Co-operatives Act, 2005 (Act No. 14 of 2005)

WHEREAS the Republic of South Africa acknowledges the need for the registration of co-operatives, in accordance with—

•	the Constitution;

•	international conventions and treaties; and

•	national, provincial and local government transversal policy and statutory-regulatory frameworks,

as well as the need for the development of a viable, autonomous, self-reliant and self-sustaining co-operative movement to promote community development and entrepreneurship, create employment and successful enterprises, eradicate poverty and improve the socio-economic well-being of the members of co-operatives in accordance with the co-operative principals

AND WHEREAS the Constitution and national legislation enjoins government to play a fundamental role in promoting the development of co-operatives:

•	in accordance with the co-operative international principles recognised and implemented in South Africa;

•	in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals, including sustainable social and economic development;

•	through the establishment of public private partnerships;

•	through support, and participation in, government initiatives relating to rural development, land reform and agrarian transformation; and

•	by addressing the developmental needs arising from the socio-economic environment of South Africa;

AND WHEREAS the Constitution and national legislation enjoins the three spheres of government to be accountable and responsible in supporting and promoting the development and effective functioning of co-operatives in order to bring about a vibrant co-operative movement in South Africa;

AND WHEREAS this Act is aligned with ILO Recommendation 193 of 2002, which was also ratified by the South African government, and with co-operative values and principles outlined in the Co-operative Statement of Identity adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in 1995, which states that—

•	co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity;

•	co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others; and

•	co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice,

AND WHEREAS all co-operatives are obligated to contribute towards community development in line with the co-operative principle of concern for community,

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows:—

[Preamble substituted by section 77 of Notice No. 558, GG 36729, dated 5 August 2013]