Services

 

 

Between 2023 and 2025, DTCA sets itself the following three goals:

A. Be a champion a co-operative and solidarity economy, sustainable development, and use of technology for social good – leading in public debate, shaping policy and advocating for positive change.

We will:

  • Sponsor research on the state of co-op economy and co-operative movement and focus on impact of economic and social crises on co-ops.
  • Hold annual Conferences, that brings key actors together all types of co-ops.
  • Produce a periodical on topical issues affecting the sector in co-op banking, consumer co-op, housing, worker and agricultural co-ops
  •  Begin to share learning through effective use of social media and webinars.

B. Help change the way the economy is organised, by facilitating the growth of co-op enterprises, especially co- operative banking and consumer co-ops (such as community-owned stores), worker co-operatives and housing co-operatives.

We will:

  • Promote the concept and practice of co-operative enterprises, to ensure workers and communities are aware of the model and its potential; feel empowered to take action themselves; and operate in a supportive environment.
  • DTCA will provide practical advice, support and training (including accredited training) to help workers and communities establish and run successful co-op enterprises with long term survival rates.
  • Prioritise the following types of co- operatives in 2023-25:

Co-operative banking – working with trade unions, communities and districts/Metros, and associations and facilitating formation of new ones. This will focus on support for existing co-operative banking institutions. The co-operative banking sector has developed its own vision for 2030, targeting membership goal of over 400,000 members. DTCA is provided technical support for the implementation of this strategy, including the current process of forming of a secondary co-op bank.
Consumer co-ops: supporting efforts to promote community-owned stores in townships and villages, involving grocery stokvels, trade unions and township households.

Worker co-ops involved in variety of economic activities – from production of consumer items, transportation, renewal energy and food security and support services. DTCA has been supporting a great number of worker co-ops with hundreds of members, some which have reached stage of trading.

Co-operative housing, involving in rapid-land release programme, organising communities to build their own houses together. Potential partnership with co-operative housing associations.

Agricultural co-operatives, for fruits & vegetable and livestock farming, with technical support in the co-operative functions of marketing, supply and agro processing. DTCA is support several of such initiatives.

C. Be an agile membership- based organisation, with a small-in house team with good governance and project management capacity, a network of technical advisors and focus on positive impact, build relationships with partners, sponsors and alliances.

We will:

  • Continue to be improve governance and compliance.
  • Rely on a small staff compliment to provide admin, project research support to for institution, under the guidance of DTCA Managing Director as well as co-operative organisers in each province.
  • Carry out a large chunk of our work and priorities through a network of technical assistants and partners.