Oostelike Transvaal Koӧperasie Beperk (Eastern Transvaal Co-operation Limited) Origin and foundation For 10 years - from 1908 to 1918 - was Bethal and district served by the Bethal Co-operative Agricultural Society. Bad debts and the subsequent inevitable distribution accounts at nearly 440 members were the main cause of liquidation. After this, the word Co-operation everything: unfaithfulness, laxity and mismanagement could mean for many farmers. In many homes accusations were hurled and co-operative became a slang word. Fortunately, this shame and scorn, then on the move, did not become the rule but rather was an exception. With time the wounds healed, and the 191418 war caused domestic markets to collapse. The urge to stand together and work their salvation out; again began in the Bethal district. Different farmers associations came to live, including Frischgewaagd, Goedehoop and Sukkelaar. The need for closer cooperation in the form of cooperative gradually came to the fore. The act was added to the word, and the desirability of a meeting for interested parties was considered. Men that previously campaigned for this were later ardent supporters of the Co-operation. Among them was Jopie van der Merwe, Moon Snyman, Henry Snyman and cornelis Heyneke. A meeting was convened on 5 April 1923, from which approximately 150 farmers representatives were present. As speakers: were Registrar of Co-operatives (Mr J Retief), the manager of Landbank (Mr T Herhold), the gentlemen Arnold Smith and Joshua Scheepers (Directors of the Central Agency for Co-operative Societies Ltd, Johannesburg) and Mr C H Keet, manager of the latter company. The late commander J D Naude acted as first chairman. The latter became founding member and cooperator until his death. Mr D J C Malan was chosen as Secretary, who would later play a very important role on the development and growth of the business. For Bethal and producers in East-Transvaal, this meeting had rich consequences. “The purpose of the meeting was the siege by the Central Agency for co-operative societies, that they had heard the speakers i.e. Mr Retief, Registrar of cooperative societies, Mr Herold, Manager of the Land bank and the gentlemen Arnold Smit, J J Scheepers, and Keet, members of the Central Agency, that it was the wish to discuss again the establishment of Bethal “Cooperative”. “The proposal was submitted in writing by Mr C S Heyneke, and seconded by Hr. M de Vos, namely, ‘The meeting decided to establish a co-operative society with unlimited responsibility’ and generally was adopted by 49 votes. In the end the name of the Association was to be named “The Eastern Transvaal Agricultural Cooperative Societies. From the model regulations, the articles treated out were shown and was approved with some changes. Thus goes the excerpts from the minute of 81 the meeting. Once the opportunity was given to sign the application forms for membership, the meeting proceeded to elect Directors and as such was chosen Messrs: Arnold Smith, J J Scheepers, H P Hancke , D J C Malan, S J Smith, J D Hancke and C S Heyneke. Struggle, growth and expansion - the first 21 years After the establishment of the association of Bethal under the name “Oostelike Tranavaal Landbouw Kooperatiewe Vereniging”, (“Eastern Transvaal Agricultural Co-operative Society”), a new beginning was immediately made with the co-operative in a practical way. The task rested on the shoulders of the above chosen Directors, with nothing to build the business on. Without capital, office and little sympathy, the matter had to be tackled head on. After Mr Arnold Smith was elected Chairman and Mr H P Hancke elected Deputy Chairman, D J C Malan was elected as Acting Secretary. It was decided that meetings be held at Trichardt, Kinross, Morgenzon and Roodebank. On May 17, 1923 the Board of Directors decided to rent business office the following day in order to commence business, and on 1 June 1923 the members decided, during a special meeting, to ask for a loan of ₤30 000 from the Land Bank. The subsequent maize season, the Association handled 60 220 bags of maize, paid an advance, mid advance and rebates and put a net profit of ₤956 10s 11d off. The firm Williamson and Stewart (later Stewart, Steyn and and Co.) were nominated by members as auditors. The staffs were extended to two persons with the appointment of an accountant, Mr G Scorgie. The storekeeping work was still conducted successfully by the Secretary. In this way the Association wrestled through its early years. The next six years showed no significance growth on total members. Nevertheless still, five depots were opened for receiving maize. The 1930 depression and the declining value of maize drove more and more producers to the co-operative. For many years this famous old grain silo, has been a landmark at Bethal.
96 Publizr Home