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Co-operatives, particularly worker co-operatives, form an integral part of the social and economic development efforts of the South African government. However, worker co-operatives have not achieved the expected results and have mostly remained survivalist in nature, In the literature study, this research explored the potential of worker co-operatives in terms of social and economic development, the state of worker co-operatives in South Africa according to previous research and the challenges faced by worker co-operatives. The submission is that worker co-operatives can only reach their potential in social development when they achieve business success. Therefore, business success factors were determined and criteria for these co-operatives to be classified as successful established. These criteria were as follows:  Longevity (operating for more than three years).  Profitability (showing a surplus for at least one year).  Financial Independence (operating without external funding for at least one year).  Member Income (at least R955 per member per month). The research population for the research was actively operating worker co-operatives registered as clients with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda). A questionnaire exploring the demographics of members, the financial position of the co-operatives and the way in which they were managed and operated were developed. The questionnaire contained questions with regard to financial practices and management, marketing management and activities, operations management, human resource management, management processes.and the support received from development institutions. In addition to the evaluation of the business performance in terms of the criteria for success, the research evaluates the way in which worker co-operatives are managed and operated in terms of established business practices. It, moreover, explores the impact of support initiatives by government institutions and a framework for future development efforts is suggested. The study‟s results show that worker co-operatives are operating at a level where they are unable to fulfil their expected role in economic and social development. Various management and operational challenges were identified. Moreover, it was found that current support initiatives do not have the desired developmental effect. / PhD (Business Administration), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Co-operatives, particularly worker co-operatives, form an integral part of the social and economic development efforts of the South African government. However, worker co-operatives have not achieved the expected results and have mostly remained survivalist in nature, In the literature study, this research explored the potential of worker co-operatives in terms of social and economic development, the state of worker co-operatives in South Africa according to previous research and the challenges faced by worker co-operatives. The submission is that worker co-operatives can only reach their potential in social development when they achieve business success. Therefore, business success factors were determined and criteria for these co-operatives to be classified as successful established. These criteria were as follows:  Longevity (operating for more than three years).  Profitability (showing a surplus for at least one year).  Financial Independence (operating without external funding for at least one year).  Member Income (at least R955 per member per month). The research population for the research was actively operating worker co-operatives registered as clients with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda). A questionnaire exploring the demographics of members, the financial position of the co-operatives and the way in which they were managed and operated were developed. The questionnaire contained questions with regard to financial practices and management, marketing management and activities, operations management, human resource management, management processes.and the support received from development institutions. In addition to the evaluation of the business performance in terms of the criteria for success, the research evaluates the way in which worker co-operatives are managed and operated in terms of established business practices. It, moreover, explores the impact of support initiatives by government institutions and a framework for future development efforts is suggested. The study‟s results show that worker co-operatives are operating at a level where they are unable to fulfil their expected role in economic and social development. Various management and operational challenges were identified. Moreover, it was found that current support initiatives do not have the desired developmental effect. / PhD (Business Administration), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Humanities Department of Sociology/ Global Labour University / This research report analyses the relationship between the Solidarity Economy framework and democratic values and practices. The research involved a literature review of the principles informing the Solidarity Economy (SE) framework, the experience of the SE in Brazil compared to South Africa, and the differences compared to conventional co-operatives. The field work involved semi structured interviews and participant observation in a worker co-operative located in Ivory Park, Gauteng. The co-operative is a bakery with approximately seven years of history with struggles and changes. The observation focused on the organization of power relations within the co-operative, the social relations between members themselves, with the community and with another institutions The research found that, despite facing challenges and being a small size cooperative, the social relationships are marked by democratic decision making, a flat, horizontal form of internal organisation and harmonious, collegial social relationships with an overall emphasis on solidarity. It suggests that co-operatives organised in terms of the Solidarity Economy framework have the potential to deepen sustainable democracy. Keywords: Solidarity Economy, Worker Co-operative, South Africa, Brazil, Qualitative method, Leadership, Social Relations, Democracy.