Abstract
This study points to the biofuel industry as a
potential business idea that can be used by a selected group that
has to form and run a sustainable cooperative. Biofuel projects
are considered in this study, focusing on how biofuel projects
may be incorporated in the running of biofuel industry. The
study investigated the opportunities of the emerging South
African cooperatives in biofuels industry. We used the
qualitative method to collect data. A total of 200 cooperative
were studied through observations, interviews, and focused
group interviews. Out of 200 small scale biodiesel plants situated
in South Africa, 35 are in four provinces namely Mpumalanga,
Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng, where empirical
studies were conducted in form of observations and interviews.
Cooperatives are widely spread all over South Africa. The study
however, focused on the cooperatives that are situated in
Limpopo and Gauteng province. The researcher also attended
several workshops and conferences that are related to
development of South African cooperative and other social
enterprises. Both the strategy of the cooperative and biofuels
aimed at one most important aspect which is to merge the first
and second economy. Both are in the emerging stage, and
working on a common goal of educating and training those that
are affected to achieve the aim.