FOUR passionate women and a man decided to work together to overcome poverty.
Modiehi Motaung (32) from Phuthaditjhaba is the driving force behind Thusang Sechaba Co-operative.
She told Daily Sun: “We started our business five years ago, after realising that no one in QwaQwa specialised in making handmade coffins.
“We started making quality coffins and selling them at reasonable prices.
“We developed our business and now make all kinds of coffins – small and big, fancy and ordinary.
“We use different kinds of wood, for example oak, depending on how much our customers can afford.
“We allow loyal customers to do put down a deposit and then pay monthly for the coffin.
“If they don’t pay the full amount within three months, the lay-by is cancelled and they lose their money.
“Our sales are better at month end when people come in large numbers.
“That makes us happy and we ensure we have enough stock for our customers.
“We charge R2000 for a child’s coffin.
“Our most expensive coffin for adults costs R6000.”
Members of the co-operative regularly attend government workshops to equip themselves with knowledge to run their business better.
Modiehi said: “We want to see our business growing so that we sell coffins throughout the Free State and even in other provinces.
“We also want to hire women and train them how to run their own business ventures.”
