​Baikagetse Development and Primary Cooperative Limited (BDPCL) is one of the cooperatives that produces school uniform for more than five schools in Gauteng, as part the Bana Pele Programme where the Gauteng Provincial Government provides a basket of services to pupils such as free transportation, health daily nutrition and school uniform.
Baikagetse is situated in Springs, Ekurhuleni, and the cooperative was formed ten years ago by Nomathemba Sibanda who is the Chairperson , Johanna Rangwato Kgawane (Production Manager), Susan Masoko Mashapa (Secretary), Nomcebo Cidy Ginindza (Quality control manager) and Sendulo Obvious Sibanda (Driver and finisher).

Before they started the cooperative, they were doing different things like gardening and farming. However, it never materialised because they lacked skills, land, and funding. They then decided to pursue sewing because three of them had the necessary skills. They applied to the Gauteng Department of Social Development School Uniform sewing project.

The cooperative then got an opportunity. Subsequently, they also received training in making recycled pots and accessories, accredited by LGseta.

Currently, they are doing good and they are contracted to supply uniform for seven schools. Two of those are private schools, and they have been able to create employment for three people.

According to Sibanda, in 2016 they were awarded a contract to manufacture 500 school uniforms by the Gauteng Department of Social Development. “To us, it was an achievement. As a result, the number was raised to 800. Then SASSA also offered us another contract to supply more than 50 school uniforms.” Sibanda said.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of Bana Pele Project, which is supported by Gauteng Department of Social Development,” added Sibanda.

“The department has provided a big market to us in terms of awarding us contracts to manufacture school uniforms for children in need. As we go deliver uniforms to different schools allocated to us, we gain exposure and our relationship with schools grows, such that we end up making uniforms for teachers in those schools as well,” Sibanda says with a smile.