By Nangamso Mabindla
20 August 2008

THE women of Duncan Village have been encouraged to start co-operatives that will enable them to do business with the municipality.

Thabo Matiwane, the general manager for public participation and special programmes, said the City urged women in the area to register their businesses. He was speaking at an information-sharing platform, hosted by Buffalo City, on Monday, 18 August.

“When we invited people to apply for the R5-million Mayoral Employment Fund, we only received two applications from Duncan Village; [given this] we saw the need to … have this platform.”

The two applicants were involved in community-related programmes.

Executive Mayor Zintle Peter; the municipal manager, Gaster Sharpley; Duncan Village ward councillors; and other City officials attended the event.

To ensure that it would have maximum benefit, the City invited government initiatives like the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), Umsobomvu Youth Fund, Mdantsane One Stop and other enterprises aimed at developing small businesses.

Peter also encouraged women to form and register co-operatives.

“I am happy that we came here to share important information with the women of Duncan Village, especially in celebration of Women’s Month. I want to take this opportunity to challenge all 45 wards to form co-operatives. We will have a competition [for] the cleanest ward.”

With soaring food prices - and women the most affected - Peter urged the municipality to start thinking about women when doing business.

“I would like the municipality to ensure that Duncan Village benefits from our businesses. But, Duncan Village women should take the initiative and try to form structures that will be able to do business with the municipality.”