Document: The dti baseline study of co-operatives in South Africa

A baseline study of co-operatives in all sectors of the South African economy was commissioned by the dti in 2008. This study consisted of two components, an international benchmark component which was conducted through a desktop research study and a quantitative component in the form of a national survey of a representative sample of co-operatives. 

 

The international benchmark study looked at the history of the co-operative movement internationally and co-operative processes with a view of identifying practices that could be useful towards the development of a co-operative strategy for South Africa. Six countries were reviewed in order to identify best practice. The countries reviewed consisted of three developed countries (Canada, Italy and Spain) and three developing countries (Kenya, India and Bangladesh). Although this report does highlight pertinent issues and recommendations emanating from the benchmark component of the study, the focus of the

benchmarking study was on using the international experience to identify best practices that would inform the development of a strategy within the context of the findings of the national survey.

 

The quantitative component of this research undertaking was aimed at generating data that would enable the development of a comprehensive profile of registered co-operatives in South Africa.