Instead of asking loan sharks for money, brothers Charles (33) and Amos Mohale (39) loaned to each other.
This went on for a while until one of their friends became interested and wanted to join them. This is when the brothers thought it would be a great idea if they started a club to organise the money.
In May 2013, Maja-Ka-Thata Youth Club was formed at Ga-Sekgopo Village outside Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo. Charles approached all his friends and encouraged them to join.
“Our club now has eight members. Our membership may be small, but we help each other avoid loan sharks. They only offer huge debt that we cannot repay.”
The end of every month they meet at a member’s house for a meeting where each contributes R350. Of this, R50 pays for drinks and the R300 is given to the host member.
“We buy drinks, organise food and good music and then have a good time once we have finished discussing our club matters.”
Charles said they fine members who come to their meetings late or are absent without a valid reason and without sending a representative. Members who also attend without wearing the club’s uniform also get fined. The money is then banked and shared at year end.
Amos said: “There is no joining fee to become a member in January. But if you join in the middle of the year, you must pay R350 for missing the earlier months.
“The new member must also buy our uniform – a blue and a red shirt. We wear blue shirts at members’ parties and wear red for meetings.
“We welcome new members.”
Club member Motsatsi Morifi (34) said: “I’ve able to buy a new school uniform for my child and also give her pocket money every day because of the club.”