BASADI DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES

A group of women based in Hebron, in the north west province established a cooperative in 2016 called Hebron Mango Tree Owner (HTMO). Its directors are Mrs Tabea Masilo, Mrs Phinkie More, Mrs Lesego Hlalethoa and Mr Benjamin Masilo.

These women started this cooperative after realising the collective value of the area’s mango trees that could help nurture food security and fight poverty through sustainable agricultural practices.

The cooperative serves as a wholesaler sourcing green mango produce from the community in Hebron and surrounding areas, for retail to off takers and to produce mango artchar. HTMO also produces vegetables to generate income when mango is out of season. One of the long term objectives on HMTO is to establish a mango and vegetables products processing plant.

In 2021 the cooperative came with an idea of what was called solidarity markets in Hebron, with the aim of bridging the gab between rural women in farming and access to markets, HTMO then acquired equipment to be used for hosting the solidarity market. Unfortunately the market did not gain momentum as quick as they had anticipated, then the HTMO saw the need to join forces with other stakeholders to make known the knowledge and skills so that they have successful events.The cooperative joined forces with Morongwa Foundation to help with rebranding and marketing and growing the initiative to what is known as the Basadi Farmers and Business Market.

HTMO have 7 marshalls (young men from Hebron and Erasmus) who assist them with logistics at every market. They also have 3 seasonal workers who assist them at the food garden. These seasonal workers also assist in the mango season and they are all from Hebron, this is how the cooperative gives back to its community by eradicating poverty and keeping the youth busy and giving them skills.

The VISION of HTMO is to see Basadi Farmers and Business Market become a well-equipped market arena providing the best possible business environment.