Fatshimetrie, the equivalent of the online newspaper, informs us about a growing social phenomenon in Bunia, a city in Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, many young people in this locality have recently decided to turn away from the collective savings system commonly called “rebate”, following cases of breach of trust that led to significant financial losses.
One of the most striking testimonies is that of Nelson Kambale, a taxi driver, who saw the sum of 300 US dollars disappear following his participation in this system. These situations have certainly tarnished the reputation of the rebate, pushing other members to hesitate to join it. Nelson also emphasizes the crucial importance of having reliable cash flow to ensure the proper functioning of the system and avoid failures.
However, despite these unfortunate incidents, some local traders and entrepreneurs claim to have been able to realize important projects thanks to the rebate. This collective savings system, based on regular contributions from members and the redistribution of the funds collected, has enabled some of them to make significant investments, such as acquiring land or building new infrastructure.
The motivations of the participants in the rebate are diverse: some are taxi drivers, others sell phone credits, and some engage in income-generating activities in order to be able to put money aside. A woman who owns a mobile phone shop testifies that by investing her rebate funds in her business, she was able to buy land and is now considering building there.
This practice is based on professional or family affinities, thus creating strong ties within the community. Despite the potential risks associated with breaches of trust and withdrawals by members, the rebate remains an effective way for the inhabitants of Bunia to compensate for the absence of traditional financial institutions and to carry out their personal and professional projects.
In conclusion, the rebate in Bunia embodies both a hope for social advancement and a challenge regarding the trust and sincerity of the participants. Thus, rigorous management of funds and transparency in exchanges are key elements to guarantee the success and sustainability of this collective savings system serving local development.