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Money |
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What are stokvels?
Last Reviewed: 3/30/2007
Stokvels have been around in South Africa for many years. They are a good way for people to help motivate each other to save, and many stokvel or savings clubs are like social clubs where members also help each other in ways other than with money. Regular stokvel meetings have become a social highlight in many communities.
A basic stokvel is very simple. There are usually twelve or more members, and each member contributes a certain amount each month. This can be anything from R50 to R1, 000, depending on everyone’s income. Each month, it is a different member’s turn to receive the money. So, if you belong to a stokvel with twelve members who each contribute R500 a month, then once a year you will receive a R6,000 payout. You are motivated to save because the other members will know if you haven’t paid your contribution, and also because the regular meetings are a reminder of what you will gain when it is your turn.
There are variations on the idea. Some stokvels save for Christmas; all the money each month goes into a savings account and at the end of the year everyone gets their share. If the members choose the right savings account they each benefit from the interest gained as well. Other stokvels have many more members, and meet more often (twice a month or even weekly). Some stokvels operate more like Savings and Credit Cooperatives, where members ‘deposit’ money for saving and are able to take out loans at good interest.
Traditionally, you have to be invited to join a stokvel, you can’t just apply for membership. But you and a group of friends can start your own stokvel. The most important ingredient is trust – you have to know that each member will pay their contribution, especially that they will continue to do so after they’ve had their payout. It’s a good idea to have a stokvel bank account (First National Bank offers a special stokvel bank account for group savings), or to have everyone deposit their share directly into the account of the person who’s benefiting that month. It’s not safe for everyone to bring large amounts of cash to meetings.
Sample Stokvel Information Sheet.pdf
Stokvel Membership Form.pdf
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Related Links |
Want to start investing your money instead of just saving? Consider joining or forming an investment club. |
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