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Exploring the resilience of stokvels in South Africa, this book highlights their role as vital financial institutions in Black communities, contrary to expectations of their decline with increased access to formal banking. Stokvels, which facilitate significant informal fund exchanges, are particularly influential among women, providing essential financial support for entrepreneurship and survival. Over time, they have evolved into diverse savings and credit organizations, earning recognition from the South African Reserve Bank as key players in the informal financial sector.

The book explores the economic solidarity among African communities in South Africa, particularly through the practice of rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs), known locally as stokvels. Originating from the constraints of apartheid, these groups allow members to pool resources, but their preference for large retail outlets over Township Retail Stores (TRSs) highlights a lack of trust in local businesses. The narrative reveals the ongoing challenges faced by TRSs in meeting community needs and the limited benefits they receive from these savings schemes.