South Africa to take cue from Chennai SHGs

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“Self-help groups in Chennai are vibrant and good in communication; their growth as units is tremendous.

We will incorporate this module in our country to help the destitute women in South Africa,” said Ms Elizabeth Thabethe, deputy minister for trade and industries, who visited the Mudhichur town panchayat on Thursday.

“As part of a memorandum between South Africa and India, business worth $15 billion has been planned to be taken up by 2015 and we are exploring the localised business modules practiced in South India,” Ms Thabethe said.

Ms Nirmala Bhaskar, head of Mudichur Magalir Kuttamaippu, informed the foreign delegation that in 2009, just three SHG groups were started and today more than 200 SHGs are operating from Mudhichur, benefiting around 1,800 women.

The team also witnessed the making of leather items, cell phone covers, jute bags and eco-friendly accessories by SHG members.

After visiting Tamil Nadu, the 30-member team from South Africa will leave for Kerala as part of its trade development initiative.