The 5th of July was a commemoration of International Day for Cooperatives, under the theme "Cooperatives: Driving inclusive and sustainable solutions for a better world". Also, 2025 is marked as UN International year of Cooperatives themed "Cooperatives building a better world". This demonstrates the significance of the role of Cooperatives in addressing and promoting sustainable development. Cooperatives are a backbone of many economies across the globe. In South Africa, they are the heart of the much-needed village and township economic revival. The Imbadu Community Bakery will ensure that goods and services needed by Kayamandi community are produced within their own community and the money received, by community members through social grants paid by SASSA also circulates within the community.

The Imbadu Housing Enablement Primary Cooperative Limited established the Imbadu Bakery Primary Cooperative in 2024, as a Community Owned Enterprise. The Imbadu Group membership is its biggest asset. It is owned and managed by members of the Kayamandi community. It is seen as building blocks to build sustainable households and communities with the aim of creating work and income opportunities for unemployed youth and women. The Imbadu group has since also established the Imbadu Sewing Primary Cooperative. NDA continues to play a critical role in supporting the establishment of the Community owned enterprise through community engagement, research, training and resource mobilisation. The Bakery Cooperative has created partnerships with University of the Western Cape and the University of Stellenbosch whose students are based at the Bakery Cooperative to conduct their practical's.

Minister Tolashe will be joined by the Department of Social Development Director-General, Mr Peter Netshipale, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Themba Matlou and the National Development Agency (NDA) Acting CEO, Mr Thabani Buthelezi and representatives from provincial and local governments, members of the Imbadu Community Bakery Cooperative and other strategic partners.

Members of the media are invited to attend the cheque handover as follows:

Date: 09 July 2025

Venue: Imbadu Community Bakery, Amparo Industrial Park, 2 Planken Street, Plankenburg, Kayamandi - Stellenbosch

Time: 09:00

For confirmations, please contact Ms Lesego Ranchu on 073 547 2800 or lesegor@nda.org.za

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY