TWO years ago, seven women decided to form a stokvel to beat poverty and bury their loved ones with dignity.
Today the membership of the Basadi Ratanag stokvel has increased to 25 and it is still growing.
Most of the members are street vendors, selling items like peanuts, fruit and vegetables on the streets and at the RDP houses of Mohlakeng extension 4, near Randfontein, west of Joburg.
Chairwoman, Meisie Mogodi (64), told SunStokvel that she and her neighbour, Selinah Maine, were the two prime movers.
“We have nurtured the initiative and now we have people flocking to join us.
“We meet in the second week of every month and contribute R300 each.
“We also pay R50 for a plate of food, and share soft drinks and snacks.
“At the end of the year, we share the money to buy furniture and school uniforms for our grandkids.”
Men are welcome but they are expected participate in all the stokvel activities.
“The stokvel has already distributed money towards a burial when, in the first year, a family member of our founder, Selinah, passed away,” said Meisie.
The society wants their stokvel to grow so that its members get the chance to visit places such as Durban and Cape Town.
Meanwhile, they are careful with their money.
“We read about how people are getting robbed. This is why we are planning to approach the bank where we save our money for advice,” said Meisie.
