Birthmark Group (pty) ltd, was established to exploit the opportunity created by spiralling

electrical costs and constrained power supply capacity in South Africa. We offer renewable energy

and energy-saving products and services that reduce customer’s electricity consumption and costs

as well as improve their energy security.

We are a creative motion picture production company with several original stories with international appeal. We have spent more than 13 years creating relationships in the USA, Canada, Europe, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Our products have proven to be global and got the full attention of industry moguls. We are also owning an online streaming platform known as Nguni, we are expecting to be competing with the existing giants in the near future. Our long-term strategic planning incorporates a film studio that will be stationed on the South Coast of KZN due to the scarcity of such facilities in KZN. Our film studio negotiations are in progress with several stakeholders, the name of the studio is UFASIMBA FILM STUDIO.

We would like to start a Bakkie, Tractor, Trucks and Forklift Rental business in De Doorns area to help farmers. We also would like to rent out farm implements for the daily use on the farm. During this Covid-19 pandemic most people are suffering financial los and cannot afford to buy new farm equipment.  We would also like to start a car wash business where we can help farmers keep, they, tractor, truck, Forklift and bakkies clean, most farms are so busy that there is no time to keep this Bakkies, Tractors and trucks cleaned.

With the new economic situation in South Africa, to buy new farm equipment is to expensive, so why not rent a Bakkie, truck or Tractor for a short time of period that you only need it. Some Farmers are currently renting trucks from imperial in Cape town. There are also people during the grapes season that are renting Bakkies from Worcester. This will put them in a position to rent from M AND T Brothers in they area, they can rent this at any time. This also put them in a position to not worry about service and breakage, which we will take care off.

Farm Bakkies, Trucks, Tractors and forklift are always in a horrible state, that is why most farm equipment are always breaking often because it’s not well taken care off

We would like to start a Bakkie, Tractor, Trucks and Forklift Rental business in De Doorns area to help farmers. We also would like to rent out farm implements for the daily use on the farm. During this Covid-19 pandemic most people are suffering financial los and cannot afford to buy new farm equipment.  We would also like to start a car wash business where we can help farmers keep, they, tractor, truck, Forklift and bakkies clean, most farms are so busy that there is no time to keep this Bakkies, Tractors and trucks cleaned.

With the new economic situation in South Africa, to buy new farm equipment is to expensive, so why not rent a Bakkie, truck or Tractor for a short time of period that you only need it. Some Farmers are currently renting trucks from imperial in Cape town. There are also people during the grapes season that are renting Bakkies from Worcester. This will put them in a position to rent from M AND T Brothers in they area, they can rent this at any time. This also put them in a position to not worry about service and breakage, which we will take care off.

Farm Bakkies, Trucks, Tractors and forklift are always in a horrible state, that is why most farm equipment are always breaking often because it’s not well taken care off

We would like to start a Bakkie, Tractor, Trucks and Forklift Rental business in De Doorns area to help farmers. We also would like to rent out farm implements for the daily use on the farm. During this Covid-19 pandemic most people are suffering financial los and cannot afford to buy new farm equipment.  We would also like to start a car wash business where we can help farmers keep, they, tractor, truck, Forklift and bakkies clean, most farms are so busy that there is no time to keep this Bakkies, Tractors and trucks cleaned.

With the new economic situation in South Africa, to buy new farm equipment is to expensive, so why not rent a Bakkie, truck or Tractor for a short time of period that you only need it. Some Farmers are currently renting trucks from imperial in Cape town. There are also people during the grapes season that are renting Bakkies from Worcester. This will put them in a position to rent from M AND T Brothers in they area, they can rent this at any time. This also put them in a position to not worry about service and breakage, which we will take care off.

Farm Bakkies, Trucks, Tractors and forklift are always in a horrible state, that is why most farm equipment are always breaking often because it’s not well taken care off

We are a creative motion picture production company with several original stories with international appeal. We have spent more than 13 years creating relationships in the USA, Canada, Europe, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Our products have proven to be global and got the full attention of industry moguls. We are also owning an online streaming platform known as Nguni, we are expecting to be competing with the existing giants in the near future. Our long-term strategic planning incorporates a film studio that will be stationed on the South Coast of KZN due to the scarcity of such facilities in KZN. Our film studio negotiations are in progress with several stakeholders, the name of the studio is UFASIMBA FILM STUDIO.

In 2015 Mfanyedwa Vusumuzi William Ntshalintshali embarked on a journey to discover co-operatives sustainable model. As a pioneering entrepreneur, he set off to explore new market opportunities, driven by an inquisitive nature and curious mind. And his curiosity paid off, on this journey as the extensive consultation which includes the first step in creating strategic road map, analysis of co-operatives, their potential, their opportunities as well as constrain challenges, that led to the establishment and discovery of a new co-operatives model that became the foundation on which Co-Operatives Business Connections (COBUCO) is build on. Since 2015 the same pioneering spirit has been the driving force in our co-operatives enterprizes. The process has been to develop the “BLUE PRINT” that makes the provision for the implementation of strategies intended to remove constrains and maximize potential. For the next decade [2021-2030] it will be our role to discover potential. And right now, that spirit-that curiosity-is needed more than ever, as the success of Co-Operatives Business Connections (COBUCO) concept relies on co-operation of strategic partners. It's implementation will be particularly beneficial to co-operatives as members.

Act 14 of 2005 administer the development and management of co-operatives in South Africa, devised to promote the development of sustainable co-operatives enterprize in all sector of economy, ensure greater simplicity in the registration process and management of co-operatives. This allows accessibility, promote equity and greater participation. The Act empowerment and its emphasis is on co-operatives operational values and principles. They are an autonomous association of persons united to meet their common economic and social needs aspirations. Co-operatives values include self-help, self-reliance, self-responsibility, democratic, equality, equity and solidarity.

Co-operatives principles includes open membership, member economic participation, education and information co-operation among co-operatives and most importantly independence. Co-operatives registration is critically to be recognized as a legal business entity, to increase member income and enhance economic knowledge as part of innovation. They must provide a greater benefits to members as they are a vehicle for improved markets and source of suppliers.

Co-Operatives Business Connections signifies hope, aspirations and economic dreams for all those co-operatives and co-operators who are introduced to COBUCO. Shortly after introduction phase for those who become members and work hard, it translates into serious business opportunity makes a significant economic contribution in co-operators lives. Co-Operatives reap the rewards of their hard work, earnings on a practical and radical economic transformation sustainable mechanism.

Co-Operatives Business Connections takes pride in the relationship and the future, that we envisage with co-operatives and other organizations with similar ideology. These finds expression in the market development and the championing of co-operatives towards “Fourth Industrial Revolution (4th IR) and Township Economic Revitalization (TER) Programmes”. We are part of an industry that plays a vital role in developing Black Industrialists which such growth becomes a demand at the same time our co-operatives have a greater responsibility to ensure economic possible impact, finding smarter, innovatives and better ways to provide services as to become sustainable in the coming decade.

Co-Operative Business Connections (COBUCO) document contains all information that co-operators need to maximize on various business opportunities, it is an excellent guide to co-operatives in terms of how to grow businesses and build quality co-operatives with stable economy as smaller niche-market specialists. As the world changes, we help our co-operatives navigate market complexity and release potential. We challenge conventional thinking and explore new opportunities. We bring together unique combination of technology, process knowledge and services to help our co-operatives drives success through sustainable productivity.

The ultimate objective and goal for COBUCO is to provide co-operatives with clear and easy understandable guideline towards co-operatives enterprize economy. Putting together a plan of action towards developing Township Economic Revitalization (TER) and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4th IR). To do so we combine curious minds, each looking for potential in even smallest discovery and we work closely with co-operatives and private corporates partners to discover the potential that creates an even better tomorrow. For them, for us,and for society.

By working together towards a common goal we can make quantum leaps in productivity improvements, everyone needs to be involved if we are to be free from conventional thinking and build new productive co-operatives economy. And we need to share knowledge and work together in a transparent environment.

The document is an excellent way for new co-operators and existing to familiarize themselves with COBUCO-EVENTS, and benefits. These relationship assist us in our quest to provide an effective services to co-operatives and to be leaders in the field of co-operatives enterprize economy expertise. We have to be bold and explore new opportunities even if it means that we don't get it right the first time. That's why we at COBUCO, seeks to create a co-operatives environment that gives cooperators opportunity to put their curiosity to play- seek new solutions and new ways of working. We believe this offers the best conditions for finding the answers and to stay ahead of the game.

MISSION:“Sakhulwazi” Supporting and developing co-operatives business model and co-operatives economic entities. Providing business, knowledge, information and a platform for peer interaction. Instilling economic stability and security in the livelihood patterns of co-operatives activities by enhancing their access to:

1. appropriate and affordable technologies.

2. Market related information and linkage

3. Expert advice and risk coverage options

VISION:“Sakhulwazi” We pride ourselves on our contribution to knowledge creation for Directors. Building more equitable and sustainable Co-operatives. Innovative and Creative Business Approach towards socio-economic development. Through knowledge delivery mechanisms operational at all levels in the through put and output areas of their respective economic activity.

CHALLENGE: The lack of knowledge on co-operatives model, Lack of business education. Unable to penetrate on economic market space. Business red tapes from governments departments. Classified as SOCIAL GRANTS SCHEMES BENEFICIARIES by governments departments. We are the drivers and contributors within the economic space. Navigating in the co-operatives enterprize of today requires constantly to on your toes. Customers expect instant answers, a local challenge becomes a global crisis overnight, and legislation and trade regulations demands full attention. To Co-operatives partnerships are needed to navigate this complexity. We must work together across businesses and industries and use our combined skills to create more sustainable economic solutions. We are faced with four significant mega trends to address which impact our co-operatives businesses. Those are

1. Economic Growth: Decent work, improve performance and economic growth

2. Complexity:We depend on people with curiosity, talent and innovation spirit is the key.

3. Sustainability: Our work with and the initiatives we pursue and working approach towards a sustainable decade.

4. Digitalization: Digitalization has become fundamental part of everyday life.

INNOVATION:Professional body and competent to promote co-operatives, to maintain and enhance credibility. Co-Operatives Business Connections (COBUCO) a platform for co-operatives seminars, breakfast sessions towards information accessibility and network. A mentorship development opportunities, ability to bench-mark performance on co-operatives. Identification of director development which also identifies specific areas of needs towards transformation and development of co-operatives relationship with private sector corporation. Become trusted and preferred suppliers within the supply chain divisions and the economic space. Our directorates co-operatives background gives COBUCO a practical and pro-active approach to co-operatives inability towards sustainability that has remain ever since.

We take pride to encourage market identification, growth and innovation amongst our co-operatives, our approach supports advancement of motivated individual co-operators and strive to develop sustainable co-operatives enterprize, while we acknowledge that digitization is the best business opportunity for decades and we are collaborating with our partners to realize its full potential. It's how we use data that makes a difference and that's where COBUCO has build strongest knowledge, by capturing data and pairing it with our in-depth knowledge of the entire value chain all of which help to optimize performance and deliver sustainable productivity.

Collaborating with corporate partners to find solutions is the way to grow, we do that by entering into partnership that broaden our horizons, inspire us, and lead to the right solutions or directions that can helps solve the challenges faced by co-operatives. Over the next decade, we will tap into the potential of digital technology and find ways to integrate them into our offerings taking our digital ambition to the next level. When improving productivity, digitization it's how we will the data generation and make the real difference. Going forward, we will continue to pair a century worth of solid of expertise with the latest technological developments, products and process expertise couple with complete life support.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF UBUNTU:

The philosophy of ubuntu goes to the heart of challenges faced by co-operatives today. Without commonly shared and widely entrenched values obligations to one another or even a market economy can function properly. Ubuntu principles rooted in the african experience of communal living, being embraced as mechanism of reclaiming and retaining values and art of cultural continuity thereby restoring dignity of all co-operatives sustainability, development, finance and entrepreneurship

THE BEST OF UBUNTU:

“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, meaning I am human because I belong-

It's about wholeness-It's about compassion”

A person with ubuntu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous willing to share. Such people are open and willing to be vulnerable affirming of others. Knowing that they are diminished when others are humiliated, diminished when others are oppressed, diminished when others are treated as they were social scheme than who they are. The quality of ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them to survive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanise them. Distilled it means that a person is a person through the eyes of others. Human cannot survive in isolation and have an integral need to be interconnected with the others in order to become whole.

OUR STRATEGIC FOCUS:

1. Sustainable organizational growth achievement.

2. Professional body, developing profession of directors.

3. Collaborate between like-minded professionals to serve as a hub for collaboration.

4. Good Governance practices that set principles, develop guidance and support implementation of good governance practices.

5. Build a credible and visible co-operatives brand.

OUR PRODUCT AND SERVICES:

Co-Operatives Xpress Magazine- A directorship magazine. The editorial focus of the magazine is on matters affecting directors and co-operatives businesses, other content includes legal strategies, finance and operational updates from directors perspectives. Business and economic reviews of co-operatives. Co-Operatives Business Connections Events (COBUCO-EVENTS) are featured in the magazine. Member profiles are also featured in the magazine along with their co-operatives development profiles. (This is a quarterly Issues Prints)

Co-Operatives Xpress Horizon- News print that gives insights developments of seminars, breakfast sessions, networking opportunities. It communicates various opportunities arises for co-operatives economic development. The key platform to disseminate supply chain opportunities for co-operatives within the economic space. Collaborate between like-minded professionals, while relates and produce relevant topics affecting co-operatives. This guide note topic are drawn from queries received during seminars and breakfast sessions. (This is a Weekly Prints).

Breakfast Sessions- Conducted in the mornings every month focus and interact/engagement on specific economic development space. Deliberated on global impact research. Bringing on board special speakers to educate and capacitate directors. The power of interaction within breakfast, seminars and conferences holds several focused events which offers marketers an opportunity to brand their company and interact with delegates.

Seminars Sessions- Sets for the specific identified dates within co-operates calendar to allow their in-depth knowledge deliberations on co-operatives models. Guidelines on legal and economic Issues across co-operatives developmental space. Relates to broader scales of co-operatives sector and future imperatives. Training platform for co-operatives Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Innovative developments. We are pleased to customize breakfasts, seminars and conferences to our co-operatives and partners. This is a new and personal way for private sector to get hands-on with customers.

IMPACT: The programme contributes to poverty alleviation and address the educational and skills development challenges experienced by co-operatives, creates opportunities for woman, youth and people with disabilities to explore available avenues to express their abilities within co-operatives directorate ladder. Enhance the development of township economy, the goal is to see more youth, people with disabilities and woman impacting and climbing the ladder into co-operatives sector.

Introducing a new continuous and improve the culture of co-operatives economy investment within the township. Cultivate, broaden and promote our influence to committed and loyal co-operatives base. Mindful to all those who are critical to governance, unity and leadership of many destitute co-operatives. Stimulate their entrepreneur creativity and achieving their desired economic destination. Strategic business direction which makes the decision that determines co-operatives success integrity, includes all those who plays key roles with regards to governance of every co-operatives entity.

Our philosophy of constant interaction with the market leaders and innovators regularly takes the form of rectangular-table discussions. These results in a unique editorial following the challenges and debate of selected industry experts to ensure the integrity of content presented to our co-operators, directors and the entire readers. This creates a variety of marketing opportunities associated with the breakfasts, seminars and conferences publications. The power of integrated marketing using a marketing budget to maximum effect requires that each rand invested should add to and work with every other rand invested.

THE PURPLE CARPET EVENT:

The Purple carpet event is the premier event- Only comes annually during September month as it is the month of: SIYAYA BUSINESS WEEK with COBUCO in a form of cycling tour, investors tour, co-operatives conference, ultra marathon, music extravaganza, golf day and gala dinner experience bringing all role players and stakeholders together. Discovering and rejuvenating talents and instinct of the individual CO-OPERATIVES. The re-birth that gives determination, courage, strength and allows to dream. Embrace excellence by instilling activeness from our sponsors and partners. Co-Operatives Business Connections develops energetic future generation through the recognition efforts of all co-operators, embodies the true spirit of co-operatives into the economic platform. Harnessing our reach portfolio of events which includes, but not limited.

• Business speed Networking(Breakfast Sessions)

• Seminars on special topics by industry specialists panels.

• Golf Day, Special Guests Speakers and Awards Ceremonies

• Whisky Testing, Wine Testing and Co-operatives Cocktails and Conference

CO-OPERATIVES BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WELCOMES YOU,

as a co-operative, manager, director, operator, supplier and partner. “ Success attracts success, believe in yourself and the future of your co-operative business”

DEVELOPING THE BRAND:

The brand is authentic, consistent, truthful and engaging. It has a compelling vision, clear goals of what to achieve. Ensure that people will always recall it easily and include conversation and share day to day insights developments throughout in their SMS's, Twits, Instagram, Whatsoever and Face book interactions.

All innovatives and initiatives underline Co-Operatives Business Connections (COBUCO) commitment to the upliftment of co-operators and making substantial difference in a township economy and beyond industrialization. We believe in enriching lives through talent development, empowerment and transformation.

DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT:The focus of our director development offerings and events is to contribute to the development of better industrialists, directors and ultimately better boards. The enhanced leadership and direction in turn delivered by these equipt specialist boards will yield better business. Delivers a host of interventions aimed at supporting the continual learning and development of aspiring youth, people with disability and woman within the co-operatives space to be experienced directors. Customized programmes are available to be conducted at specific co-operatives premises for a group individuals, the likes of primary co-ops, secondary co-ops and Tertiary co-ops. These sessions focus on transferring knowledge and providing opportunities to enhance their skills in relation to the topics being addressed.

BELIEVING IN SHAPPING THE FUTURE:

Our values are enablers for growth and business performance. They constitute shared foundation which allows to build, work together and make good decision. They determine how we both as an institution and as an individual, treat each other and our external stakeholders. They are our guiding principals and principle for all our decision making.

Through our branding, Co-Operatives Business Connections (COBUCO) conveys a professional and consistent image. In a world where there is ever increasing exposure to brand and image through electronics and traditional media. It is vital to present a unified image where the Co-Operatives Business Connections is seen as the institute for South African co-operatives. Projects itself as contemporary and forward looking.

The Iconic symbols made up of CO, BU and CO of the acronomy Co-Operatives Business Connections, appears in all of our branding along with our bold wordmark. The power and success of this recognition depends on consistent and frequently use of the logo.

The symbol wordmark are often accompanied by a beautiful LOGO of Ukhamba, Isihlahla andthe Tie which they have been chosen as Co-Operatives Business Connections (COBUCO) visual symbols to enhance the uniqueness nature of Co-Operatives Business Connections and it's clients.

Ukhamba is known as an instrument for the use of people to drink together and Isihlahla is known as a place to provide shade and for growing fruits for yourself and the ones that you love in a African culture while the Tie symbolize the rope of honour and professionalism. It is believed that commonly you drink from Ukhamba to quench your thirst and gain strength. It is believed that Isihlahla is commonly used for bearing fruits, while to us also symbolize the network that connects within co-operatives. The Tie depicts honour and hard work of success towards all cooperators. Our branding is used online, at events, during training and it appears on different collateral such as banners, umbrellas, gazebos, brochures and variety of other printed and electronics materials.

We are always prepared for each new partner meeting, we have a window of opportunities to make positive first impression and develop relationship with our prospect investors, that we are knowledgeable about our offerings and able to meet the needs. We acknowledge the key is the way we present ourselves to people and how we come across, as we offer a level of comfort to them to do business with us. First we honour our brand promises regardless of our industry, it is really about relationship, importantly the recognition of our achievement as we believe that we are able to repeat that success in the future,strive and focus to remain constructive and positive.

COBUCO INCENTIVES and ARROWS LEAGUES:

Authentication Co-Ops Incentive:To recognize the co-operative who has led by example and focused on quality leading to sustainability and future success.

Members Arrow League: R5,000-00

500 goals, creating four new business contract with different supplier for your co-operative enterprize. Valued [R25,000-00 each]

New Business Quality Incentive:To recognize consistent high quality of new business contracts with suppliers.

Business Venture Arrow League: R10,000-00

2000 goals creating eight new business contracts with different suppliers for your co-operative enterprize. Valued [R 100,000-00 each]

COBUCO Growth Incentive:To recognize excellence in building a sustainable business through sustaining financial abilities of the co-operative enterprize

Sustainable Arrow League: R25, 000-00

3,500 goals creating ten new business contracts with different suppliers for your co-operative. Valued [R 200,000-00 each]

Partnership Co-Ops Incentive:To recognize partnership of co-operatives contract and grow together for business purpose.

Champions Arrow League: R100,000-00

5,500 goals creating ten new business contracts with different. Valued [R500,000-00]

COBUCO CREDO:

I am a Co-Operative

I hold my future of my co-operative-rich in opportunities

I have what it takes-to better my co-operative, earn economic freedom

and help other co-operative do the same.

Together, we hold the key to a co-operative economy that will not dry-up

Success comes not at an expense of one another, but through each other

I am a co-operative, You are a co-operative

I hold my future in my hands.

I invest in today for a greater tomorrow.

Together we can make a difference,

change co-operatives economy and contribute to the country GDP

I AM A PROUD CO-OPERATIVE,

AND A PROUD COBUCO MEMBER

“Every venture in life is going to demand clear vision, dynamic strategy, precise planning and preparation, absolute honesty and integrity, uprightness of character and self discipline, but above all it will take perseverance, UKUNYAMEZELA. If you put the right processes in place, you persevere and never give up on your vision, you absolutely will not fail.”

[Mfanyedwa Ntshalintshali]

Client Participation Target

Prepared and Developed

Recommendations by:

Corporate Entities, Investors and Donor's. Co-operatives

Co-Operatives Business Connections (COBUCO)

cobucoservices@gmail.com

Tel: +27(71) 428 9001

Mfanyedwa Ntshalintshali

Corporate Communication Practitioner

Tel: +27(83) 965 4462

LabSoft Solutions is a Cape Town–based consulting firm helping businesses unlock growth through advanced data-driven digital marketing, growth marketing, and business intelligence solutions. Our focus is strategic consulting first, supported by strategy, marketing, AI, automation, and development where needed. We work with businesses that want clarity, measurable results, and systems built for sustainable growth.

I am a small scale farmer, who just expanded to bigger piece of land to run my business, but I need financing to purchase material like a big water tank, fencing material, shelter material, Financing to rent a tractor, wages, unfore seen expenses and water supply track. these are my top priorities thus far. I am passionate about this business and I have previous exprience from other farmers. 

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