[Ch4204s3]3.       Powers of the Minister to foster and encourage Co-operative development

            The Minister in consultation with the Commissioner shall take such measures as he may see fit for the registration and supervision of co-operative societies and for the encouragement of the development of a self-reliant co-operative movement providing for the economic interests and welfare of its members within the framework of the policies for national development.

[Ch4204s4]4.       Appointment of Commissioner

            (1) The Minister shall appoint by notice in the Gazette a Commissioner for Co-operative Development and may appoint a Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners for Co-operative Development along with such other persons as may be necessary to assist the Commissioner in carrying out the purposes of this Act; and the Minister may confer on any such persons all or any of the powers of the Commissioner under this Act.

            (2) Any power or duty imposed on the Commissioner by this Act may be exercised or performed by a Deputy Commissioner if-

     (a)     the Commissioner is unable to exercise or perform that duty or power owing to illness or absence; or

     (b)     the Commissioner authorizes the Deputy Commissioner in writing to exercise or perform that power or duty.

[Ch4204s5]5.       Duties of Commissioner

            (1) The Commissioner shall-

     (a)     register co-operative societies and ensure their compliance with this Act;

     (b)     encourage the formation of co-operative societies by providing information on co-operative principles and practice and by facilitating registration;

     (c)     assist the organisation and efficient operation of co-operative societies;

     (d)     provide advice and training for officers of co-operative societies, their members and employees;

     (e)     carry out such other duties as may be assigned by this Act or the Minister.

            (2) The Commissioner shall present an annual report to the Minister on the operation of this Act and the societies registered under it.

            (3) The Commissioner may establish consultative procedures with the co-operative movement in Botswana to secure efficient co-operative development.

            (4) Where a secondary society has been registered under this Act which includes in its objects the provision of educational and advisory services for co-operative enterprises the Commissioner may authorize the secondary society to provide information, assistance and advice on co-operative principles and practice, and on co-operative management to facilitate the registration of a proposed society and the efficient operation of existing societies.

[Ch4204s6]6.       Register of co-operative societies

            The Commissioner shall keep or cause to be kept at his office a register of co-operative societies in which shall be entered particulars relating to the registration of societies and their bye-laws, and which shall be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable times and free of charge.

[Ch4204s7]7.       Form of register

            (1) The Commissioner shall maintain such registers as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

            (2) The Minister may by regulation prescribe the form in which such registers shall be maintained.

            (3) Until such time as any new register may be prepared and opened, the Commissioner shall continue to keep the register in use immediately prior to the commencement of this Act.