Indima Yethu Worker Co-operative Ltd was established in response to one of South Africa's most pressing challenges: youth unemployment and economic inequality. We believe the solution is not more jobs where workers have no say. The solution is ownership.
Founded by a group of community organizers, business professionals, and young South Africans, Indima Yethu was built on the principle that those who do the work should own the business. We studied successful worker co-operatives around the world, from Spain's Mondragon to local South African examples, and adapted the model for our context.
The name "Indima Yethu" reflects our philosophy. "Indima" means role or contribution. "Yethu" means ours. Every member has a role. This business belongs to all of us. We launched with a mandate to create 900 sustainable jobs across 4 provinces, focusing on youth aged 18-35 who are often excluded from traditional employment and ownership opportunities.
To build a network of worker-owned businesses that create thousands of dignified, sustainable jobs across South Africa while promoting economic democracy and community wealth. We envision a South Africa where young people don't have to choose between unemployment and exploitation. Where they can build careers and build assets at the same time.
To create and operate viable business enterprises that are owned and controlled by the workers themselves. To provide training, support, and democratic governance structures that allow members to succeed. To prove that worker ownership is a scalable solution to unemployment and inequality in South Africa.
These values are enshrined in our constitution and guide every decision we make:
As a registered co-operative, we follow democratic governance as outlined in our constitution and the Co-operatives Act.
General Meeting: This is the highest decision-making body. All worker-owners attend and each member has one vote. Major decisions like annual budgets, election of directors, and changes to the constitution happen here.
Board of Directors: Elected by members at the General Meeting. The Board oversees strategy, appoints management, and ensures the co-operative follows its mission and legal obligations. Directors serve fixed terms and are accountable to members.
Management Team: Hired professionals who run day-to-day operations across the 4 divisions. They report to the Board and implement decisions made by members.
Division Committees: Each of the 4 divisions has a committee of worker-owners who provide input on operations and raise concerns from the floor.
This structure ensures that power remains with the workers while allowing for professional management and accountability.
Being a worker-owner at Indima Yethu means more than a paycheck:
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