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Co-operative Unions should bail out themselves
2006-09-01 09:52:21
By Editor
Most co-operative societies and their unions in Tanzania are in the red. And, audited reports show that their bumpy road towards collapse is imminently due to blatant financial abuse, including gross embezzlement of Union’s assets.
Up to mid 1970s, co-operative unions used to be one of the shining examples of well managed community-based organizations, until the state decided into their operations, from left and right.
The rules and regulations guiding the management of co-operative movements worldwide were stifled, including the right for democratic elections for leadership positions in unions.
Influence peddling and political support of some sort overshadowed the democratic principles of managing co-operatives.
As a result, co-op leaders shifted responsibility from members to their godfathers. Then corruption as usual has weakened co-op spirit.
Over time, financial abuse in co-ops has continued unabated because of the legacy of the state to bail out the ailing organizations as a strategy to save its face.
It is encouraging that this fourth phase government has announced will no longer continue to rescue collapsing co-ops.
The truth is, even after getting financial salvage from the government, they never improve on financial management.
And, it is like mobilizing resources, and then instead of putting them to construction, we condemn them to destruction.
If co-op members cannot take legal action against those leaders allegedly responsible for financial theft, then they should get their assets liquidated.
Tax-payers money always has better spending alternatives.
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