Browsing by Author "Maseko, Cynthia Mthembeni"

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    Analysis of operational performance of savings and credit cooperatives during COVID-19 pandemic in Manzini region Eswatini
    (University of Namibia, 2022) Maseko, Cynthia Mthembeni
    Savings and Credit Cooperatives Organisations (SACCOs) suffered the maelstrom of the COVID-19 PANDEMIC which disrupted the SACCO model to its core. This study carried out an analysis of the operational performance of SACCOs during the COVID-19 PANDEMIC in Manzini, Eswatini. With the guidance from the Resource Dependency Theory (RDT), this study sought to equip SACCO managers in developing resilient strategies and empower the SACCO movement to lobby for recognition as an essential service during a lockdown. A qualitative research with a case study research design was carried out. Seven SACCO managers under the Manzini region in Eswatini were interviewed to analyse the impact of COVID-19 PANDEMIC on the operational performance of SACCOs. Findings of this study included: the participants’ acknowledgement of the arduous operations during the lockdown; SACCOs had to seek authorisation from the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to open business as an “essential service”. The use of technology became inevitable for SACCOs, since working from home became the new normal. Also, the election of the BODs could not occur in the year, 2020. SACCOs’ innovation strategies included embracing technology, active communication with the members; via bulk SMSs, cell phones, emails, WhatsApp and through SACCOs representatives in the periphery and holding regional meetings. Internal communication was mostly, virtual. This study recommends that Eswatini SACCOs should adopt the Six Sigma strategy, monitor customer satisfaction, strengthen SACCOs’ IT systems, develop Risk management and Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) and ensure preparedness for future pandemics