FINANCIAL struggles are a regular part of Mzansi life.
But these unemployed parents, from Orange Farm in the south of Joburg, started a stokvel to make sure their families stayed fed.
The group, named Faithful Friends, is all about helping each other to save up and overcome financial difficulties – especially when the new year begins.
Speaking to SunStokvel, Nathi Zwane, a member of the group, said the main aim of their stokvel was to help each other avoid loan sharks during dark days.
“We help each other because it’s hard to survive nowadays, especially if you are unemployed.”
According to Zwane, the members meet on the first Saturday of every month to distribute the money that they each bring.
“We each contribute R750, take out R250, and give the remaining amount to a different member of the 12 every month.
“We take the R250 and save that in a bank account. The saved amount is shared on the first Saturday of the new year.”
He said Faithful consisted of men and women, and was considered one of the best stokvels in or around Orange Farm.
“One of the reasons people can’t save money is that they don’t have the motivation to save alone. But in a stokvel, you have others to support you.”
When asked about the motto of Faithful, he said: “Our motto is ‘one love, one heart, one peace and one destiny as one big happy family’.”
The members have bigger plans for next year – they plan to buy tracksuits branded with the stokvel logo and motto.
“We are also interested in growing and so we are looking for more interested people to join us.
“But people already see the good in our money-saving scheme as many have already asked to join. Next year, Faithful will grow.”
Zwane said the group welcomes new members as long as they are faithful and trustworthy.