The South African Spaza Shops Co-operative (SASSCO) handed over more than 100 cheques to its members, at the Khayelitsha Training Centre, on Thursday February 22.
Recipients included aspiring spaza owners from the community. The annual handover is aimed at seeing members grow their businesses.
Beneficiaries expressed hope for the future.
Sassco national chairperson, Bongani Vakele, said the money helped the beneficiaries and their families.
He said the members made a profit by jointly buying food hampers in bulk, at a shop under the co-operative.
“We want them to sustain their businesses and keep their families happy at the same time. They are now reaping what they sow. We are happy when they are happy,” he said.
Mr Vakele said the idea came from the members. He said he also wanted youth to be involved in the co-operative.
“We are killing two birds with one stone. They have food and also money at the end of the year. This is a new phenomenon. When people buy stock they will know that it is also an investment. Buying in a shop under the co-operative is a big boost and investment. Some of these people live on a grant and we want them to grow and sustain themselves and their businesses.”
Mr Vakele said the co-operative wanted to get the buy-in of 200 people in order to earn better returns.
Beneficiary Thandeka Ntsika-Kutu said the money would help to ensure food security for many.
She said she was prioritising developing her own spaza shop.
“It makes a huge difference to many of us. If you noticed many of us are people with different disabilities so the money comes as a huge help. This is one of the best initiatives I am involved in,” she told Vukani
Ms Ntsika-Kutu appealed to other people to join the co-operative.
