POLOKWANE – Stokvel remain one of the most popular savings vehicles for ordinary South Africans.
Seven Colours Communications will return to Polokwane with the annual Stokvelex Expo at the Jack Botes Hall from October 27-29.
With seven successful shows across three provinces, this year’s showcase promises an even bigger and elevated experience, backed by reputable, trusted, and acclaimed partners.
According to Stockvelex exhibition director Neo Mohlatlole, Stokvelex is an exhibition targeted at stokvels, societies, megodishano and cooperatives, featuring an exhibition hall and workshop areas.
“The expo will provide innovative solutions to stokvel groups, individuals and associations through the open exhibition of various products, brands including networking forums. This is where stokvels will get an opportunity to engage, grow their organisations, share knowledge and forge relations with other stokvels and formal institutions that serve their specific needs.”
The exhibition covers the following sectors and has had various companies exhibiting since the inception of the concept in July 2014: financial planning, investments, burial companies, wholesalers, education, and travel and tourism, according to Mohlatlole.
He said members get an opportunity to choose from the service providers that serve them under one roof, without having to travel to different parts of town for information.
“The exhibition is the best platform for them to compare apples with apples. The majority of stokvels are based in townships and rural areas. Once the stokvels get an understanding of how their organisations help with township economies, they will spend the money wisely to support businesses that serve the community. Members get an opportunity to learn about cooperatives and the possibilities of setting up their stokvels as cooperatives and serving their communities while creating jobs. This is another great model to uplift rural and township economies, and with the relevant partner on board we will be able to pilot this model and measure the benefits to the community and local economy. Members get to learn about other stokvel models that they can later participate in, apart from the ones they are currently under,” Mohlatlole said.
Exhibiting companies have an opportunity to engage with stokvels firsthand and develop insights on how to best package their offerings to this market directly.
“Visitors can expect regular exhibitors such as the National Treasury Retail Saving Bonds, Sabric and Liberty Life to help guide stokvels, cooperatives and consumers to apply the best financial practices, especially in a strained economy,” he said.
Free uniforms will be given to the best-dressed stokvels and goodie bags to the first 300 people who register.
Entrance will be free of charge.
