01 Sep 2025

Cooperative societies are crucial contributors to economic growth hence require support and investment, Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe said at the recent opening of Saverite Mabeleapudi.

He said the launch of the Saverite store by Serowe Marketing Cooperative Society marked the beginning of limitless opportunities for economic growth. “The launch of Saverite will lead to job opportunities and lower costs for obtaining essentials like food in surrounding villages. The potential for additional collaborations is also limitless,” said Mr Mathoothe, who is also Serowe North MP.

He encouraged Mabeleapudi residents to leverage the existence of such a store to build positive relationships and partnerships, adding that farmers in Mabeleapudi could come together and create a partnership with Saverite to provide them with agricultural produce like vegetables and fresh meat. This he said would result in the growth of the village and a surge in the local economy.

Councillor for Mabeleapudi, Mr Nametso Senku commended Serowe Marketing Cooperative for the development he said would significantly benefit Mabeleapudi people. He also urged community members to strive for collaborations and alliances aimed at the village’s development.

A local, Mr Thupa Oiketile, said that the store was a positive addition and would greatly help residents, noting that prior to the development; they had to go to Serowe for groceries, which was expensive.

Mr Rebana Mmereki, chairperson of Serowe Marketing Cooperative Society’s board, said that the cooperative aimed to undertake additional projects beneficial to the cooperative, its shareholders, and the community. He encouraged residents to start cooperatives or become members of existing ones; and invest in a ventures that would leave a lasting legacy.

On a separate matter, Paje residents decried lack of developments in their community, emphasising the need for road constructions and renovations. They also pointed out that Paje Primary School required immediate renovations.

Speaking at Paje Kgotla, Mr Mathoothe acknowledged their requests, noting that many projects were delayed because of current economic situation, and assured that priority projects would be expedited once the economy recovered.

Additionally, he encouraged residents to establish cooperatives and invest in manufacturing sectors, adding that Paje was situated in a prime location offering limitless opportunities for collaborations with the mining industry, as the village was positioned along a route utilised by mines for transporting goods. He also urged residents to invest in agricultural produce sectors like oil factories that refine oil from surflower and encouraged them to start grain processing and packaging factories. ENDS