Muscco, CCA share skills



Chingakule at Sun and Sand in Mangochi



BY WATIPASO MZUNGU JNR

Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Muscco) has called upon people in charge of credit cooperatives (Saccos) to embrace the principles of good governance and innovation for the success and growth of cooperatives in the country.  

Speaking when she opened a three-day Muscco and Canadian Cooperative Association (CCA) directors’ governance training and mentorship workshop in Mangochi, Muscco president Elizabeth Chingakule singled out bad governance as one of the causes of cooperatives’ failure in the Malawi.

Chingakule said although Saccos have registered a tremendous growth during the past years, there was still need for the continued innovation and good governance in the leadership of the cooperatives to ensure sustainability.

“I strongly believe that everything rises and falls on leadership; leadership sets the tone. When I look at the cooperatives that have failed, invariably you will find that bad governance played a big part,” said Chingakule.

“I, therefore, believe that local Sacco leaders will benefit much from the expertise and experiences from our Canadian counterparts who have a long history in cooperatives. The expertise gained here will help us take our cooperatives to a greater height,” she stated.



Reeves making a speech in Mangochi



In her remarks, director for International Program Committee, Penny Reeves, expressed satisfaction on how Muscco is running cooperatives in the country.

“From the information I have from the journal, they are doing well and looking forward to expand. I think they’ve a bright future. This training will offer them an opportunity to learn what we are doing in Canada,” said Reeves.

This is the second time for Muscco and CCA to hold directors’ governance training and mentorship workshop. They had their first meeting in January this year.

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