Socio-economic upliftment from grass-roots level with ROOTS

The event marked the official public launch of the ROOTS Traders Club and Youth Road Shows which aim to help equip the communities of Thaba'Nchu and Botshabelo with the entrepreneurial knowledge and mentorship needed to achieve a prosperous future.

The festivities began with a choreographed dance by the energetic ROOTS Road Show members, and cheerful messages of optimism were relayed through music, dance and presentations.

The ROOTS initiatives signify the start of social positive change from grass-roots level in the Thaba'Nchu and Botshabelo areas, and the show was put together by the community, for the community.

Unity in a shared vision of economic prosperity

Chairlady of the Thabo Community Action Trust, Yasheen Sookdeo comments, "The launch event epitomises what we hope to achieve, and that is to bring the communities together in the shared vision of economic prosperity through socio-economic upliftment initiatives. This is an exciting time for the trust and we are on our way to making a lasting difference in these communities."

Having gone through a rigorous process of qualifying to be a ROOTS Traders Club member, seven identified club categories (retail, sewing, cleaning, farming, logistics, food and manufacturing) earned loans provided by the TCAT. In a unique lending programme, these members are able to loan money from the pot but are required to pay it back before more money can be loaned by other ROOTS Trader Club members. This makes members and their immediate community accountable for their debt.

Guests were reluctant to leave but exciting opportunities lie ahead.

If you would like to support these initiatives or become a ROOTS Trader Club Member, contact az.oc.procerutluc@elociN.

The ROOTS Youth Road Shows and ROOTS Traders Club are entrepreneurial development initiatives sponsored by the TCAT and powered by The Culture Corporation. For more information about the TCAT, the ROOTS initiatives and The Culture Corporation, go to www.thabotrust.com or www.culturecorp.co.za.