16/10/2026
2026 GROUNDUP LEAN COOPERATIVE BANKING INDABA IN FULL SWING AT MBHASHE
The 2026 GroundUp LEAN Cooperative Banking Indaba is underway at the Mbhashe Local Municipality Council Chambers in Dutywa, bringing together key stakeholders to promote financial inclusion, strengthen cooperative banking and empower communities through improved access to financial services.
Held under the theme “Building Self-Reliant, Self-Sufficient and Self-Sustaining Communities through Cooperative Banking", the Indaba seeks to strengthen partnerships, support the growth of cooperatives and entrepreneurs, and explore sustainable financial solutions for small businesses.
The programme includes a keynote address by the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni, as well as the anticipated handover of Cooperative Banking Development Fund (CBDF) cheques to beneficiary institutions.
Among the dignitaries attending the event are Mbhashe Local Municipality Council Speaker Cllr Babalwa Majavu; Acting Executive Mayor of Amathole District Municipality Cllr Bukelwa Madikana; members of the Mbhashe Traditional House; and councillors.
Representatives from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), National Secondary Co-operative Bank (NSCB), South African Co-operative Banking Association (SACOBA) and Imvelo are also in attendance.
In his opening remarks, Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Dr Samkelo Janda, welcomed the delegates and emphasised the importance of improving access to finance for small businesses and cooperatives.
“On behalf of Mbhashe, we are honoured to have you here, as your purpose speaks directly to our communities. One of the critical problems we have when working with small businesses is financial access, which leads to a heavy reliance on government support,” said Mayor Janda.
He highlighted the potential of cooperative banking to empower communities by enabling members to participate directly in financial institutions established to serve their needs.
Following the Executive Mayor's opening remarks, Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni, delivered her keynote address, highlighting the importance of local market opportunities, cultural identity and community ownership in transforming the economy.
The Minister encouraged communities to recognise and maximise opportunities within their own localities, emphasising the role of cultural heritage and local identity in creating economic value.
“When we talk about market opportunities, we should be looking within ourselves and not going somewhere else. When you have pride, it is what defines who you are, and that’s empowering to people,” said Minister Ndabeni.
She further stressed the importance of developing products and services that reflect the traditions, culture and needs of local communities.
“As we talk about empowering our people and transforming the economy, what you have is your own tradition and culture that people see. We want communities to have their own and design in a manner that responds to communities,” she said.
The Indaba underscores the importance of cooperative banking as a potential vehicle for expanding financial inclusion, strengthening community-owned enterprises and creating sustainable economic opportunities within Mbhashe and beyond.
Through collaboration between government, financial institutions, cooperatives and small businesses, the initiative seeks to advance community participation in the economy and promote greater financial self-reliance.
