Job creation efforts of a North West-based primary cooperative recently received a major boost of over R300,000 in funding from the National Development Agency (NDA).
The Taung-based Thota ya Tau Fish Harvest Primary Cooperative was established to create employment opportunities through fishery operations. The funding has helped the cooperative purchase a fishing boat, mobile cold-room trailer, and generator.
This will, in turn, enable the cooperative to increase production, expand operations, and ensure sustainable employment for 10 of its members.
Tebogo Matlonoko, the project manager of Thota ya Tau Fish Harvest Primary Cooperative, shared that the journey began in 2001 when the cooperative was allocated land by the tribal authority. Significant funding was received in 2017 from the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“We started the cooperative in 2001, identifying the nearby community dam as a potential resource. With high levels of unemployment and poverty in our area, we decided to venture into fish farming. In 2003, we met with the local traditional leadership of Ga-Mothibi, who allocated us the land,” Matlonoko explained.
He added that once they received the land, Thota ya Tau Fish Harvest Primary Cooperative was guided by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, as well as the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, to obtain the necessary fishing permits.
“I first encountered the NDA when they hosted cooperative workshops. This journey began in 2020, during which we were required to submit numerous documents and they assisted us through the entire funding process. Fortunately, the funding was approved, and here we are today. Our persistence and patience have paid off,” he said.
The cooperative’s work cycle begins every Monday with fishing, cleaning, and freezing the fish for its customers.
“We ensure that the fish is not stored for too long in order to maintain its freshness,” Matlonoko said.
The cooperative supplies local markets, including those in the Northern Cape, and also serves out-of-town suppliers who resell to restaurants in Johannesburg.
Thota ya Tau Fish Harvest Primary Cooperative received its new equipment during an event attended by the North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Susanna Dantjie.
At the event, MEC Dantjie encouraged the cooperative to fully utilise the new equipment.
“The potential of this project is evident to all of us,” said MEC Dantjie, adding that she would engage with her government counterparts to provide further expertise. She also urged the community to report illegal fishing activities in the area, particularly during the mating season.
“This is your wealth; you must treat this fish as gold,” concluded MEC Dantjie. ¥
For more information on the NDA, visit www.nda.org.za.
The Thota ya Tau Fish Harvest Primary Cooperative can be reached
Cell: 063 810 6743 or 076 032 9005
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