The Stokvel Talk Roadshow sponsored by Spar was held at the True Nation Drop-in Centre venue, in Moleleki Section, Katlehong, on August 23.

Eric Phiri, a member of the Stokvel Talk Roadshow, said they brought the initiative in Katlehong to empower stokvel clubs.

“Our primary focus in bringing the Stokvel Talk Roadshow in Katlehong is to teach stokvel clubs to become cooperatives in order to get value for the money they are saving.

“We are encouraging them to become fully-fletched businesses and make sure they improve the economy in their townships.

“As they are already united as stokvel club members, they can use each other’s strengths to form formidable business entities. Amongst themselves they have people who are good in marketing, business management and more,” said Phiri.

He added that when the business entities they have established succeed they will be able to create jobs in their communities.

“The Stokvel Talk Roadshow was established five years ago and it has been going to different townships. The previous month we were in Diepkloof, Soweto, and this month in August we are here in Katlehong and next month we will be in Orlando West, Soweto.

“Everywhere we go, we are preaching the same message that stokvel clubs should be formalised into business entities and empower their communities,” shared Phiri.

He mentioned that people learn a lot from the Stokvel Talk Roadshows because they invite financial experts and business owners.

“We are keen on helping the stokvel clubs to make economical advances in their areas,” Phiri expressed.

The SPAR Group National PR, Communications and Sponsorships Manager, Mpudi Maubane, during the initiative, said the roadshows provide practical financial insights, clever savings tips, and a platform for women to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same drive to grow their hard-earned money.

“As a community-based retailer with stores run by local owners, we understand that for millions of South African women, stokvels have always been about more than just money. Stokvels are about strength, trust and friendship. That is why SPAR stands proudly alongside women as they continue to use stokvels to achieve financial independence and build brighter futures for their families.

“The events emphasise that collective savings schemes are not only strong social networks, but also essential financial tools, especially for those living outside urban areas.”

She added that it’s important to understand the national significance of stokvels, how they operate and their benefits for members as emphasised by compelling statistics.

“South Africa has about 11.5 million stokvel members, with 57% being women. Together, stokvels channel an estimated R50 billion annually into savings and investments for their members. Many of these clubs focus on family welfare, such as burial societies, while an increasing number of multipurpose stokvels are opening doors to broader financial opportunities.

“It is appropriate that we also use these kinds of events to shine light on an issue that affects thousands of young girls everyday, namely period poverty,” said Maubane.

She said many families struggle to afford sanitary pads, so Spar is working tirelessly to mitigate that.

“Sanitary pads are a luxury. This means that around 30% of South Africa’s girl learners are forced to miss school everymonth. Over a year, that adds up to about 50 days of lost learning, impacting girls’ confidence, school academic results and future dreams.

“Through our End Period Poverty campaign as SPAR, we have collaborated with various communities and sporting partners to tackle this issue and we are dedicated to eradicating period poverty by 2030. To reach this goal, it is important that at events like Stokvel Talks, we bring stokvel members, business owners, and families together to play their part in ensuring that girls are not held back.”

Johana Malele (64) from Novensi Organisation, an elderly club, said she started attending the Stokvel Talk Roadshow years back and she has learned a lot about financial management through the talks.

“I have gotten to know a lot of viable businesses through the talks. We have learned different ways of improving our stokvel clubs, including the Novensi organisation that I’m part of currently,” said Malele.

A community member of Moleleki, Ntombikhaya Masawe (56) said enjoyed the Stokvel Talk Roadshow because she learned a lot of things about finance.

“I didn’t know the importance of being part of a stokvel, but today I have learned, and surely after this I’m going to look for stokvel club and join it,” Masawe expressed.