Kemophomodi Cooperative Limited
| Business Location: | Urban |
| Province | Free State |
| Branch: | Mangaung Branch |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Co-operative |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
AGRO-PROCESSING
Challenges/Needs:
The co-operative faces several operational constraints that limit its growth and efficiency. Firstly, it does not own a reliable vehicle, forcing it to rely on hired transport—this increases delivery costs, reduces scheduling flexibility, and restricts sourcing to nearby suppliers only. Secondly, the business lacks dedicated cold storage or warehousing space, preventing bulk purchasing, limiting product variety, and heightening the risk of spoilage—especially critical given the perishable nature of fresh vegetables. Additionally, the low barrier to entry in the agro-processing sector intensifies competition, while the absence of proper storage exacerbates the challenge of managing inventory turnover and minimising waste. These factors collectively hinder the co-operative’s ability to scale, improve margins, and reliably serve a broader market.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
Through targeted support from SEDA Mangaung, Kemophomodi Co-operative Limited has received a comprehensive package of interventions designed to enhance its operational capacity, brand visibility, and market access.
Firstly, the co-operative was provided with professional marketing and promotional materials, including branded banners, flags, brochures, and product stickers. These assets have significantly improved the co-operative’s visual identity and customer appeal at markets and community events, helping to build trust and recognition among consumers.
Secondly, the co-operative received R100,000 worth of essential agro-processing equipment through the Agriculture Fund, comprising a mobile cooler, industrial vegetable cutting tools, and a digital weighing scale. This investment directly addresses previous constraints around spoilage and inconsistent portioning. The mobile cooler extends shelf life during deliveries, while the precision scale ensures compliance with quality and quantity standards—critical for securing contracts with formal buyers.
Lastly, the co-operative has been granted multiple access-to-market opportunities, most notably full sponsorship to attend the International Cooperatives Day at Sun City from 6–9 August 2025. This high-profile platform enabled the team to network with national and international cooperatives, showcase their products, and explore new distribution channels—dramatically expanding their commercial horizons beyond Bloemfontein.
Together, these interventions have transformed Kemophomodi from a basic reseller into a more professional, efficient, and market-ready agro-processing enterprise.
Firstly, the co-operative was provided with professional marketing and promotional materials, including branded banners, flags, brochures, and product stickers. These assets have significantly improved the co-operative’s visual identity and customer appeal at markets and community events, helping to build trust and recognition among consumers.
Secondly, the co-operative received R100,000 worth of essential agro-processing equipment through the Agriculture Fund, comprising a mobile cooler, industrial vegetable cutting tools, and a digital weighing scale. This investment directly addresses previous constraints around spoilage and inconsistent portioning. The mobile cooler extends shelf life during deliveries, while the precision scale ensures compliance with quality and quantity standards—critical for securing contracts with formal buyers.
Lastly, the co-operative has been granted multiple access-to-market opportunities, most notably full sponsorship to attend the International Cooperatives Day at Sun City from 6–9 August 2025. This high-profile platform enabled the team to network with national and international cooperatives, showcase their products, and explore new distribution channels—dramatically expanding their commercial horizons beyond Bloemfontein.
Together, these interventions have transformed Kemophomodi from a basic reseller into a more professional, efficient, and market-ready agro-processing enterprise.
Outcome Details:
Thanks to the comprehensive support from SEDA Mangaung, Kemophomodi Co-operative Limited has achieved significant commercial milestones that have transformed its market position and revenue potential. Most notably, the co-operative has secured a supply contract with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Ladybrand, valued at over R100,000, for the regular delivery of processed fresh vegetables. This deal not only provides stable income but also validates the co-operative’s quality and reliability as a formal supplier.
In addition, the co-operative has been accepted into the SPAR Supplier Development Programme, a major breakthrough that opens pathways to supply SPAR stores across the Free State. This inclusion offers structured mentorship, quality compliance training, and a clear route to shelf placement—dramatically expanding its customer reach beyond informal markets.
In addition, the co-operative has been accepted into the SPAR Supplier Development Programme, a major breakthrough that opens pathways to supply SPAR stores across the Free State. This inclusion offers structured mentorship, quality compliance training, and a clear route to shelf placement—dramatically expanding its customer reach beyond informal markets.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
Through the interventions done by SEDFA I have seen growth and hope to keep accessing markets to ensure that people in the communities, and businesses have great fresh vegetables available.
