them directly at 031 401 1291.
