Ilinge Lethu Primary Co-operative is operating at EFATA, the school for the blind which falls under O.R Tambo District in the Eastern Cape. The Co-operative was founded in 2015 by a group of Disabled People who were trainees of the Sakhingomso Training Project.
ILinge Lethu Primary Co-operative is based in the district of Mthatha which forms part of King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality. Currently, it has a factory and a training centre at EFATA School for the Blind Complex.
The products of the co-operative are cushion covers, wall hangings, chair bags, table cloths, traditional attire made from mohair, floor rug mats, bed-side mats, door mats, bathroom sets and blankets.
The team consists of 18 members with disabilities which are:
- 12 females between the ages of 25 and 60,
- 6 males between the ages of 31 and 50,
- 4 blind males,
- 6 deaf females.
CHALLENGES / NEEDS
The Ilinge Lethu Primary Co-operative team is predominantly Xhosa with adequate English understanding, and most of the team members have no health hazards.
Ilinge Lethu Primary Co-operative is already operating with semi-skilled dressmakers, weavers and knitters who want to polish their skills for better competitiveness. This highly motivated group has specific interests in sewing, weaving and knitting.
Additionally, they have acquired some industrial machines, but needed training on how to use those machines to produce items such as uniforms and tracksuits for schools.
INTERVENTION AND SOLUTION
The Co-operative approached SEDA to request training. After consulting with a Business Advisor, the co-operative registered as a SEDA client. A diagnostic assessment was then conducted on the co-operative using a Critical Planning Exercise (CPE) tool. During the assessment, it was established that the co-operative needed a website and a Business signage.
OUTCOMES / RESULTS
- The business increased sales from R60 650 to R290 440.
- The five Co-op members increased from 12 to 18.
QUOTE / SMME’S COMMENT
“Seda is always there for us”