Social capital and role of stokvels in the economic lives of poor people in Khayelitsha, Cape Town
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Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
The study seeks to understand the role and the impact of stokvels, especially on low-income groups living in Khayelitsha in Cape Town. The focus is on the role of social capital and the economic impact on the lives of stokvel members. The study investigates how social capital is developed and deployed by members of stokvels. The economic benefits of stokvels to members are also interrogated. The researcher used a qualitative research approach in conducting this study. Individual interviews and focus-group discussions were conducted with members of the two stokvels. To supplement these observations, documentary sources were used as techniques to collect data. These techniques were appropriate for this nature of a study as they afforded the researcher an opportunity to get information about the operations of stokvels from the viewpoint and experiences of the stokvel members. The researcher visited two stokvels to observe proceedings in their meetings. Finally, the researcher went through the source documents of each stokvel to unearth relevant information, which other forms of data collection failed to uncover. The results of data collection were analysed, noting similarities between the results and common themes. The process enabled the researcher to come up with findings from the analysis of the results. Findings showed the positive economic impact of stokvels, as members have access to capital while they enjoy low interest rates from stokvels” loans. Stokvels” gatherings are characterised by entertainment, which allows members to socialise and understand one another better than before. In that process of interaction, social capital is developed. Members support one another when celebrating or grieving; in that way, social capital is deployed among stokvel members.
Description
Magister Artium (Development Studies) - MA(DVS)
Keywords
Stokvel, Social capital, Economic lives, Socio-economic, ROSCAs